On March 27, 2020, Congress passed a federal stimulus package known as the CARES Act, or the Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act. Within this act are three benefits that unemployed individuals may be eligible for:
- BENEFIT 1 - INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS
This emergency benefit provides most individuals an emergency increase in traditional unemployment insurance benefits of $600 per week through July 31, 2020. Individuals who have an employer and have been laid off, temporarily furloughed, or have had their hours reduced should apply for traditional unemployment using the “FILE AN UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIM” button on the DWS website.
LEARN MORE & APPLY
- BENEFIT 2 - PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
A NEW APPLICATION was posted on 4/15/2020 specifically for those who are contracted employees, gig workers, self-employed, or have insufficient work history, so if you were previously denied unemployment assistance, you should reapply with this new application. This emergency benefit provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits to people not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment, including the self-employed and those who have exhausted their regular and extended benefits. Apply using the “APPLY FOR PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE” button on the DWS website.
LEARN MORE & APPLY
- BENEFIT 3 - PANDEMIC EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
This benefit provides an additional 13 weeks of emergency unemployment insurance for people who remain unemployed after they have exhausted their traditional unemployment benefits. The process for this benefit is still being created and will be implemented as soon as possible. Keep checking the FAQ on the DWS website for updates.
You can learn more about each of these benefits using this link – which is updated as new information is rolled out.