US Independent Contractor Unemployment Insurance

[#1]

Anyone know the procedure for filing for Unemployment Insurance as an Upwork Freelancer (US)?

[#2]

The bill only became law today. The provision for unemployment benefits that might apply to us is called "Pandemic Unemployment Assistance." It's a new federal program that might be administered by the states. Note, though:

"Pandemic Unemployment Assistance...extends benefits to gig workers, contractors and others who wouldn't otherwise qualify for unemployment compensation but cannot work due to the coronavirus emergency." (emphasis added)

Not all gig and contract workers work online. This relief may not be designed for us or include us.

source: NBC News 

[#3]

---

Douglas Michael M wrote:

The bill only became law today. The provision for unemployment benefits that might apply to us is called "Pandemic Unemployment Assistance." It's a new federal program that might be administered by the states. Note, though:

"Pandemic Unemployment Assistance...extends benefits to gig workers, contractors and others who wouldn't otherwise qualify for unemployment compensation but cannot work due to the coronavirus emergency." (emphasis added)

Not all gig and contract workers work online. This relief may not be designed for us or include us.

source: NBC News 

---

I hadn't thought of that! I assumed that freelancers would fall under the category "can't work due to the coronavirus emergency", if only because there isn't enough work available? But you may be right.

[#4]

Colorado is asking we give them time as they have not received direction from the feds yet and cannot update their systems until they have them. I would check your state unemployment website am, noon and pm. Good luck and stay healthy.

[#5]

Upwork is not in charge of unemployment insurance.

I would strongly urge any freelancers interested in this topic to talk to their government officials.

Is it possible that Upwork may post announcement or help pages about the topic? Yes. That is possible.

But no Upwork users should be trying to contact Upwork customer support about this.

[#6]

I am quite aware that Upwork is NOT in charge of providing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, however, each state may,or may not, require certain verifications of IC work, which if required, Upwork will be delighted to provide this paper work if
warranted.  That was why I originally reached out to Support.