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On Friday, March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES” Act), which greatly expanded the scenarios in which those now unemployed are eligible to receive unemployment compensation, if unemployment is due to COVID-19.
Of particular note, the CARES Act extends coverage not just to those that were traditionally employed but also to those individuals who were self-employed, independent contractors, 1099 filers, and farmers affected by COVID-19. The CARES Act also temporarily increases the traditional unemployment benefit amount by $600.00 per week. Below are answers to some pressing questions:
Apply for unemployment through the New York State Department of labor at www.labor.ny.gov/signin
Eligibility for unemployment benefits have been greatly expanded. Realtors, Hairstylists, Massage Therapists, Gig Workers, Independent Contractors… any profession that may not normally qualify now does. Apply for unemployment through the New York State Department of labor at www.labor.ny.gov/signin
Your unemployment benefit will be the amount you would qualify for based on your income PLUS an additional $600.00 per week. Example: You qualify for a weekly benefit of $400.00 based on your income, you will receive your weekly benefit of $400.00 plus an additional $600.00 for a total of $1000.00 per week.
You will receive the additional $600.00 per week beginning April 5, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
The program goes retroactive to January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020 for a maximum of 39 weeks.
The program goes retroactive to January 27, 2020.
You may still qualify to receive an additional 13 weeks of benefits PLUS the additional $600.00 per week from April 5, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
No, the CARES Act does not require that an individual demonstrate that they are actively looking for employment.
The CARES ACT also provides for Pandemic Unemployment Insurance (PUI) for an individual that can no longer work because of the following situations:
You can find out more by visiting https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
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