MADISON (NBC 26) -– The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced Tuesday that it is now accepting applications for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, DWD says PUA may be available to individuals who became unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are:
- Self-employed (e.g., self-employed, free lancers, independent contractors, and part-time workers),
- Do not have sufficient work history to be eligible for a regular unemployment insurance (UI) claim, or
- Have exhausted other forms of state and federal UI benefits.
According to a news release from DWD, the maximum PUA weekly benefit rate is $370, with the minimum rate at $163. This program is 100% federally funded and is available for 39 weeks beginning the week ending February 8, 2020 through the week ending December 26, 2020. Individuals receiving PUA may also receive the $600 weekly benefit amount under the Federal Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
For more information on who qualifies for the program, how payment is calculated, and how to file an application for PUA, please visit https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/pua/
