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. Finally, it increased most UI payments by $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. 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.
   4. 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.

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 or job services, contact:

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

During COVID-19 many AJCs and VR offices are temporarily closed or shifted to virtual services. Some regions are in the process of shifting from primarily unemployment-focused to starting to assist individuals again with their job search.

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?

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.

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives), powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is committed to helping your small business survive, recover, restart and thrive. Along with a real-time online mentoring platform, SCORE has assembled resources to answer your common questions in a variety of areas including financing, keeping your business running, selling online and building resilience after a setback.

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.