Money Wise » Independent contractors, gig workers and side hustlers: There’s still time to apply for unemployment

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Independent contractors, gig workers and side hustlers: There’s still time to apply for unemployment

Unemployment benefits have been extended to include independent contractors, gig workers and, side hustlers. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) adds an extra $600 a week to unemployment payments until July 31, 2020.

Independent contractors, side hustles and gig workers are eligible for $600 a week unemployment payments under the Cares Act.

The expanded eligibility to cover independent contractors, gig workers and other self-employed people, runs until the end of the year (12-31-2020).

Plus, since unemployment insurance is a federal-state program, your weekly payment will also include the amount your state pays.

Typically, these types of workers are not eligible for benefits. But due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by COVID-19, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA) extends unemployment benefits.

The total reported laid-off workers has risen to over 33 million in the eight weeks since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Cares Act allows self-employed to apply for unemployment that have experienced:

Loss of work
Hours significantly reduced
Business significantly reduced
Inability to generate your regular income due to COVID-19

Generally, individuals who receive a 1099-MISC for their labor will not qualify for regular unemployment compensation, and thus may be eligible for PUA.

Some gig workers that applied earlier found their states unprepared for the applications. But most states are reporting their systems are up and running now. Check out the below list of state websites to apply.

State unemployment systems are overwhelmed but apply anyway…don’t let this opportunity pass you.

In this article

1 How much unemployment can the self-employed get

2 How long can the self-employed get unemployment

3 You can apply for PUA even if you are currently working part-time

4 Tips for self-employed to complete unemployment application

5 State-by-state list of where to apply for PUA unemployment benefits

How much unemployment can the self-employed get

PUA ($600 per week until July 31, 2020) + benefit amount your state calculates based on your prior 2019 work income. You state’s unemployment office will review your 2019 income history and use a calculation to determine your benefit amount. Some states are more generous than others with Mississippi paying the lowest, up to $213/week, and Massachusetts the highest, $555/week.

How long can the self-employed get unemployment

PUA from the federal government may cover periods of unemployment up to 39 weeks. Plus PUA benefits can be paid retroactively for periods of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020. But the additional $600 per week benefit ends July 31, 2020.

You can apply for PUA even if you are currently working part-time

You should apply for unemployment even if you are still getting some work. PUA is also available to independent workers, gig workers and freelance workers who have lost some income but who are still getting some work.

Tips for self-employed to complete unemployment application

Have the following information ready when applying:

Your Social Security number
If you are not a citizen of the United States, your A Number (USCIS Number)
Your residential address
Your mailing address (if different from residential address)
Your telephone number
Your email address
Your birth date
Your earning records for 2019, for instance: 1099 forms; pay stubs; or, bank statements
The social security number(s) and date(s) of birth for your dependent child(ren)
If you want to use direct deposit for payment, your bank account and routing numbers

State-by-state list of where to apply for PUA unemployment benefits

Keep in mind most state offices have been overwhelmed with the number of applicants but you have to apply for unemployment through your state to get the additional $600 per week. These offices are not staffed to handle the volume of claims they are processing. There are slower processing times but keep trying.

Alabama – Learn more about Alabama unemployment resources

Alaska – Learn more about Alaska unemployment resources

Arizona – Learn more about Arizona unemployment insurance

Arkansas – Learn more about Arkansas unemployment insurance

California – Learn more about California unemployment insurance

Colorado – Learn more about Colorado unemployment insurance

Connecticut – Learn more about Connecticut unemployment resources

Florida – Learn more about Florida unemployment insurance

Georgia – Learn more about Georgia unemployment resources

Hawaii – Learn more about Hawaii unemployment insurance

Idaho – Learn more about Idaho unemployment insurance

Illinois – Learn more about Illinois unemployment insurance