Paycheck Protection Program and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
In light of the current global COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for monetary assistance from the US federal government and/or financial institutions. Below, we have provided information about two such federal programs: the Paycheck Protection Program and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The U.S. SBA (Small Business Association) has provided the below information regarding the PPP Program and emergency funding:
“The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) allows lenders to offer low-interest loans that may be 100% forgiven in certain circumstances. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have been eligible to apply for these loans since April 10, 2020. The requirements are straightforward. You must have been in operation on February 15, 2020, your business must have been harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic and you must submit the required documentation along with your loan application.”
You can find more information from the SBA here.
In order to obtain a PPP loan, you will need to work with a verified financial lender. Call your bank to learn more.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
As a member of the gig economy and an independent contractor, you may qualify to receive this form of federal unemployment assistance:
“The U.S. Department of Labor announced the publication of Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) 16-20 providing guidance to states for implementation of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Under PUA, individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation and are unable to continue working as a result of COVID-19, such as self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, are eligible for PUA benefits. This provision is contained in Section 2102 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act enacted on March 27, 2020.”
Although PUA is a federal program, applications must be submitted through your local state. Each state has different filing requirements, which you can find information about on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website: dol.gov
We will be updating this page as more information becomes available, but please remember to check official government websites and legitimate sources for up-to-date information about these and other relief programs during these ever-changing times.