{"id":51058,"date":"2020-03-30T14:41:15","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T18:41:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/?p=51058"},"modified":"2020-03-30T14:41:15","modified_gmt":"2020-03-30T18:41:15","slug":"faq-on-unemployment-insurance-benefits-under-covid-19-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/faq-on-unemployment-insurance-benefits-under-covid-19-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"Non-RRB members: FAQ On Unemployment Insurance Benefits Under COVID-19 Relief & One-Time Direct Payments","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0<\/strong> VII.\u00a0 \u00a0 NO WAITING PERIOD<\/strong> <\/p>\n Yes, the CARES Act provides direct, one-time payment to individuals and families. The amounts of those payments are:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>The answer depends on the amount of your income. For persons or couples who earn more than the amounts listed above ($75,000 or $150,000), there is a $5.00 reduction for each $100 that a taxpayer\u2019s income exceed those amounts. The amount of the one-time, direct payment is completely phased out for single filers with incomes exceeding $99,000, $146,500 for \u201chead of household\u201d filers with one child, and $198,000 for joint filers with no children. \u00a0<\/strong>\u201cHead of household\u201d is a term used by the IRS for filing purposes. If you filed your most recent tax form as \u201chead of household,\u201d you are a head of household for purposes of the phase out described in FAQ 2. \u201cHead of household\u201d includes unmarried persons and may include married persons living apart even if the couple is not divorced or legally separated. Yes. Employed individuals are entitled to the direct, one-time payment if they meet the income guidelines discussed in FAQs 1 and 2. No. The U.S. Treasury will send the payment to the address listed on your tax return. If you received your tax refund (if applicable) by direct deposit, the payment will be sent to your direct deposit account. Yes, under the CARES Act, the federal government provides UI benefits in the amount of $600 per week to eligible persons until July 31, 2020. These benefits are in addition to the UI benefits that a worker may receive from the state. The CARES Act also extends the number of weeks that workers may be entitled to receive state benefits. Check the website of your state unemployment office since instructions vary by state. You should plan to file on-line since offices are closed to the public until further notice. \u00a0Use the following to locate the website for your state. The websites of many state unemployment offices warn that you will have an unusually long wait if you call and may have difficulty getting through to their personnel. Filing on-line is your best option. Since more than 3.3 million workers who have recently filed for UI benefits, there may be delays in the processing of your claim. The federal government has provided states with funding to hire additional staff to process claims. Be persistent in filing your claim. The website of the unemployment office in your state lists the information that you need to file a claim, such as your social security number, work history (including the names and addresses of your employer(s), and dates of employment), etc. Check the website of your state\u2019s unemployment office. The Connecticut Department of Labor, for example, advises that \u201cFor faster processing of your claim, please have your employer\u2019s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.\u201d Some websites state that you should include your bank\u2019s routing number and your account number if you want to receive your benefit payments via direct deposit. Check your website of your state unemployment office. The answer may that you are not required to do anything.\u00a0 The New York State Department of Labor\u2019s website states, for example, \u201cIf you are currently receiving benefits, there is nothing you need to do as your benefits will be updated automatically.\u201d \u00a0<\/strong>Who is eligible for increased UI benefits?<\/strong> Yes, other eligible persons under the CARES Act include: part-time workers, workers who have used up their UI benefits, workers with no work history to report (based on most recent tax return), and self-employed individuals. These individuals may receive benefits if they are unemployed or unavailable to work because of COVID-19 but otherwise would be available for work. Workers in these categories are entitled fewer weeks of benefits than workers who are normally eligible for regular benefits. See<\/em> FAQ\u00a0 22. Yes, you are eligible for a partial amount of UI benefits. You are covered if you:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Yes, you are still entitled to UI benefits as of that date. \u00a0<\/strong>Yes, you are still entitled to UI benefits.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Yes. Federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive UI benefits due to the impact of COVID-19. \u00a0<\/strong>Yes \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Eligible workers are entitled to $600 per week for up to four months in UI benefits under CARES Act, plus the amount to which they are entitled to under state law. Entitlement to an additional $600 per week ends on July 31, 2020. The CARES Act also extends the number of weeks that a worker is entitled to receive state benefits by 13 weeks (not exceed 52 weeks). However, workers who would not normally be entitled coverage under state law receive a maximum of 39 weeks of coverage. See <\/em>FAQ 15 for a list of those workers. You can learn about the amount UI benefits to which you are entitled under state law unemployment if you click on the link provided in FAQ \u00a07 for your state. For example, California\u2019s Employment Development Department provides a UI benefit calculator that provides you with an estimate of your weekly benefit amount. \u00a0https:\/\/edd.ca.gov\/Unemployment\/UI-Calculator.htm<\/a> The amount of your state benefits will be reduced based on the formula for calculating benefits in your state. If you have no income on your most recent tax return and no wage history that can be used to calculate a weekly benefit amount, you will receive a \u201cminimum flat benefit\u201d based on the average weekly benefit paid in the state, plus an extra $600 per week through July 31, 2020. \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n No, if you are eligible for both UI benefits and paid family or sick leave, you may be eligible to collect both but not for the same time period. For example, if your employer closes while you are on paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, your employer must pay for any paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave you used before the employer closed. As of the date your employer closes your worksite, you are no longer entitled to paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, but you may be eligible for UI benefits.\u00a0 See the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s \u201cFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers,\u201d which addresses eligibility for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n No. All waiting periods are eliminated in all states under the CARES Act. