It would be helpful when we give information, that we also include the state as CA respondents have done. I tried to get into Florida's unemployment website but could not get into the site. I heard that it is overloaded and they can not handle the applicants.

Florida's website is indeed overloaded. I was able to take care of business at 2 AM. This is for my "regular" job, not mystery shopping.

FL's site is overloaded but keep trying. And once you've applied pay close attention to when you have to actually request benefits for specific weeks. You have a window to do it, and you have to get it done even if your application is still pending. As of yesterday, you also have to provide job search details to request benefits for a given week, even though that requirement is supposedly waived. My sense is that nobody in FL is going to see any benefits anytime soon.

Please don't give up! My husband and I live in FL and successfully filed both of our claims on Sunday morning, 4/5.

Friends who’ve applied in California have not received anything and EDD told a reporter today that IC’s should not apply until further notice.

On the other hand, proponents of AB5, including politicians, are encouraging people to apply because it will allow them to investigate whether they were misclassified or not

@AnonymousGirl wrote:

On the other hand, proponents of AB5, including politicians, are encouraging people to apply because it will allow them to investigate whether they were misclassified or not

I was helping an IC friend through the EDD site today and thought of that. They have a questionnaire that immediately tries to gauge if you are incorrectly classified....

@SteveSoCal wrote:

@AnonymousGirl wrote:

On the other hand, proponents of AB5, including politicians, are encouraging people to apply because it will allow them to investigate whether they were misclassified or not

I was helping an IC friend through the EDD site today and thought of that. They have a questionnaire that immediately tries to gauge if you are incorrectly classified....

I read some tweets from an Uber driver who put down Uber as their employer. They received a letter in the mail from EDD informing them of some kind of audit. Someone replied and said that putting down a business as your employer will trigger the system to recommend an audit if there is no record of the employer having paid unemployment taxes on your behalf. This will put the EDD application on hold and will cost the business time, and possibly money, to reply to the EDD and possibly fight any payment owed on your behalf. Anyone who wants to maintain a good relationship with any business that they 1099 for should hold off on submitting an application for now.

The Labor Department put out an more updated statement in the last two days specifically addressing timeshare drivers. This is what it says

"For example, a driver for a ridesharing service who receives an IRS Form 1099 from the ride sharing service may not be eligible for PUA benefits under the other criteria outlined above, because such an individual does not have a “place of employment,” and thus cannot claim that he or she is unable to work because his or her place of employment has closed. However, under the additional eligibility criterion established by the Secretary here, the driver may still qualify for PUA benefits if he or she has been forced to suspend operations as a direct result of the COVID- 19 public health emergency, such as if an emergency state or municipal order restricting movement makes continued operations unsustainable."

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/09/2020 05:25AM by AnonymousGirl.

These are the available programs.


Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Extends benefits to the self-employed, freelancers, and independent contractors.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) Extends benefits for an extra 13 weeks after regular unemployment compensation benefits are exhausted.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Provides a federal benefit of $600 a week through July 31, 2020.

From what I understand, PUA would go to people who lived in states that have received a major disaster declaration from FEMA, and you would be paid from your state's start date.. [www.fema.gov] You would be eligible for 50% of your state's unemployment benefits.

PEUC doesn't benefit 1099 only workers. If you receive a w-2 then this adds on 13 weeks to your unemployment. Hopefully this benefits people who've been unemployed before the pandemic as well.


FYI, if any of you are considered an essential employee and are currently working, Senate Dems want to include you in phase four of the relief bill. They want to add $13 per hour to your pay from the pandemic start date until the end of the year. The maximum would be $25k.

@stilllearning wrote:

Please don't give up! My husband and I live in FL and successfully filed both of our claims on Sunday morning, 4/5.

Sunday morning worked for me to in FL..haven’t been able to get back in since though

I applied in FL and am still waiting, I thought since that part of job searches was waived we didn't have to provide job searches, I have never done this before, where did you see that info?

NY Unemployment Office just announced they will shut down their system around 6 pm today, install a new interface that is easier to use, and reboot later tonight.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/09/2020 09:30PM by Susan L..

