California PUA: Self-employed, freelance and gig economy workers can apply for unemployment benefits starting today

By Alix Martichoux

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Economic support has finally arrived in California for the millions of self-employed, freelance and gig economy workers in California, many of whom have lost work or wages in the novel coronavirus pandemic.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Economic support has finally arrived in California for the millions of self-employed, freelance and gig economy workers in California, many of whom have lost work or wages in the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order earlier this month creating the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which opens up unemployment insurance payments to more workers who don't typically qualify. The program is accepting applications online as of April 28.

PUA benefits will apply to self-employed workers, independent contractors, those whose wage history isn't long enough to qualify for unemployment, and those who have exhausted unemployment benefits.

Labor Secretary Julie Su said the state was targeting quick processing times and payment turnarounds. Those who already have EDD debit cards should receive their payments in two days, but others will typically receive benefits in seven days.

Payments are retroactive, so those who have been waiting to receive payments for several weeks would be compensated for that time. You can receive benefits dating back to Feb. 2 or after, depending on when you began to lose income due to COVID-19.

According to the California Employment Development Department, payment amounts are as follows for those who qualify:

Phase 1: $167 per week for each week you were unemployed from Feb. 2, 2020 to March 28, 2020 due to the pandemic
Phase 2: $167 plus $600 per week for each week you were unemployed from March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020 due to the pandemic. (The extra $600 per week comes from the federal CARES Act, which is currently only in effect through July.)
Phase 3: $167 per week for each week you are unemployed from July 26, 2020 to Dec. 26, 2020.

You have to have the legal right to work in California to qualify. Undocumented workers will have access to a different $5 million relief fund, which Gov. Newsom says is set to launch in early May.

There is a 39-week cap on PUA benefits.

More information on the PUA program can be found on the EDD website.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
WATCH: ABC7's interactive town hall 'Race and Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation'
What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
How to maintain learning during school closures
No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions

California PUA: Self-employed, freelance and gig economy workers can apply for unemployment benefits starting today

Related Topics