Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

COVID-19 has proven to affect not only people’s health, but also current employment opportunities for many. The federal/state governments have recently implemented the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program to assist those who would normally be ineligible to receive benefits. Such person’s include:

  • Self-employed individuals
  • Gig economy workers
  • 1099 independent contractors
  • Employees of churches
  • Non-profit workers
  • Individuals with limited work history

Several other worker categories are also included but not specified, so we urge you to find out if you also qualify (this will vary from state to state).

State of Georgia

Fortunately, the process for finding out whether or not you qualify for this program in Georgia can be done in 3 steps:

  1. File under a standard state unemployment claim. You should receive two emails; the first stating that the claim was received, and the second stating that your claim was processed.
  2. A letter labeled Benefits Determination will be mailed to the address you listed on the claim. This will show if you (the claimant) have enough wages/earnings to qualify for a regular and valid state unemployment claim. If so, a second letter should be received labeled “Claims Examiner’s Determination” which will inform you of whether the benefits have been approved or denied. IMPORTANT: People denied/ineligible to receive state unemployment will be sent an email with an attached link to the PUA application/detailed information regarding the application process.
  3. Complete the PUA application and submit it for processing. Please note that like the standard claim application, you should receive emails confirming that it has been received and processed. In addition to the confirmation, the emails should contain the date when you can begin claiming benefits as well as a link to where you can provide wage documentation/previous employment (for the tax year 2019).

Georgia, all applicants must certify all eligible weeks since the initial time of unemployment due to COVID-19. Upon review and approval, applicants will receive a weekly amount as well as a PUA Benefits Determination letter stating the amount. If approved with a valid claim, you will receive a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claims Examiner’s Determination letter confirming approval (keep this document for your records as proof of approval).

For additional information, we strongly urge you to contact the Georgia Department of Labor (or the corresponding labor department for your state) or visit their website.

Should you need assistance in organizing or completing the necessary steps, please feel free to contact us at 770-495-9077. Also you can Contact us today to begin with a free consultation.

The above article only intends to provide general financial information and is based on open source facts, it is not designed to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. It does not give personal tax, financial, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any form of action, you should consult a financial professional who understands your particular situation. CKH Group will not be held liable for any harm / errors / claims arising from the articles. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents we will not be held accountable for any changes that are beyond our control.

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