@cybersst wrote:

I applied in FL and am still waiting, I thought since that part of job searches was waived we didn't have to provide job searches, I have never done this before, where did you see that info?

It's not posted as info. In fact, what's posted says that requirement is waived. But when you go to actually claim benefits for a particular week it will not let you move past that page.

Here's the process for FL: You file a claim, then keep checking back to see its status. In a week or two you will see a message that says you can now claim benefits for a particular week or weeks. There will be a link to click on. This will occur even if your claim is not yet approved. You have a limited time to claim benefits for that week or lose them. At the end of the process of claiming actual benefits for a particular week is a question about whether you are out of work because of Covid-19. You must check the yes box in order to be eligible for benefits. This is the "self-certification" that you may have read about, and that under the CARES Act is supposed to automatically make you eligible.

One big caveat here. I applied the day after Trump signed the bill and my status is still "Pending". For all I know, they will reject my claim, or say they aren't yet ready for IC claims, or tell me to start over, or something else. So it is still very much a wait and see thing.

Just make sure you keep checking back and watch that space where they post your messages. They will provide a link when you have to claim for a particular week, and you will have to do it even if you're not yet approved.

@panama18 wrote:

@cybersst wrote:

I applied in FL and am still waiting, I thought since that part of job searches was waived we didn't have to provide job searches, I have never done this before, where did you see that info?

It's not posted as info. In fact, what's posted says that requirement is waived. But when you go to actually claim benefits for a particular week it will not let you move past that page.

Here's the process for FL: You file a claim, then keep checking back to see its status. In a week or two you will see a message that says you can now claim benefits for a particular week or weeks. There will be a link to click on. This will occur even if your claim is not yet approved. You have a limited time to claim benefits for that week or lose them. At the end of the process of claiming actual benefits for a particular week is a question about whether you are out of work because of Covid-19. You must check the yes box in order to be eligible for benefits. This is the "self-certification" that you may have read about, and that under the CARES Act is supposed to automatically make you eligible.

One big caveat here. I applied the day after Trump signed the bill and my status is still "Pending". For all I know, they will reject my claim, or say they aren't yet ready for IC claims, or tell me to start over, or something else. So it is still very much a wait and see thing.

Just make sure you keep checking back and watch that space where they post your messages. They will provide a link when you have to claim for a particular week, and you will have to do it even if you're not yet approved.

I got the date to log back in to claim my first week. I applied April 1st. It is still pending as well. I do check back everyday, and expect it to get denied, because I didn't make much in that 18 month period. But it's supposed to cover us, so I'm hoping. Did it make you go through work registration? Because I bypassed that and it took my application.

In Georgia, they said the system is hopefully going to be up and running on Monday, April 13th. They said that for those of us who already applied and were denied the state benefit for lack of income the system will store our names and automatically email us a link. We both applied as soon as the bill was approved. They said once they get your PAU approved it will prorate back to the original application date. I "hope', (lol) that that is true. But thank god I'm not underwater. (holding breath)--lol. Georgia is notoriously cheap (when it's up to them) so we will see how this goes. No food stamp applications have been entered or approved yet that I know of. Mine hasn't even been added to my account yet!

I thought I will put the link with all benefits discussed in this article [dnyuz.com]

What about PPP?
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET: BORROWERS
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone.
The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:
 The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and
 Employee and compensation levels are maintained.
Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.
When can I apply?
 Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
 Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.
Where can I apply? You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders.
Who can apply? All businesses – including nonprofits, veterans organizations, Tribal business concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors – with 500 or fewer employees can apply. Businesses in certain industries can have more than 500 employees if they meet applicable SBA employee-based size standards for those industries (click HERE for additional detail).
For this program, the SBA’s affiliation standards are waived for small businesses (1) in the hotel and food services industries (click HERE for NAICS code 72 to confirm); or (2) that are franchises in the SBA’s Franchise Directory (click HERE to check); or (3) that receive financial assistance from small business investment companies licensed by the SBA. Additional guidance may be released as appropriate.

