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Unemployment Compensation

I am unemployed, have reduced hours, or have lost contracts. What unemployment benefits are available to me?

Americans who have lost income, contracts, or their jobs will be eligible to receive significantly expanded unemployment compensation benefits as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. Between now and July 31, an additional $600 will be added to every unemployment compensation check. Congress has also temporarily expanded unemployment compensation to cover individuals who are not traditionally covered, including the self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors, and workers with irregular work history. The list of allowable criteria for claiming unemployment compensation has been expanded to include many reasons related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Other ways the unemployment compensation expansion and improvements can help you:

  • Extends the maximum amount of time workers can receive UI benefits by 13 weeks.
  • Allows furloughed workers to stay on as employees so that they can quickly resume work once this crisis ends.
  • Provides funding for the work share program to avert layoffs.
  • Encourages states to waive waiting periods so workers can be enrolled as quickly as possible.

You can file for unemployment here:https://dced.pa.gov/employees-workers-impacted/

You can learn more about work share here:https://www.uc.pa.gov/faq/Employer/Pages/Shared-Work-Program-FAQs.aspx

Last Updated: April 1, 2020