I take that to mean the sooner you apply, the more benefits you will receive. Eligibility now includes being unable to work due to illness of COVID19, quarantine or isolation due to the disease, caring for a family member who has been diagnosed with COVID19, or reduced hours as a result of social distancing measures. I am just swimming here. This includes up to 39 weeks of expanded unemployment insurance. In West Virginia, youre eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) if you do not qualify for regular unemployment assistance, and your work hours have been reduced or removed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dont Miss: How To Earn Money When Unemployed. Each state has its own rules and guidelines for unemployment, and each states computer system must be configured to accommodate the new rules that apply to independent contractors. Drivers are stuck in the middle of it all. Below, you can see a breakdown of earnings from one of those weeks. But Lyft and Uber have not paid a cent into the state's unemployment fund because the gig companies have continued to classify their drivers as contractors. Some states are making new, stand-alone applications for PUA, and paying out benefits based on your combined income. The Ways and Means Committee of the United States House of Representatives puts it this way: Expanded eligibility would provide benefits to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, gig economy employees, and individuals who were unable to start a new job or contract due to the pandemic. When applying for unemployment benefits, you must: Have earned enough wages during the base period. Do I have to stop driving completely to apply? Regardless of whether you are eligible for regular unemployment assistance because youve lost a traditional full-time or part-time job, or are applying for the new PUA program, you can apply through your states unemployment office (a list of state offices is available here). In order to qualify for the new PUA program, you must primarily rely on earnings through self-employed work, like driving with Lyft, and you must be unable to work because of COVID-19. For more information, reviewTop Nine Reasons Your Document May Get Rejected(PDF). Some people are eligible if providing care for a ill family member with COVID-19. We recommend applying as soon as possible. And after all this time fighting to get UI, shes worn down. Is Nebraska currently accepting applications for Unemployment? Or, you may be able to file at your local unemployment office, but be sure to check the website to confirm their hours of operation. Be patient but be persistent. When applying for unemployment benefits, you must: If you believe that you aremisclassified as an independent contractor, we encourage you to apply for benefits, and we will determine your eligibility. Since Lyft and Uber haven't paid into the unemployment fund yet, the state would cover the costs, but it would be known that the companies owe California that money. There is an additional compensation of $600 per week for weeks of unemployment in the spring and summer of 2020. No one wants you to be called out for unemployment fraudbut that is exactly what can happen if you try to hide income or deny that youre making money while collecting unemployment. UI Onlineis the fastest and most convenient way to file or reopen an unemployment insurance claim, certify for benefits, and get up-to-date claim and payment information. Delivery drivers are impacted too, even though theres still business from restaurants open for takeout only. Is Pennsylvania currently accepting unemployment applications for rideshare and delivery drivers? Right now, you can receive compensation for time as far back as the end of January 2020, when income began to shrink due to the pandemic. He has not publicly stated intent to pursue the gig companies on AB 5, and there has been no indication from Newsoms office if he backs such a move. You can answer NO even if you did not log into Uber or Lyft. They will get these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, depending on how they normally get their benefits, Treasury officials said in a statement.. Every Lyft and Uber driver I have interviewed since January has asked me the same thing: If AB 5 is law, then why I am not an employee? Late last week, she finally got a hold of someone at Californias Employment Development Department (EDD). Are you applying for unemployment and/or a Small Business Administration grant or loan? PDFs of your annual and weekly earnings statements are easily available for download or printing on the web dashboard: From a web browser, log onto your driver dashboard (https://www.lyft.com/login), Annual earnings statements and tax forms (if necessary) are available from the web dashboard or app: Driver Dashboard > Tax Information > Documents, Weekly earnings statements are available on the web dashboard:> Driving History > Select Week of Driving > Select "Download Weekly Summary". We recommend rideshare and delivery drivers in Pennsylvania apply now to receive unemployment benefits. Look for more visibility of when Tennessee will enact these changes in the next few days. Boost your gig driver earnings with Gridwise! Ride-hailing trips dropped as much as 80 percent in major cities, according to data released in the companies earnings calls and quarterly reports. Lyft and Uber have claimed to have over 500,000 drivers in California. The New York Department of Labor initially