Self-employed workers in Mass. can now apply for unemployment
Photo | Courtesy
Massachusetts State House
Self-employed Massachusetts residents may now apply for unemployment through the Pandemic Unemployment Program, the Gov. Charlie Baker Administration announced on Monday.
PUA, as it's called, is a federal program that provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for those who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason, and who had previously been ineligible for unemployment benefits. The program is available for those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers and those with limited work history, according to the Baker administration.
Those who apply for PUA must self-certify that they have lost work because of coronavirus, including from their own illness or the illness of a family member. This includes those who are working fewer hours and losing income because of coronavirus.
Applicants approved for PUA assistance will receive the weekly minimum benefit amount, on top of the additional $600 weekly benefit made available through Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, or FPUC. Both PUA and FPUC derive from the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27.
PUA applications are available online at www.mass.gov/pua.
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