Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

• What is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?

  PUA is a broad program that expands access to unemployment, in addition to what state and federal law already pay. This includes those who traditionally are not able to get unemployment such as:

  • Self-employed
  • Independent contractors
  • “Gig” workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers
  • Employees of religious organizations whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19;
  • Those who lack sufficient work history to file a claim or have been disqualified for state benefits but who are impacted directly by COVID-19.
    

• I have not worked in the last two years. Can I get PUA benefits?

  Likely not. Like all unemployment programs there must be a connection to the labor market either by showing work history or showing concurrent attempts to join the labor market.

• I have not been working, but I had an offer to start a job that was rescinded or delayed due to COVID-19, can I get PUA?

  Potentially. Definite plans to join the labor force are enough of a connection. You must still be directly impacted by COVID-19.

• 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.

• I was offered the option to work from home, but I chose not to work. Am I eligible for PUA?

  No. If you are able to work from home, you cannot be paid PUA.

• I am not working due to COVID-19, but I am being paid leave from my employer. Am I eligible for PUA?

  Likely not. If you are being paid by the employer as if you were working your usual work hours and rate of pay, then you are not eligible for PUA. If you are being paid leave but not being paid your usual wages, then you may be eligible for some PUA—it would depend on the amount you are being paid just like if you are earning money while on unemployment benefits.

• I formerly worked on a small farm or for a church or religious organization. Am I eligible for PUA?

  Yes, provided your unemployment was caused directly by COVID-19, you may be eligible for PUA.

• How much will I receive if I am eligible for PUA?

  Like state unemployment, this depends on your work history during the base period. The base period for PUA is the most recent tax year (i.e. 2019). We will use the same calculation as we use for state unemployment to determine your benefit amount. If you lack sufficient work or earnings but otherwise meet all requirements, then you will be eligible for the minimum. For claims filed before July 1, 2020, the minimum you can receive is $192 and the maximum you could receive is $488. For claims filed on or after July 1, 2020, the minimum you can received is $192 and the maximum you could receive is $503.

• Does FPUC also apply to PUA payments?

  Yes. In addition to your weekly amount, you are eligible for the additional $600 payments for weeks between March 29, 2020, and July 25, 2020.

• How long is PUA available?

  PUA is available for eligible claimants from February 2, 2020, until December 26, 2020. It is only available for 39 weeks within that period of time. If you received state unemployment or extended benefits, then the number of weeks for PUA is reduced from 39 by the number of weeks you received state and extended benefits.

  Will there be more weeks made available?

  If Congress adds more extensions for unemployment, then the 39 weeks is increased by the same amount of weeks. However, no extension is available at this time.

• How do I apply for PUA?

  As of May 12, we are now accepting applications for PUA benefits. Apply for benefits online at www.PUA.GetKansasBenefits.gov.

• Do I need any documentation for my application?

  Yes. You will need to provide proof of your quarterly earnings during 2019.

  Before filing, you may want to have documentation available to prove your prior income (you do have 21 days from applying to submit the documentation). Acceptable documentation of wages can include but is not limited to:

  • 2019 Tax Returns;
  • 2019 1099 Form(s);
  • paycheck stubs;
  • bank receipts;
  • ledgers;
  • contracts;
  • invoices; and/or
  • billing statements.

• How long until the PUA program is operational in Kansas?

  The PUA program in Kansas is being rolled out in multiple phases.  Phase 1 involves creating a new system to be able to accept applications for those with no covered wages such as individuals that are fully self-employed and is now complete. Apply online at https://pua.getkansasbenefits.gov/. Phase 2 will allow our developers to process those applications and issue payments with payments being issued no later than May 25, 2020.  Phase 3 will involve issuing payments to claimants that are eligible for partial UI payments and/or claimants that have exhausted UI benefits will be completed no later than June 16, 2020.

• Is there a waiting week for PUA?

  No, there is no waiting week.

• How do I file a weekly claim for PUA benefits?

  File your weekly claims online by logging into your account at www.pua.getkansasbenefits.gov. You can file a weekly claim for each week you have not worked back to January 27, 2020.  The first week for which you can file is February 2, 2020. The date limitations are tied to the statutory language within the CARES Act.