As businesses shut their doors to combat the novel coronavirus, millions of Americans are applying for unemployment. In response to the pandemic, federal and state governments have also enacted special coronavirus unemployment benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news: You may now qualify whether you\u2019re out of work, furloughed, or had your hours cut, and the extra income can help you cover your expenses during this difficult time. If you do need to file, here\u2019s everything you need to know to maximize your benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting laid off is stressful enough without having to worry about your next move. If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, take these steps now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Start early: <\/strong>With a surge of applications, some people are experiencing long wait times. Apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Check your company-sponsored severance package: <\/strong>If your former employer is offering a severance package, you\u2019ll need to know how much to expect before you can get unemployment benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. File for unemployment: <\/strong>File for unemployment benefits online by using the state-by-state chart below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Cut down to an \u2018essentials-only\u2019 budget:<\/strong> Look for ways to trim your budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Don\u2019t stress:<\/strong> Ask for help if you need it! Unemployment offices offer counseling assistance at no cost to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act makes temporary changes to unemployment, increasing how much you could receive and expanding coverage. The changes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CARES Act has expanded coverage, but you\u2019ll still need to meet your state\u2019s requirements. Generally, to qualify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-employed or gig workers generally don\u2019t qualify for unemployment, but the CARES Act created a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program covering self-employed people who can\u2019t work\u2014or can\u2019t work as much\u2014because of COVID-19. Eligible self-employed workers can apply through their state\u2019s unemployment office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While some changes have come from the federal government, there isn\u2019t a special coronavirus unemployment filing process. You\u2019ll apply for unemployment through your state\u2019s labor or employment department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, you\u2019ll need to share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you worked in a different state or in multiple states, you can file in your home state, but other states\u2019 rules can affect how much you receive<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unemployment offices across the country are working hard to keep up with the high demand, and many are overwhelmed by the number of applications. Check your state\u2019s website for the latest updates, as some states are asking people to apply on certain days based on their name or Social Security number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n State-by-State Guidelines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unemployment rules vary by state. You can find your state\u2019s unemployment requirements here:<\/p>\n\n\n\nExpanded Coronavirus Unemployment Benefits <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basic Qualification Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to File for Coronavirus Unemployment Benefits <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Start As Soon As Possible and Prepare to Wait <\/h2>\n\n\n\n