The VOLS Unemployed Workers Project (UWP) has helped New Yorkers through the COVID-19 crises with legal assistance related to Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. To further assist our clients during these difficult times, we have gathered additional information regarding the 2020 Coronavirus, Aide, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and how it impacts unemployment insurance.
UNEMPLOYMENT and CARES Act Background Information
Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary cash benefits to employees who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are ready, willing and able to work. If you have worked in New York State within the last 18 months and lost your job, you may be eligible for UI.
- To Apply for UI benefits file a claim by visiting www.labor.ny.gov
- You can also call the Telephone Claims Center at 888-209-8124
How the CARES Act affects unemployment insurance:
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed a law that provides additional Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. This new law provides:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Individuals are eligible for PUA if they do not qualify for regular UI benefits. PUA extended eligibility for individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for UI benefits including self-employed workers and independent contractors.
- Pandemic Unemployment Compensation – An additional $600 per week, on top of regular benefits, to all UI recipients; and,
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation – If you exhaust your 26 weeks of regular UI, you will receive an additional 13 weeks of additional benefits for a total of 39 weeks of coverage, until July 31, 2020.
If you need further assistance, please call the VOLS hotline for Unemployed Workers: 347-521-5720. Or click here to complete our Online Intake Form.
This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. It is not meant to provide legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a legal professional. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this or other matters, please contact VOLS. This may be considered legal advertising pursuant to the rules of professional conduct.