DWD now accepting assistance applications for individuals not previously covered by unemployment

WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced that it was now accepting applications for its Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

The program offers assistance to those who became unemployed because of the coronavirus pandemic and were not previously covered under regular unemployment.

This includes people who were self-employed, people with limited, recent work history, and those who have exhausted any other forms of state and federal unemployment benefits.

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The DWD said that the maximum PUA benefit is $370 and is available for 39 weeks. Those who will receive funds from PUA can also receive a $600 weekly benefit from the federal unemployment compensation (FPUC)

To qualify, the person applying must meet eligibility requirements listed below from the DWD:

1. The individual has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis.
2. A member of the individual’s household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
3. The individual is providing care for a family member or a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
4. A child or other person in the household for which the individual has primary caregiving responsibility is unable to attend school or another facility that is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency and such school or facility care is required for the individual to work.
5. The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
6. The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because the individual has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19.
7. 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 the COVID-19 public health emergency.
8. The individual has become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of the household has died as a direct result of COVID-19.
9. The individual had to quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19.
10. The individual’s place of employment is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

To learn more or apply, click here.

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