Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance (also known as UI) provides temporary cash benefits to eligible employees who have lost their jobs.
On March 27th, 2020 the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act was signed into law. The act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation to New Yorkers.
Click here for more information about how to apply, eligibility, and obtaining benefits.
Individuals are eligible for PUA if they do not qualify for regular UI benefits (including self-employed workers and independent contractors) and cannot work because they:
Are diagnosed COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms and are seeking diagnosis;
Have a member of the household who is diagnosed with COVID-19;
Are providing care for a family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19;
Are the primary caregiver for a child whose school or care facility closed, due to COVID-19;
Are unable to reach their place of employment due to an imposed quarantine, or because advised by medical provider to self-quarantine, due to COVID-19;
Were scheduled to start new employment and cannot reach the workplace as direct result of COVID-19;
Became the major breadwinner because the head of household died from COVID-19;
Quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19;
Had their place of employment closed as a direct result of COVID-19; orMeet any additional criteria specified by U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Individuals are not eligible for PUA if you can do your current job through telework or are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits (regardless of meeting a category listed above).
Your benefit amount is based on your recent wages. If eligible, you may receive:
Up to 39 weeks of UI benefits;
A minimum of $182 per week from NY State for a maximum of 39 weeks;
An additional $600 per week (through 7/31)
Frequently Asked Questions
My hours were cut (for any reason). Am I eligible for assistance?
You may be eligible for benefits. Click here for more information on how to apply.
My consumer stopped receiving care. Am I eligible for any assistance?
Yes, you are likely eligible for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information on how to apply.
I was laid-off. Am I eligible for assistance?
Yes, you are eligible for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information on how to apply.