Our state and federal governments have made significant changes to unemployment benefits to help workers in need as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act adds $600 per week to regular unemployment benefits, giving recipients income closer to regular paychecks than under the normal system. An additional 13 weeks of benefits have also been added to the traditional 26 weeks of unemployment, meaning those in need of benefits will have up to 39 weeks of coverage.
You can apply for unemployment benefits at uc.pa.gov.
Self-employed and 1099 contract workers will also be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment insurance. Instructions for those workers, including gig economy workers, will be provided at uc.pa.gov. (See the above flowchart or follow the link for a detailed explanation of the pandemic benefits.)
You can also file a claim through the Pennsylvania Teleclaims System, at 1-888-255-4728, if you do not have access to a computer. (Please note, wait times have been longer since the coronavirus outbreak.)
Pennsylvania has already eliminated the waiting week between the end of employment and the first week workers can file employment claims. It has also suspended the work registration and work search requirements for the duration of Gov. Tom Wolf’s emergency declaration.
Remember, you can do your part to stop the spread of the virus by staying home!
Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19. The residents of Philadelphia and its suburbs have been ordered to remain at home as to help prevent spread of coronavirus, find out what that means for you.
Montgomery County is doing the same.
Here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:
Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations.
Read more: CDC recommendations on getting tested for coronavirus
