Expanded Unemployment Benefits Guidance

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of Americans applying for unemployment insurance. In response, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued guidance to help states implement expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act.

• Guidance on implementing the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which makes benefits available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig workers, and others who do not regularly qualify for unemployment assistance.

Guidance on Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, under which states will administer an additional $600 weekly payment to eligible individuals.