Last updated October 13, 2020

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major effect on employment for many across the country, but especially for people with disabilities. In this newsletter, you will discover some of the most sought-after resources regarding employment and unemployment during COVID-19.

• Where can I find assistance applying for a job?

There are a variety of resources available to help you find a job and re-enter the workforce. CareerOneStop’s portal (Employment Recovery) is available to assist in searching for immediate openings, virtual work, remote jobs, resumes, networking, exploring new careers and more. If you have a disability that makes employment hard for you, you may be eligible for services to help you prepare for, obtain and maintain a job. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a U.S. Department of Education funded program that provides these services in every state, territory and many Indian Nations. Vocational rehabilitation serves all disability groups, but some states have a separate program called State Services for the Blind that provides specialized services for individuals with legal blindness. Find out if you are eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services in your state.

And if you are a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiary, the SSA Ticket to Work Program can provide resources like benefits counseling, employment network supports, work-from-home guidance and more.

• Are there free resources to help me build my job skills?
  

GROW with GOOGLE offers free training, tools and resources to help you grow your skills, career or business. New certificates in UX Design, Data Analytics and Project Management are coming soon. Become job ready in about six months, no prior experience required.

CareerOneStop provides resources to many websites and community sources that may offer free or low-cost training. Topics include brushing up on basic skills such as English, math and basic computer knowledge, as well as software programs, science topics and foreign language learning.

• Are there resources to help me build, sustain or grow my small business during this time?
  

SCORE has created a small business resilience training. Their resilience training provides educational materials and online workshops to help your small business adapt, reopen and grow successfully through COVID-19 or any disaster. They offer industry-specific training to help you with challenges unique to your line of business.

• How do I apply for unemployment Insurance and expanded benefits as a result of COVID-19?

Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. You can apply online or by phone with your local Department of Labor or American Job Center. Some, but not all states, also have paper applications available. Visit the Financial Resilience Center’s website to learn more about the unemployment insurance application process.

• If I receive Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI), should I apply for unemployment insurance compensation?
  

Yes, you should apply for unemployment insurance. The SSI program is a “program of last resort,” and individuals who receive SSI are required to apply for unemployment. If the SSI beneficiary does not apply, they may receive a notice from SSA. For SSDI beneficiaries, unemployment payments and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation do not count as earned income. Inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the date that you left employment and the date that you return.

• I received unemployment compensation this year. Are these benefits taxable?
  

Yes. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), unemployment benefits are considered taxable income and must be reported. You can avoid a surprise bill at tax time if you choose to have income taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits, like you would from your other types of earnings or benefits. Use the same form, W-4V, to have taxes withheld from unemployment compensation or from benefits. Most states follow the federal government and fully tax unemployment benefits. However, some states don’t tax them at all, some states don’t have income taxes and a few states only tax part of your benefits. Check with your state for more information or check with your unemployment office to see whether they can withhold taxes. IRS Advice on Unemployment Benefits and Income Taxes.

Get more answers to frequently asked questions about Employment and Unemployment.