Starting Friday, April 24th, The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has announced, that Ohioans who are unemployed as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits can begin pre-registering for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which is a new federal program that covers many more categories of workers.
In addition, more than 400,000 unemployment claimants in Ohio began receiving weekly $600 supplements this week in addition to their regular benefits as part of the new Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) program. These weekly supplements are available through July 25th, 2020 and will appear on claimants pay stubs with the designation “FAC.” Both the PUA program and the PUC supplements are authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
According to the OJJFS Director Kimberly Hall, “We are thrilled to provide this much -needed assistance to Ohioans unemployed as a result of the pandemic. Many eligible Ohioans are still waiting to receive benefits. They understand the urgency of providing individuals with the resources they need to support their families. Since mid-March, they have been focused on expanding staff support, working longer hours, and partnering with private sector experts to add more technological capacity to their system.
For more information and or to pre-register for PUA benefits in Ohio, visit Ohio Department of Job and Family Services unemployment help.
DEFINITIONS:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act creates a new temporary federal program called Pandemic Unemployment assistance (PUA). In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individual not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits.
Individuals covered under PUA include :
- Self Employed
- Independent Contractors
- Gig Economy Workers
- Workers for certain religious entities
- Those seeking part-time employment
- Individuals lacking sufficient work history
- And those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits.
Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC or PUC) is an emergency program designed to increase unemployment benefits for millions of Americans affected by the 2020 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- Under FPUC, eligible people who collect certain unemployment insurance benefits, including regular unemployment compensation, will get an extra $600 in federal benefits each week through July 31, 2020.
- FPUC is a flat amount given to people who are already receiving unemployment insurance, including those who get a partial unemployment benefit check.
In addition to the FPUC program, the CARES Act extends unemployment benefits through two (2) other initiatives :
COMPARISON CHART
| PROGRAM | WHAT IT DOES |
| Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) | Provides a federal benefit of $600 a week. |
| Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) | Extends benefits to self-employed, freelancers, and independent contractors. |
| Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) | Extends benefits for an extra 13 weeks after regular unemployment compensation benefits are exhausted. |
During a Pandemic, it will be critical to understand what you may be asked or required to do. It will be important to follow any Public Health Social Distancing instructions or any other instructions or orders that may be given
WHAT CAN YOU DO:
Stay informed and plan ahead. For more information about health issues and emergency preparedness, please visit the following websites:
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