Dear Neighbor,

Due to COVID-19 we have seen unemployment numbers hit an all-time high with more than 26.5 million Americans filing, including 4.4 million Americans last week. Those in the retail industry, food industry, gig workers, independent contractors, and employees of small businesses, have seen higher numbers of unemployment than any other sector.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is an important step in trying to help those out of work. It provides enhanced unemployment benefits for individuals and makes unemployment insurance available to non-traditional employees. Specifically, unemployed Virginia residents will receive 4 months of state unemployment insurance and an additional $600 per week. Additionally, nontraditional employees such as gig workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and individuals not able to work because of the coronavirus will be eligible to receive unemployment insurance for up to 39 weeks.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions from Governor Northam’s office:

Because of COVID-19, my employer has temporarily closed, and I do not have paid leave or will not receive a paycheck. What can I do?

You may file a claim for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). If VEC approves your claim, the maximum benefit amount is $378 for up to 26 weeks. Individuals who receive unemployment benefits may also be eligible for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which is a $600 per week supplement payment payable through July 25, 2020.

My employer has cut my hours back due to COVID-19. What can I do?

If your weekly earnings fall below what would be your weekly unemployment insurance benefit, you may file a claim for partial UI benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).

I am a gig worker (i.e. self-employed or independent contractor). Do I qualify for unemployment insurance if I lose work due to COVID-19?

The self-employed, independent contractors, and other gig workers are eligible to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the Federal CARES Act. The weekly benefit amount will be provided for up to 39 weeks. Individuals who receive PUA may also be eligible for FPUC, which is a $600 per week supplement payable through July 25, 2020.  You can file a claim here: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/html/pua.html.

My unemployment insurance ran out shortly before the public health crisis, and I am now no longer eligible. Has Virginia extended benefits for people in my situation?

Under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, individuals who have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits may be eligible to receive Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation for up to 13 weeks. They will also qualify for an additional $600 per week for 13 weeks. VEC will notify eligible candidates who have exhausted their benefits.

I was unemployed prior to the COVID-19 crisis. Am I eligible for unemployment insurance now?

Under the recent stimulus package (CARES Act), UI has been extended to some individuals with insufficient work history that would make them ineligible under normal circumstances. These benefits are administered through the PUA program.

Am I eligible for benefits if I must miss work because I have been quarantined by a health official, am experiencing symptoms, or am sick with COVID-19?

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by the federal government in March 2020 requires certain employers to provide a designated amount of paid sick leave to employees that are quarantined and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Some exemptions may apply. To learn more, please visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave.

Am I eligible for benefits if I must stay home to care for a family member that is seriously ill with COVID-19?

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by the federal government in March 2020 requires certain employers to provide a designated amount of paid family and medical leave to employees that must stay home to care for a family member that is subject to quarantine or seriously ill with COVID-19.

Some exemptions may apply. To learn more, please visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave.

Additional COVID-19 Unemployment Information:

I encourage everyone to continue to stay safe and keep taking precautionary measures to continue to flatten the curve. Be sure to visit the COVID-19 page on my website for information and resources. If you have any questions, or need any further assistance, please call our office at (703) 256-3071.

Sincerely,

Gerald E. Connolly
Member of Congress
###

     

Washington, DC Office
2238 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-1492

Annandale Office
4115 Annandale Road, Ste. 103
Annandale, VA 22003
Phone: (703) 256-3071
Fax: (703) 354-1284

Prince William Office
2241-D Tacketts Mill Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (571) 408-4407
Fax: (571) 408-4708


 
Unsubscribe | Visit My Website | Privacy Policy