CARES update for Massachusetts (insurance, loan, unemployment benefits)

[jtolpin]

Updated: Apr. 3rd, 2020, 3:00 pm


https://www.mass.gov/alerts/cares-ac...ment#undefined

The Department of Unemployment has received limited guidance from the federal government regarding the CARES Act. Based on that guidance, DUA is moving swiftly to add an additional $600 to the weekly benefits received by traditional unemployment claimants, retroactive to March 29, 2020. DUA is also implementing the 13-week extension of benefits to UI claimants as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the federal government provided guidance on merit staffing requirements that will allow DUA to continue to expand staffing quickly so that DUA can swiftly respond to questions and process claims.

The federal government has advised states against implementing specific programming options providing financial assistance to the self-employed and those not traditionally covered under the regular unemployment program until guidance has been issued. DUA is urging the federal government to provide guidance on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance as quickly as possible so that we can help the self-employed, those who have exhausted eligibility under regular unemployment, and others eligible for the new program get the resources they need during these difficult times. Unfortunately, until more specific guidance is issued, those who would not traditionally qualify for unemployment insurance remain ineligible for benefits through the UI Online application system. However, once guidance is given payments under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be retroactive to January 27, 2020

[simplexsimon]

If you're self-employed take a look at EIDL $10k grant and most recently rolled out PPP loan program.

https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/_c...o2lcp4sZwSYs3U

^Some of the numbers have been tweaked since, but good explanation of how the programs work.

[GeePee]

does this need to be applied for or is it automatic if you are collecting UI? no documentation on the site?

[jtolpin]

SUpposed to be automatic, according to New Jerseys look,...

[jtolpin]

ANyone enter information for 3/29 to 4/4 and have an update yet?


I entered it on Sunday, as I used to do, but it says ''hold' (and it could be for a variety of reasons), . I usedto enter on Sunday, and get paid on Tuesday.

[jtolpin]

UPDATE APRIL 7th


CARES Act unemployment
UPDATE: CARES Act-related unemployment benefits for the self-employed and others are currently UNAVAILABLE through UI Online. DUA recently received additional federal guidance on this program and is working quickly to implement that guidance.
Updated: Apr. 7th, 2020, 8:00 am
The Department of Unemployment has recently received additional guidance from the federal government regarding the CARES Act. Based on that guidance, DUA is moving swiftly to add an additional $600 to the weekly benefits received by traditional unemployment claimants, retroactive to March 29, 2020. DUA is also implementing the 13-week extension of benefits to UI claimants as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the federal government provided guidance on merit staffing requirements that will allow DUA to continue to expand staffing quickly so that DUA can swiftly respond to questions and process claims.

The federal government has also recently issued additional guidance on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a CARES Act provision that makes unemployment benefits available to individuals who are self-employed, have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits, are not financially eligible for regular unemployment benefits, and others not traditionally covered under the regular unemployment program. DUA is now working to implement the federal guidance and make the program available to claimants. The PUA application is not available at this time, but DUA is working to make it available as quickly as possible. Once available, eligibility for PUA benefits may be retroactive to the week ending on February 2nd.

[jtolpin]

Daughter got a $600 deposit today from Mass DUA, so it started. She should have gotten 2, but one is ok.

[simplexsimon]

Originally Posted by jtolpin

Daughter got a $600 deposit today from Mass DUA, so it started. She should have gotten 2, but one is ok.

Thanks for the update. So it sounds like her MA benefit is $0 but got the $600 Fed benefit?

[jtolpin]

oh. interesting. Im sorry. Let me say that again - The direct deposits were:

Mass DUA UI - $162 yesterday (or something like that)
Mass DUA - $600 today.

SPecifically, it said 'Mass DUA' - nothing noting Federal. Hope that helps. Its early.

and by 2, I mean she should have gotten 2 $600s. But IM wrong on that. It was effective for 3/29 to 4/4 for the first week, I believe.

[GeePee]

Interesting how they decide who gets it and when. Was she a 1099 ora W2 employee?

Correction: No indication of $600 through the UI site. But deposit did hit today. Thanks fed!