Updated 3/5/2021. Deadline for PUA is next week in some regions. Visit Department of Labor's website for more inform.

Many gig workers were affected by COVID-19. You can think of all the rideshare drivers who found themselves all of a sudden not getting rideshare requests. If your gig was related to travel, COVID-19 was not a friend. Generally, gig workers do not have the same safety net that typical employees get. But there is a specific program for self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who became unemployed directly because of COVID-19. These workers can receive help through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. According to the U.S. Departments of Labor, gig workers who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits or extended UI benefits can apply for temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

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Is there a difference between the CARES Act and the PUA Program Extension?

At the beginning of the pandemic, many workers lost their jobs. Former US President Donald Trump approved a law concerning Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. That law provided a stimulus to the unemployed during the pandemic. That bill (the CARES Act) was a response to the COVID-19 situation. It included spending $300 billion in one-time cash payments. Individuals who submitted a tax return in prior years received a stimulus check. The fund could be used for personal expenses.

The most important difference between PUA and the CARES Act? The PUA program covers individuals who are not eligible for regular UI.

The extension of PUA provides benefits for gig workers.

The extension provides a safety net for workers who had lost their income because of COVID-19. If workers meet the PUA rules, they will receive additional 11 weeks of UI benefits.

The PUA program extension began on January 22nd. So the Department of Workforce Service (DWS) is now accepting claims.

Gig workers ought to give precise documentation.

Gig workers and others who are eligible for PUA benefits need to provide specific documents. And they should have these documents before filing for benefits. The simplest way of fulfilling the requirements is to provide tax documents from previous years.

Some important requirements to know about the program are:

• Proof of earnings and ID.
• For new claims, documents need to be submitted within 21 days of the claim.
• For established claims, documents need to be turned in within 90 days. 

More information on requirements and eligibilities can be found on the program’s website.