Unemployed Due To COVID-19? Read This Now

There is hefty help available, however, in the form of unemployment assistance. The job and income loss due to the coronavirus pandemic have been catastrophic all across the world, causing many to wonder how they will provide for their loved ones.

The government’s CARES Act stepped in rather quickly to provide some relief through $1,200 stimulus payments. And while that may have helped for a bit, it’s certainly not sufficient when it comes to replacing the income that comes from a full-time job.

That’s where the CARES Act’s unemployment assistance comes into play, as it can provide a nice bump to your bank account every week should you qualify.

Let’s take a closer look at how COVID-19 unemployment assistance works so you can get paid soon.

Typical Unemployment Benefits Through Your State

If you’ve ever lost your job before, you probably know that your state has an unemployment insurance program. While the benefits may differ from state to state, the purpose of such programs is the same: To offer temporary relief until the next job comes along.

As an example, Florida’s unemployment benefits max out at $275 per week. Should you qualify, you could earn this maximum amount for up to 12 weeks. To see your state’s unemployment benefits, click here.

State unemployment benefits still exist, and many have called upon them since COVID-19 came onto the scene. The great news is that the CARES Act unemployment assistance comes in addition to those state benefits, and it also allows for self-employed workers to get paid.

Additional Unemployment Assistance via the CARES Act

Many were surprised by how much the government offered under its unemployment benefits in response to COVID-19. Should you qualify, you can get $600 per week for up to 13 weeks. Keep in mind that this benefit is in addition to whatever you are eligible for from the state.

We mentioned Florida in the example above. If you qualify for its max benefits and CARES Act unemployment, you can receive up to $875 per week.

CARES Act Unemployment Eligibility Requirements

Not only does the CARES Act offer a healthy amount of unemployment compensation per week, but it also is rather simple to qualify for.

To receive such benefits, your situation must apply to one of the following:

• You lost a job due to the coronavirus outbreak, either full-time or part-time.
• You are unable to work due to having a nonessential job.
• You were about to begin new employment, but COVID-19 shutdowns prevented that from happening.
• You are self-employed, and the coronavirus outbreak caused you to lose clients.
• Due to the closures of facilities and schools, you had to quit working to take care of loved ones.
• You receive veterans benefits or Social Security.

Who doesn’t qualify for COVID-19 unemployment?

• Anyone who can work from home or receives paid leave.
• Anyone who quits their job due to fear of COVID-19 spread, but their employer remains open.

Applying for CARES Act Unemployment Benefits

Your state will handle your unemployment application. Go here to apply through your state, but don’t delay, as the current round of benefits is slated to end in July.