What do I need to apply? You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender that is available to process your application by June 30, 2020.
What other documents will I need to include in my application? You will need to provide your lender with payroll documentation.
Do I need to first look for other funds before applying to this program? No. We are waiving the usual SBA requirement that you try to obtain some or all of the loan funds from other sources (i.e., we are waiving the Credit Elsewhere requirement).
How long will this program last? Although the program is open until June 30, 2020, we encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap and lenders need time to process your loan.
How many loans can I take out under this program? Only one.
What can I use these loans for? You should use the proceeds from these loans on your:
 Payroll costs, including benefits;
 Interest on mortgage obligations, incurred before February 15, 2020;
 Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020; and
 Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020.
What counts as payroll costs? Payroll costs include:
 Salary, wages, commissions, or tips (capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee);
 Employee benefits including costs for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave; allowance for separation or dismissal; payments required for the provisions of group health care benefits including insurance premiums; and payment of any retirement benefit;
 State and local taxes assessed on compensation; and
 For a sole proprietor or independent contractor: wages, commissions, income, or net
earnings from self-employment, capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.
Does the PPP cover paid sick leave?
Yes, the PPP covers payroll costs, which include employee benefits such as costs for parental, family, medical, or sick leave. However, it is worth noting that the CARES Act expressly excludes qualified sick and family leave wages for which a credit is allowed under sections 7001 and 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) (Public Law 116–127). Learn more about the FFCRA’s Paid Sick Leave Refundable Credit online.
How large can my loan be? Loans can be for up to two months of your average monthly payroll costs from the last year plus an additional 25% of that amount. That amount is subject to a $10 million cap. If you are a seasonal or new business, you will use different applicable time periods for your calculation. Payroll costs will be capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee.
How much of my loan will be forgiven? You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll.
 Number of Staff: Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if you decrease your full-time employee headcount.
 Level of Payroll: Your loan forgiveness will also be reduced if you decrease salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee that made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019.
 Re-Hiring: You have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020.
How can I request loan forgiveness? You can submit a request to the lender that is servicing the loan. The request will include documents that verify the number of full-time equivalent employees and pay rates, as well as the payments on eligible mortgage, lease, and utility obligations. You must certify that the documents are true and that you used the forgiveness amount to keep employees and make eligible mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments. The lender must make a decision on the forgiveness within 60 days.
What is my interest rate? 1.00% fixed rate.
When do I need to start paying interest on my loan? All payments are deferred for 6 months;
however, interest will continue to accrue over this period.
When is my loan due? In 2 years.
Can I pay my loan earlier than 2 years? Yes. There are no prepayment penalties or fees. Do I need to pledge any collateral for these loans? No. No collateral is required.
Do I need to personally guarantee this loan? No. There is no personal guarantee requirement. ***However, if the proceeds are used for fraudulent purposes, the U.S. government will pursue criminal charges against you.***
What do I need to certify? As part of your application, you need to certify in good faith that:
 Current economic uncertainty makes the loan necessary to support your ongoing operations.
 The funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or to make mortgage, lease, and utility payments.
 You have not and will not receive another loan under this program.
 You will provide to the lender documentation that verifies the number of full-time
equivalent employees on payroll and the dollar amounts of payroll costs, covered
mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities for the eight
weeks after getting this loan.
 Loan forgiveness will be provided for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered
mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
 All the information you provided in your application and in all supporting documents and forms is true and accurate. Knowingly making a false statement to get a loan under this program is punishable by law.
 You acknowledge that the lender will calculate the eligible loan amount using the tax documents you submitted. You affirm that the tax documents are identical to those you submitted to the IRS. And you also understand, acknowledge, and agree that the lender can share the tax information with the SBA’s authorized representatives, including authorized representatives of the SBA Office of Inspector General, for the purpose of compliance with SBA Loan Program Requirements and all SBA reviews.

Today the IRS opened a place on their web site to input your banking info to get stimulus checks.

Go to irs.gov and look for it.

A few days ago I called the news desk at WAMU radio in DC and asked for more coverage of the ways that UI claim systems in DC, MD and VA (the DMV) were going to serve the needs of ICs and Gig workers. Today there is a well researched piece available on their local new site at
[wamu.org]

Many thanks to reporter Alli Schweitzer !



