The CARES Act created a new federal program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) in effect through December 31, 2020. This program allows states to pay up to 39 weeks of benefits to covered individuals who aren’t eligible to receive or who have exhausted regular unemployment compensation.
Covered Individual
A covered individual is someone that self-certifies that he/she is otherwise able and available to work except that he/she is unemployed, partially employed, unable to work or unavailable to work due to at least one of the following categories:
- The individual has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis.
- A member of the individual’s household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- The individual is providing care for a family member or household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- The individual is the primary caregiver for a child or other person in the household who is unable to attend school or another facility as a direct result of COVID-19.
- The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of COVID-19.
- The individual is unable to work because a health care provider has advised the individual to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 concerns.
- The individual was scheduled to commence employment and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of COVID-19.
- The individual has become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of household has died as a direct result of COVID-19.
- The individual has to quit his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19.
- The individual’s place of employment is closed as a direct result of COVID-19.
Not Eligible
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is typically not payable to someone who has the ability to telework with pay or who are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits. However, if you are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits that total less than your customary workweek, you may be eligible for a reduced PUA amount.
Benefits Amount
The weekly benefit amount paid under the PUA is $600 per week. This is in addition to the weekly benefit amount paid by the state where you file unemployment.
Quick Links
Utah Department of Workforce Services – COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance
