Yes, traditional unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility rules, which vary from state to state, have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act expanded the eligibility to many individuals who were not traditionally qualified to receive UI benefits. Traditional UI is based upon the worker’s recent work history. The “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” is for those not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance funding. This benefit can pay up to $275 in weekly benefits to those who otherwise are not eligible for unemployment insurance.

The CARES Act expanded eligibility for UI benefits to many previously uncovered workers (such as people who are self-employed, independent contractors and gig economy workers) through the end of 2020. It also extended unemployment benefits—which expire after 26 weeks in most states—for an additional 13 weeks.

In addition, there is the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) which is a payment of $600 per week through July 31. 2020.

1. 1. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
   2. Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
   3. Apply online or by phone with your local Department of Labor or American Job Center. Some, but not all states, have paper applications available also.
   4. When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
   5. If you receive SSI and/or SSDI, report your unemployment payments to SSA and other public benefit programs such as HUD, SNAP, and TANF. Each benefit program has rules regarding unemployment payments.

SSI Beneficiaries

Yes, the SSI program is a “program of last resort” and individuals who receive SSI are required to apply for unemployment and for all benefits for which they may be eligible. If the SSI beneficiary does not apply, they may receive a notice from SSA.

SSA does not count the first $20 of Unemployment Insurance (UI), but then counts the remainder dollar for dollar. This includes the UI as well as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation of $600 per week. Unemployment Insurance is countable unearned income.

If unemployment insurance causes the SSI payment to be reduced to zero, the special work rules of 1619(b) would not apply, however, the individual may be eligible for other Medicaid programs in their state. Medicaid recipients who had this coverage before the COVID-19 crisis, or became eligible during the crisis, cannot be terminated by Medicaid.

Once the UI and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments stop or if/when the SSI beneficiary returns to work, a beneficiary should notify SSA immediately and ask to resume the SSI payments. This can be done without a new application for up to 12 months after the SSI was “suspended,” due to this income. SSA will likely conduct a review, which is called a redetermination, to confirm that all eligibility rules are met and, if so, will restart the SSI benefit.

SSDI Beneficiary

Yes, unemployment payments and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation do not count as earned income for SSDI beneficiaries. Inform the Social Security Administration of the date that you left employment and the date you return.

All state workforce system websites should be accessible to individuals with disabilities and able to accommodate people with limited English proficiency. If you need additional assistance, make your request online or by phone to your regional job center. Contact information for your regional job center is available at: American Job Center Finder.

If you need additional information or assistance with accommodation requests:
All states are required to make the State Equal Opportunity Officer’s contact information available on workforce related websites according to 29 CFR 38.29 (b). Many also include the local EO Officer’s contact information on the state’s website.

If you are already a VR client and need help applying and/or accessing UI or job services, contact:

• Your VR counselor for assistance. Each state/local VR office will establish its ability to support clients with various tasks related to employment.
• The Client Assistance Program, which advises and informs individuals of their rights in direct connection with programs authorized under the ADA, including advocacy.

If you are an SSI/SSDI beneficiary, and need help applying and/or accessing UI or job services, contact:

• Protection & Advocacy programs work at the state level to protect individuals with disabilities by empowering them and advocating on their behalf.
• Please note: SSI beneficiaries who have lost their job due to COVID-19 are required to apply for Unemployment, as SSI is the payer of last resort, unemployment will impact a beneficiary’s SSI payment. SSI beneficiaries need to report their unemployment payments to SSA by the 10th of the next month.

If you are a person with a disability, and you need help accessing UI, contact:

• Centers for Independent Living provide information and referral, independent living skills training, individual and systems advocacy, peer counseling and other services.

Job Services

All state workforce system websites should be accessible to individuals with disabilities and able to accommodate people with limited English proficiency. If you need additional assistance, make your request online or by phone to your regional job center. Contact information for your regional job center is available at: American Job Center Finder.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all individuals, regardless of your employment status. Job seekers services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources, and ADA compliance assistance. Visit JAN’s information for Individuals to learn about the different ways you can access JAN services including resources to support your job search at: JAN Accommodation Services for Job Seekers.

Reasonable accommodations must be provided to job candidates during the interview process. To learn more about the types of accommodations available during interviews and how to request them, read Making Interviews Accessible for You.

