Unemployment FAQs

Please select from an Unemployment category below to get more help or review a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions updated weekly here.

What does it mean for my unemployment to be directly impacted by COVID-19?

This means that your unemployment must be caused directly be COVID-19 in one of the following ways:

  • You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are seeking diagnosis because you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • You live in a house where someone in that same household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • You are providing care for a family member or household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • You are the primary caregiver for someone who cannot attend school or some other facility because it has been closed because of COVID-19, AND the availability of that school or facility is needed in order for you to work.
  • You cannot report to work due to an imposed quarantine resulting directly from COVID-19 (cannot be self-imposed).
  • You have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to COVID-19.
  • You were scheduled to begin employment but are unable to do so as a direct result of COVID-19. (the business closed, you were mandated quarantine, or have been diagnosed).
  • You have become the head of the household because of the death of the usual head of household that was caused by COVID-19.
  • You have been forced to quit your job as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • Your work has closed because of COVID-19.
  • You are an independent contractor who does not have a traditional place of business, but you cannot provide or sell your services due to the direct impact of COVID-19.

Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), additional eligibility provisions have been outlined to address circumstances when an individual is directly affected by COVID-19. You may be eligible for PUA if:

  • You were denied continued unemployment benefits because you refused to return to work or to accept an offer of work at a worksite that, in either instance, is not in compliance with local, state, or national health and safety standards directly related to COVID-19, i.e. facial mask wearing, physical distancing measures, or the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • You provided services to educational institutions or educational service agencies and are unemployed or partially unemployed because of volatility in the work schedule due to COVID-19, i.e. changes in schedules and partial closures.
  • Your hours were reduced or you were laid off as a direct result of COVID-19.