Applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity What is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance? Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides assistance to individuals whose employment has been either lost or interrupted as a direct result of COVID-19 and those not ordinarily eligible for state Reemployment Assistance. This includes individuals who are gig workers, self-employed or contract employees. PUA will provide individuals with up to $275 per week in benefits. Eligibility Requirements You may be eligible for PUA if, as a direct result of COVID-19: • You became unemployed. • You were scheduled to begin work but cannot begin your work at that job. • You have become the primary breadwinner due to the death of the head of household. The following information is required when filing: • • • • Social Security number. Alien registration number and expiration date (non-U.S. citizen). Name and address of employer affected by the disaster. If self-employed, you must have proof of self-employment, including, but not limited to: o State or federal tax returns o Financial statements o Bank records of accounts, 1099 Forms, active business or occupational license, business sales receipts, business rental lease, or any record showing you had an active business at the time of the pandemic. Reminder: Reminder You must complete an application for state Reemployment Assistance benefits before applying for PUA. During the application you will be asked if you were impacted by COVID-19. Your Reemployment Assistance claim will then be determined for eligibility. If you are determined ineligible or your state Reemployment Assistance benefits have been exhausted, you will then be prompted to file a PUA application. How to Apply I have not applied for Reemployment Assistance I applied for Reemployment Assistance on or before April 4, 2020 Apply at FloridaJobs.org I applied on or after April 5, 2020 You’re all set Wait to hear from DEO For general information about Reemployment Assistance, visit FloridaJobs.org or call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759). Phone hours: Mon. through Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) FAQs Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity What is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance? Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides assistance to individuals whose employment has been either lost or interrupted as a direct result of COVID-19 and those not ordinarily eligible for state Reemployment Assistance. This includes individuals who are gig workers, self-employed or contract employees. PUA will provide individuals with up to $275 per week in benefits. Am I eligible for PUA? You may be eligible if your employment has been either lost or interrupted as a direct result of COVID-19, one or more of the following occurred: you became unemployed, you were scheduled to begin work but no longer have a job or you became the primary breadwinner due to the death of the head of household, and if you would not ordinarily be eligible for state Reemployment Assistance. This includes individuals who are gig workers, selfemployed or contract employees. How do I file a claim? You must complete an application for Reemployment Assistance benefits before filing for PUA. To complete your application, you can file your claim online at www.FloridaJobs.org. You must file for state Reemployment Assistance benefits before filing for PUA. During the application process, you will be asked if you were impacted by COVID-19. Your Reemployment Assistance claim will then be determined for eligibility. If you are determined ineligible or your regular Reemployment Assistance benefits have been exhausted, you will then be prompted in CONNECT to file a PUA application. If you applied for Reemployment Assistance before on April 4, 2020, you must submit another application. What should I keep in mind when filing a PUA claim? You must report all earnings. If you are paid by your employer during your absence from work or if you return to work, you must report these earnings. Paid sick leave, vacation pay or other paid leave must also be reported. Proof of employment at the time of COVID-19 is required within 21 days of completing the PUA application. You can fax the required documents to 1-800-222-7934 or mail them to PUA Unit P.O. Box 5350 Tallahassee, FL 32314. Your personal income tax return (Federal Form 1040 and attachments) or other proof of employment (e.g. 1099) and wages you earned in calendar year 2019 may also be requested. How long will it take before I receive my benefits? PUA benefits are payable once proof of employment and wages is received, verified and it is determine that your unemployment was a direct result of COVID-19. Each claim must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to ensure a determination is made as quickly as possible in your time of need. How many weeks can I receive? If you are eligible for PUA, you will be paid weekly benefits in accordance with federal and state regulations. The PUA benefit duration may last up to 39 weeks, with up to $275 in weekly benefits. The CARES Act Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) also provides eligible individuals with $600 per week in addition to the weekly benefit amount. These additional benefits may be available from March 29,2020 to July 31, 2020. For general information about Reemployment Assistance, visit FloridaJobs.org or call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759). Phone hours: Mon. through Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.