If you need flexibility in your work arrangements upon return to your workplace:

• You may request the need for accommodation or flexibilities for your disability with your employer. Accommodations or flexibilities may be especially important for individuals due to age or certain medical conditions, who are at higher risk for severe illness.
• Check to see if your employer has a process in place to make accommodation requests. You may also see if you can make the request for accommodation or flexibilities before your scheduled date to return to work.

Additional Supports

If you need additional information or assistance with accommodation requests:
All states are required to make the State Equal Opportunity Officer’s contact information available on workforce related websites according to 29 CFR 38.29 (b). Many also include the local EO Officer’s contact information on the state’s website.

If you are already a VR client and need help applying and/or accessing UI or job services, contact:

• Your VR counselor for assistance. Each state/local VR office will establish its ability to support clients with various tasks related to employment.
• The Client Assistance Program, which advises and informs individuals of their rights in direct connection with programs authorized under the ADA, including advocacy.

If you are an SSI/SSDI beneficiary, and need help applying and/or accessing UI or job services, contact:

• Protection & Advocacy programs work at the state level to protect individuals with disabilities by empowering them and advocating on their behalf.

If you are a person with a disability, and you need help accessing UI, contact:

• Centers for Independent Living provide information and referral, independent living skills training, individual and systems advocacy, peer counseling and other services.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, 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 as well. 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.

The Employment Recovery page provides critical unemployment and job search resources for those impacted by the pandemic. Resources are provided to help meet short-term needs such as collecting unemployment benefits or re-entering the workforce, as well as longer-term goals such as adjusting career plans in light of the evolving job market.

Whether you have health, family, commuting or other concerns that make it difficult to report to a physical work location, you might find a work from home position that is a good fit for you. Virtual or remote jobs are available in many fields – from entry-level customer service to complex software development or research positions. Many require a computer and an Internet connection, but some provide equipment and technical support to workers.

Yes, if you have a disability you may apply for employment and training services with your local vocational rehabilitation office. Telephone, online, or other alternative means may be used in place of providing VR and supported employment services face-to-face, including ongoing support services, during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), within the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, has issued a Questions and Answers document in response to inquiries concerning the administration of the State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services, American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS), and Randolph-Sheppard programs as they seek to provide continuity of operations for individuals with disabilities in the current COVID-19 environment.

Prior to reaching out for job services, consider the following:

1. 1. What services are you looking for?
   2. Do you want to find a job for during and/or after COVID-19?
   3. Do you want to explore employment opportunities from home?
   4. Do you need assistance with your resume and/or interviewing skills?
   5. Do you need to explore online training options?
   6. Do you need career counseling?

Explore these resources to learn more, including working from home guidance, to request free benefits counseling services, employment network supports and/or vocational rehabilitation services and legal support, advocacy to resolve employment-related concerns.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued guidance to help employers implement strategies to navigate the impact of the Coronavirus in the workplace. Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act includes a series of 20 questions and answers that can help protect workers with disabilities regarding testing for the Coronavirus, working from home and information about your health and preexisting conditions.

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is hearing from many employers who are inquiring about their responsibilities under the ADA to accommodate employees who have concerns about exposure to COVID-19. Generally, these questions have centered around individuals who may be at higher risk for developing complications associated with the coronavirus. When an employer receives a request for accommodation to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, an employer must consider this request under the ADA and engage in the interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations, barring undue hardship. Learn more from the Job Accommodation Network about working to answer employer and employee questions in managing reasonable accommodation requests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers are still required to provide reasonable accommodations in the workplace for employees with disabilities, even during this unprecedented time. The ADA National Network provides general guidance on reasonable accommodations in the workplace that may be useful for employees, employers, human resources staff and others. Additional specific questions may also be answered by contacting your local ADA Center.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused confusion and created tough questions for small business owners about the disruption of operations, impacts to revenue and the safety of their employees and customers. To answer business owners’ questions, SCORE developed “Small Business Resilience Training” to help turn today’s obstacles into opportunities for growth.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides money for independent contractors, self-employed individuals and small business owners through the Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) program. The program offers up to $10,000 per business, and $1,000 per employee, that does not have to be repaid. The application to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) Loan and Advance has reopened.

You DO NOT have to have a business name to qualify for this money. In some situations, you can apply with your own name and Social Security number. If you are a 1099 employee, independent contractor or have a side hustle you may be eligible to apply. Examples of just a few common side jobs that might qualify you for this money include Ebay, Uber, Lyft, mowing lawns, selling make-up and babysitting. To qualify, you have to have proof that you have been making money, reporting your income and paying taxes on this money.