In
Unemployment Compensation Benefits are expanded

Unemployment compensation benefits expanded. Self-employed individuals and others who are typically ineligible for unemployment or have run out of such insurance will be eligible for up to 39 weeks of benefits due to this provision. The Federal Government has offered to pay states to provide unemployment compensation immediately. Foregoing the one-week waiting period. Regular unemployment compensation increased by $600 per week. States can increase the unemployment benefits they pay up to $600 per week up to four months using Federally provided dollars. Unemployment compensation extends by 13 weeks.

Here are some FAQ’s on unemployment benefits:
  • WHO QUALIFIES TO RECEIVE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?  In addition to full-time workers who are laid off or furloughed, the Act provides a set amount of unemployment compensation to individuals who are not already eligible for state and federal unemployment programs. This includes self-employed individuals and part-time workers.
  • HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE? There are two different components to the new law’s unemployment benefits:
    1. Each worker will receive unemployment benefits based on the state in which they work, and
    2. In addition their state unemployment benefits, each worker will receive an additional $600 per week from the federal government.
  • HOW WILL BENEFITS FOR SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS BE CALCULATED? Benefits for self-employed workers are calculated based on previous income and are also eligible for up to an additional $600 per week. As well as Part-time workers.
  • HOW LONG WILL THE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS LAST? The CARES Act provides eligible workers with an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits. Most states already provide 26 weeks of benefits, bringing the total number of weeks that someone is eligible for benefits to 39.
  • HOW LONG WILL THE FEDERAL PAYMENTS OF $600 LAST? The federal payment of $600 per week will continue through July 31, 2020.
  • HOW DO I APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS? You must apply for unemployment benefits through your state unemployment office. You can file online in most states. Workers who normally don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed individuals, need to monitor their state’s unemployment office website to find out when they can apply, as many states need to update their computer systems to reflect every type of worker who is eligible to collect unemployment benefits under the CARES Act.

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