(513) 744-WORK

Contact Us
Give Now

Resources to Help During COVID-19 Crisis: PUA Program

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was created as part of the CARES Act to provide unemployment benefits to Americans who might not have qualified for traditional unemployment – including self-employed workers, contracted workers and “gig” workers.

Cincinnati Works financial coaches are available to help our Members apply. In addition to the information listed below, the IRS has set up a call center at 833.604.0774.

The PUA was created for certain workers who are not eligible for traditional unemployment through their state, which primarily means self-employed workers or those who file IRS Form 1099. The basic details include:

  • Unemployment benefits under this program are available for 39 weeks, compared to 26 weeks for traditional unemployment
  • The program is effective from January 27, 2020, through December 31, 2020
  • PUA funds can be claimed in addition to the $600 weekly bonus that was also included in the CARES Act; the additional $600 is available only from March through the end of July
  • PUA funds do not impact eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP programs

As with traditional unemployment, a worker must be able to work, available to work and actively seeking work in order to qualify for PUA. There are some exceptions to that rule, including:

  • If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or you are providing care for a family member with COVID-19
  • If you cannot work because you have a child that cannot attend school or daycare due to COVID-19
  • If you are unable to get to work due to the stay-at-home order
  • If you were going to start working at the job but were not allowed to start due to the quarantine
  • If you quit, were laid off or the business closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak

In order to apply for PUA, you will need:

  • Driver’s license or State ID number, date of birth, Social Security number
  • Name, address, phone number and email address
  • Name, address, phone number and dates of employment for 2019
  • Reason for being unemployed
  • Banking information
  • Information on your dependents

If you pre-registered for PUA prior to May 5, the IRS will email you a link to complete the application. If you did not pre-register, then click here to begin the registration process.