Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Unemployment Benefits – Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

Summary
The federal CARES Act provides enhanced unemployment benefits for regular beneficiaries of unemployment insurance and those who would not normally receive unemployment insurance benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is available to individuals who do not normally receive unemployment benefits. PUA offers temporary unemployment assistance to those who are unemployed, partially employed or unable to work because of COVID-19 and are not currently eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

Qualifying for PUA
REALTORS^® may qualify for PUA if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Diagnosed with COVID-19 or with COVD-19 symptoms and seeking diagnosis;
• Member of household has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
• Providing care for family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19;
• Primary caregiver for child unable to attend school or another facility closed due to COVID-19;
• Unable to reach place of employment due to an imposed quarantine or because advised by medical provider to self-quarantine due to COVID-19;
• Scheduled to commence new employment and cannot reach workplace as direct result of COVID-19;
• Became major breadwinner because head of household died from COVID-19;
• Quit job as a direct result of COVID-19;
• Place of employment closed as a direct result of COVID-19;
• Self-employed / Independent Contractors / 1099 filers / Farmers, and affected by COVID-19;
• Seeking part-time employment but affected by COVID-19;
• With insufficient work history and affected by COVID-19;
• Otherwise not qualified for regular or extended UI benefits and affected by COVID-19;

Individuals that can telework with pay or are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits do not qualify for PUA.

How to Apply for PUA or Regular Unemployment Benefits
To apply, click here and follow the instructions.

You will have to create a NY.gov account if you do not have one.

If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day that you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name:

A – F: Apply on Monday
G – N: Apply on Tuesday
O – Z: Apply on Wednesday

If you miss your day, apply Thursday–Saturday.

For more information visit labor.ny.gov.