Month: April 2020

Expanded Unemployment Insurance for COVIID-19 for the Self-Employed

/ kimberlydonahuewv / Leave a comment

From the Office of Senator Manchin–

INCREASED BENEFITS: Everyone receiving unemployment will get $600/week in addition to the amount already received. Other increased benefits include: 

  • Extension of Benefits: Recipients will be allowed to remain on unemployment for an additional 13 weeks through December 31, 2020, expanding the total eligibility period for unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 39 weeks. 
  • Waiver of One Week Waiting Period: The federal government no longer requires a one week waiting period for new beneficiaries. States have been encouraged to follow suit so that unemployed workers can receive benefits as soon as they become unemployed. 

ELIGIBILITY: An individual is eligible if they are unemployed or unable to work because: 

  • The individual is self-employed, is seeking part-time employment, does not have sufficient work history or would not otherwise qualify for regular unemployment under the State or Federal law. Note: Part-time, self-employed, independent contractors and gig economy workers will be eligible for unemployment. 
  • The individual’s place of work is closed as a direct result of COVID-19. 
  • The individual was scheduled to start work and the job no longer exists or the individual is unable to reach the job because of a quarantine at the workplace; 

NOT ELIGIBLE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IF: 

  • An individual has the ability to telework with pay; or 
  • An individual is receiving paid leave benefits 

TAXES ON UNEMPLOYMENT: All unemployment received, including the additional $600, will be taxable. 

  • The amount of unemployment received will be disregarded in determining Medicaid or CHIP eligibility. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

  • To submit an individual unemployment claim, please visit this link administered through the West Virginia Department of Commerce and Workforce West Virginia 
  • To contact any of the 18 unemployment claim offices around the state, follow this link to access appropriate contact information for your specific claim 

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended to provide preliminary guidance based on Congressional intent and does not constitute legal advice. It also does not replace official implementation guidance from the relevant state and federal agencies. 

CONTACT: Common_sense@manchin.senate.gov Or leave a message at 304-342-5855