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/10/2020 07:54PM by walesmaven.

Only opened up for people who are not required to file taxes. Site will be opened up in "mid-April" for people who file but do not have direct deposit information on file

Unless they fix it by then, you will have to go through the work registration stuff when you go back in on whatever date they gave you to claim your first weeks. The application doesn't require it, but the actual claim for a particular week's benefits does, or did.

@cybersst wrote:

I got the date to log back in to claim my first week. I applied April 1st. It is still pending as well. I do check back everyday, and expect it to get denied, because I didn't make much in that 18 month period. But it's supposed to cover us, so I'm hoping. Did it make you go through work registration? Because I bypassed that and it took my application.

Yes, but read this to see how it's working out in the real world. I can't imagine that typical shoppers would be eligible for this program anyway.

[thefederalist.com]

@Rtstshel wrote:

What about PPP?
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET: BORROWERS
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone.
The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:

Etc.

Apparently in many states banks are only accepting those PPP applications from exiting account holders. Some also are requiring that the applicant have a business checking account that has been open since before 1/1/2020.

Looks like the labor dept is trying to make this as steep a climb as they can get away with. [www.washingtonpost.com]

My real job is tax preparation at a small firm. We have already helped several clients fill out applications for the PPP application to take to a qualified bank. We are including W2 and 1099 figures.

@panama18 wrote:

Unless they fix it by then, you will have to go through the work registration stuff when you go back in on whatever date they gave you to claim your first weeks. The application doesn't require it, but the actual claim for a particular week's benefits does, or did.

@cybersst wrote:

I got the date to log back in to claim my first week. I applied April 1st. It is still pending as well. I do check back everyday, and expect it to get denied, because I didn't make much in that 18 month period. But it's supposed to cover us, so I'm hoping. Did it make you go through work registration? Because I bypassed that and it took my application.

[/quote


Ok, Thanks.

Thank you! Night Owl at 8:55 pm in VA

i have filed an unemployment claim, but my state hasn't received the extra money yet to pay to the filers. Will we get "back pay" for the weeks that we were out of work and filing, but not receiving anything yet because of the processing time?

In CA the governor just chastised the dept of labor for having their phone lines open for only a few hours til noon daily. That has been a real bottleneck for anyone with a previously non acceptable application who may have questions about eligibility or those who speak a foreign language or do not have a computer.
They have also sometimes encouraged those not meeting the former eligibility requirements to apply now and then a few days later not to apply yet. They themselves do not know what is exactly going on. People are working in the dark these days starting from the front line medical people who have never handled coronavirus pts before all the way to the grocers who probably do not really know what will arrive on the next truck and the Dept of Labor. Unfortunately many need their money now. I heard from a neighbor who got a first unemployment check on Thursday that the grocery stores had filled up again with many who had just received checks.

Has anyone from FL gotten their UI approved yet? I was supposed to claim my weeks today but can't even get in to do that. I have a friend who is not an independent contractor in FL who applied well after me and got approved already.

In my daughters case, she had worked as a babysitter for a family for only about 6 weeks prior to stopping due to covid 19. She applied about 10 days ago. She has not had any $ withheld from her pay as a babysitter. I was very skeptical about whether they would accept this as a part of the "gig" economy. She spoke with her former employer and asked if they would be willing to file her past payments and take out taxes etc.but they never even asked for their names or numbers. Monday the state (ca) contacted her and asked her to fill in info for 2 very recent specific weeks when she was already not working. They also told her what her weekly $ amt would be and asked if she wanted them to take taxes out. This question was weird since she did not work those weeks. They did not mention the $600 extra from the govt.
My conclusion is that they are basing it all on her 2018 1040 and her reported W2 income from 18 and 19. They do not seem to care too much about where or what she did in 2020. What happens in the future I do not know but my impression is that they are trying to allow anyone they can to get into the system. They did ask if she was looking for work and she chose the "other" category and checked off covid 19. Did not seem to bother them.
I am fairly certain someone would hire her as a babysitter. But she does not want to chance infecting me as I am high risk. If push comes to shove we will need to decide what to do but for now it looks as though that answer is okay with them. If and when she actually gets a first check is still a mystery.