Update on Independent Contractor, Gig Workers and Self-Employed Unemployment Benefits
View the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Fact Sheet for Independent Contractors.
With innumerable independent contractors, gig-workers, and self-employed professionals in our global community empowering music, sound and entertainment technology throughout the world, we have been closely following provisions in the CARES Act, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) designated for these professionals.
Recent news sources cite that several states are starting to provide benefits with more relief on the way.
Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Utah have implemented the PUA program and started paying benefits, a spokesperson for the Department of Labor recently shared with press. North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Vermont have also started accepting PUA unemployment applications, according to Michele Evermore, senior policy analyst for the National Employment Law Project. Maryland and North Carolina have announced they will open PUA application processes starting on April 24, 2020, with more coming online soon.
Under the PUA program, eligible out-of-work Americans can get up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits through December 26, 2020. They’re also eligible to receive the additional $600 weekly payments from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which 44 states have started paying eligible out-of-work Americans as of April 22.
To learn more about opportunities for independent contractors, gig-workers, and self-employed professionals review a step-by-step guide from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and view our recent COVID-19 Small Business Relief Webinar Part IV: Independent Contractors and Gig Workers and FAQ.