FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Those eligible for the FPUA include self-employed workers and independent contractors, gig workers, freelancers, workers seeking part-time work, workers who do not have a long-enough work history to qualify for state Unemployment Insurance benefits, and workers who are unable to work or telework as a result of the coronavirus public health emergency.

Applicants will need to self-certify that they are (1) partially or fully unemployed, or (2) unable and unavailable to work because of one of the following circumstances as outlined in the CARES Act:

• They have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms of it and are seeking diagnosis;
• A member of their household has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
• They are providing care for someone diagnosed with COVID-19;
• They are providing care for a child or other household member who can’t attend school or work because it is closed due to COVID-19;
• They are quarantined or have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine;
• They were scheduled to start employment and do not have a job or cannot reach their place of employment as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak;
• They have become the breadwinner for a household because the head of household has died as a direct result of COVID-19;
• They had to quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19;
• Their place of employment is closed as a direct result of COVID-19; or
• They meet other criteria established by the Secretary of Labor.

Workers are not eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program if they are receiving paid sick days or paid leave. 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program will run from January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Workers will be eligible for retroactive benefits and can access benefits for a maximum of 39 weeks.  Individuals will be able to apply through the Division of Unemployment Insurance at the Tennessee Department of Labor website.