Contractors, Gig Workers, Self-Employed Now Eligible for Unemployment

Individuals who have not been eligible for unemployment compensation in the past are now able to file claims, as a result of changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new unemployment program–Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)–is now available for freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers and self-employed people.

In general, PUA will provide up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has additional information on its website about who is eligible for the new program and what documents are required to file an application.

Note: The first part of the PUA application screens for financial eligibility for regular unemployment compensation (UC). It will check an applicant’s Social Security number against wage records employers submit. If someone is self-employed now, but worked as an employee during their base year, it may tell them to apply for regular unemployment compensation. The department has said it is aware of this issue, and will be adding additional questions to let people in that situation through to the main PUA application.

According to State Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-133), who shared information about the new program in an email over the weekend, approximately 35,000 applications for PUA had successfully been filed as of 5 p.m. Saturday.

“Please be patient and know that my office is sharing your frustrations with the administration and will urge them to address issues as they arise,” she said. “Additionally, my staff is available to assist you with questions about this specific unemployment program, and any other state-related issue as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call my office at 610-266-1273.”

Her email also advised potential claimants that if they have already been approved for regular unemployment compensation, they do not need to apply for PUA.

McNeill’s district includes parts of Bethlehem city, Hanover Township (Lehigh County), Salisbury Township, Whitehall Township and the boroughs of Fountain Hill, Catasauqua and Coplay.

Additional information about unemployment and the federal CARES act can be found here.