HARRISBURG – Contractors, gig workers, self-employed individuals and other Pennsylvanians who applied for benefits through the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program can file now for weekly benefits, according to State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33).
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, claims and weekly certifications can be filed online at pua.benefits.uc.pa.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx. Weekly certifications must be filed to continue receiving payments.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides benefits ranging from $195 to $572 for up to 39 weeks to qualifying individuals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. Payments will be backdated to January 27 or the first week the individual was unable to work due to COVID-19.
Individuals collecting PUA benefits will also be eligible for the extra $600 per week from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.
To file a claim, individuals will need to provide proof of employment or self-employment, as well as information to show previous income. Acceptable documentation includes copies of recent paycheck stubs, bank receipts showing deposits, tax returns and 1099 tax forms, bill notices to customers, statements from recent customers, business licenses, contracts, invoices and building leases.
More information on filing an initial claim and weekly certifications is available here.