DWD Now Accepting Applications for Federal Unemployment Program

Freelancers, Independent Contractors, and Others May Be Eligible for PUA

(OnFocus) Self-employed workers, certain independent contractors, and others are now able to apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Online applications are open at the DWD website at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/pua/.

Through the CARES Act, which provides relief for Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, PUA is a federal program that provides unemployment benefits to those who cannot claim regular unemployment insurance.

Those who may be eligible include:

-Individuals who are self-employed.

-Certain independent contractors.

-Individuals with limited recent work history.

-Other workers not covered by Regular UI.

The weekly benefit amount is between $163 to $370, based on 1 percent of 2019 net income and payable up to 39 weeks. Payments are retroactive to the week ending February 8, 2020. All benefits are subject to tax.

To be eligible for PUA payments, individuals must meet eligibility requirements by falling in a number of COVID-19 scenarios, listed at the DWD website.

Extra $600 Payments in Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits to Begin Soon