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes. However, the CARES Act allows the states to provide \u201cflexibility\u201d in meeting this requirement for individuals who are unable to search for work because of COVID\u201319, including because of illness, quarantine, or movement restriction. You should follow the instructions provided on the website of your state\u2019s unemployment office to learn what is expected of you to maintain eligibility. If your state requires you to register with employment services (Career Services), you should do so. \u00a0<\/strong>The answer may vary by state. Check the website of your state\u2019s unemployment office. Registration with employment services (Career Link) may not be required during the state of emergency. Please be aware that this requirement may change once the state of emergency has ended. Here are two examples of guidance provided on websites of state unemployment offices: \u00a0<\/strong>Yes.\u00a0 Many states have \u201cwaived\u201d the requirement that recipients look for work. Check the website of your state\u2019s unemployment office. Here is an example from the Massachusetts Department of Labor that requires that workers make on-line efforts, as they \u201care able.\u201d Check the website of your state\u2019s unemployment office. Here is an example of a state that informs workers that \u201cmay be required\u201d to engage in on-line reemployment activities. \u00a033. <\/strong>What is the penalty for intentionally filing a false claim for UI benefits?<\/strong> Topics Covered: \u00a0 I. ONE-TIME, DIRECT PAYMENT TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES II. EMERGENCY UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT III.\u00a0 THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UI BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY FOR UI BENEFITS AMOUNT OF INCREASED UI BENEFITS UNDER THE CARES ACT RELATIONSHIP TO EMERGENCY PAID SICK OR FAMILY LEAVE VII.\u00a0 \u00a0 NO WAITING PERIOD VIII.\u00a0 \u00a0SEEKING WORK DURING […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":9,"featured_media":51059,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"member_types":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nI. ONE-TIME, DIRECT PAYMENT TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES<\/strong>
\nII. EMERGENCY UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT<\/strong>
\nIII.\u00a0 THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UI BENEFITS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nVIII.\u00a0 \u00a0SEEKING WORK DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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ONE-TIME, DIRECT PAYMENTS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nFor more information, see Publication 501 (2019), Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.\u00a0 <\/em>https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/publications\/p501#en_US_2019_publink1000220775
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\n <\/p>\nEMERGENCY UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n <\/p>\n\u00a0III. THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UI BENEFITS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nhttps:\/\/www.careeronestop.org\/LocalHelp\/UnemploymentBenefits\/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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\nhttp:\/\/www.ctdol.state.ct.us\/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF<\/a>
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\nExamples: https:\/\/dol.georgia.gov\/blog\/new-information-filing-unemployment-partial-claims-and-reemployment-services<\/a>; https:\/\/www.in.gov\/dwd\/files\/Indiana_Unemployment_FAQ.pdf<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/labor.ny.gov\/unemploymentassistance.shtm<\/a>
\n <\/p>\nELIGIBILITY FOR UI BENEFITS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nAll workers who are normally eligible for regular UI benefits in their state are automatically eligible for increased federal benefits. The CARES Act also provides additional reasons for coverage that are related to COVID-19. See<\/em> FAQ 17.
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\n <\/p>\nAMOUNTS OF INCREASED UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nThe amount of UI benefits provided by state law depends on your earnings. The maximum amount allowed varies by state.
\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00a0RELATIONSHIP TO PAID SICK OR FAMILY LEAVE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nhttps:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/pandemic\/ffcra-questions<\/a>
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\n <\/p>\n\u00a0VII.<\/strong> \u00a0NO WAITING PERIOD<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n <\/p>\nVIII<\/strong>. SEEKING WORK DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n <\/p>\n\n
\nPennsylvania\u2019s Website<\/em><\/strong>
\nWork Search and Work Registration requirements\u00a0are temporarily waived for all UC claimants.\u00a0 Claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their UC benefits.\u00a0 Claimants are also not required to register with\u00a0www.PACareerLink.pa.gov<\/a>.
\nhttps:\/\/www.uc.pa.gov\/Pages\/covid19.aspx<\/a>
\nIllinois\u2019 Website<\/em><\/strong>
\n30. What if I’m temporarily laid off because the place where I work is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 virus?<\/strong>
\nAn individual temporarily laid off in this situation could qualify for benefits as long as he or she was able and available for and actively seeking work. Under emergency rules IDES recently adopted, the individual would not have to register with the employment service. He or she would be considered to be actively seeking work as long as the individual was prepared to return to his or her job as soon the employer reopened.
\nhttps:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/ides\/Pages\/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx
\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nExample: http:\/\/www.ctdol.state.ct.us\/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF<\/a>
\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nMassachusetts\u2019 Website<\/em><\/strong>
\nI was already collecting UI due to a reason unrelated to COVID-19. What do I do about work search?
\nYou should continue to do an online work search as you are able. Many things that can be done remotely count as work search activities. For example, continue to monitor job boards and post resumes. You only need accept suitable work, however. If you are quarantined, are self-quarantining due to a reasonable fear of exposure, or you must care for a family member who is sick, or a child who is at home, you do not need to accept work until those conditions resolve.
\nhttps:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/employee-unemployment-faq-covid-19<\/a>
\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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\nMaryland\u2019s Website<\/em><\/strong>
\nThe Department of Labor and Industry \u201cmight not require claimants to search for jobs, but may instead require claimants to perform other reemployment activities, such as creating a resume, completing online classes and training courses, or completing other approved online tasks that prepare the claimant to become reemployed in a future, stabilized labor market.\u201d The website further states: \u201cClaimants are not required to search for work if their employer has temporarily laid off the claimant and has provided a return to work date that is less than 10 weeks in the future.\u201d
\nhttps:\/\/www.dllr.state.md.us\/employment\/uicovidfaqs.shtml<\/a>
\n <\/p>\nFILING FRAUDULENT CLAIMS <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nThe consequences of filing a fraudulent claim may include ineligibility for UI benefits in the future, repayment the amounts wrongfully received, and criminal charges.
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