Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
The PUA program provides funds to individuals who are ineligible for unemployment benefits but are experiencing serious financial hardship and are unable to work because of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Funding by the 2020 Cares Act, the PUA is a federal unemployment program however, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) manages the application and approval process for Illinois residents. Before IDHS will allow you to apply for PUA, they will first determine your eligibility for regular unemployment benefits. Eligibility requirements for PUA are as follows:
You were denied regular unemployment benefits,
You ran out of unemployment benefits and are not eligible for an extension,
You are self-employed (this includes gig workers, independent contractors, and/or business owners.),
You work for an organization that does not pay unemployment insurance,
Your ability to work was impacted by Covid-19 (job or school closed, you have Covid-19, you were laid off because of Covid-19, or the head of household passed away due to complications from Covid-19).
For more detailed information please visit the IDHS website.