found that Lowry was an employee of Uber, making Uber liable for his unemployment insurance claim. Drivers in Colorado are eligible for up to $618 per week for up to 26 weeks. unemployment compensation program still apply, just as they have since the CARES Act was passed last March. As we said before, most applications are still designed to cater to salaried and hourly workers. You will have to answer a lot of questions about your demographics, your income, and the reason why youre filing. Policy experts said it was unusual for such a vast pool of workers under the umbrella of multibillion-dollar corporations to tap into that money. Delivering with Uber is a great way to supplement your part time or full time income. Once youre on the Uber platform, log in to the app and you can start making money. Be ready and willing to accept work immediately. This isnt Ohio workers compensation, but its a way to protect yourselfif you can afford it. The Minnesota state unemployment website says drivers and other self employed individuals are able to apply for unemployment under the Pandemic Unemployment Program now. It is always important to be available to work and not to refuse work while receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Finally, if you do not have health insurance, please apply for either MediCal (for individuals netting up to $17,237/year) or for a health insurance plan through Covered California (individuals making up to $49,960/year will get a subsidy). What benefits are rideshare drivers eligible for? Apr 28, 2020. Levine said these companies are so large that they could intimidate anyone who is trying to take them to court. I said that I could no longer work due to Public Health reasons. When your application is rejected by this system, a link to the site needed to apply to PUA will appear. Question 4 can confuse people too: Did you refuse any work? It is approved to draw from the federal governmentas much as $10 billion by the end of July. The UI process asks for your gross income month by month over 18 months. Benefits can be up to a maximum of $397 per week, for up to 39 weeks, plus the $600 per week offered by the federal government. Coronavirus update:New Hampshire is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here:https://www.nhes.nh.gov/documents/covid-19-poster-03172020.pdf. This is directly from the IRS website: The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. Benefits can be up to a maximum of $508 per week for up to 39 weeks, plus the $600 per week offered by the federal government. This Is How Uber lyft drivers and gig workers can Apply For Unemployment Benefits. Its free and easy to use. Fax your application to the number listed on the form. Are you a driver suffering from Uber driver unemployment? PUA is funded by the federal government, while UI is a state program that employers pay into. The EDD did not respond to a request for comment. However, be sure to have your previous year 1099s and tax return info ready. Because of this lack of activity, its still pretty hard to rely on rideshare driving to make a living. This is over and above anything you might receive from the state. Important Next Steps After You File a Claim, Passport or passport card (US or foreign), Employment Authorization Card (I-766) issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ID Card, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), National ID card (only if you live outside of the US), Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Personal Identity Verification card, School documents (ID with photograph, school record, report card), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214), National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22), Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350), Canadian Indian and Northern Affairs card. Given this information, drivers in Indiana will likely need to wait until the state sets up their portal to file. You may also have the option of applying by phone if you have lots of questions or just want to talk to someone. Terms apply. that can link you to the website for your state. Is South Carolina currently accepting applications for Unemployment? It will review your driving record and criminal history. KQED spoke with one driver in Daly City who had gone through this whole process and who doesnt want to use his name for fear of Uber kicking him off the app. If you grossed more than $46,800 in the last year, you are eligible to receive the maximum UI benefits of $450/week, and you dont have to break down all your earnings. Drivers in Idaho are eligible for up to $448 per week for up to 20 weeks. Aside from the monetary implications, there's a looming legal question. Plus, the federal government is sweetening things with that additional $300 per week on top of normal unemployment compensation. She says it is disappointing that a EDD representative would tell a driver to apply for PUA instead of UI. @UDM@Dark Road Run@Uber Man Tampa@DarrenLevyOfficial @The Rideshare Rookie @Rideshare PA@godonniecom@Creative JNew Uber Driver Tips Disclaimer- I am not a financial expert or advisor. We recommend drivers apply as soon as possible. I said I stopped working March 1st when the pandemic kicked into full force. However, I recommend you go online and apply right away. The executive who tried to buy The Baltimore Sun plans a rival news outlet. Is Ohio currently accepting unemployment applications for rideshare and delivery drivers? Drivers in Iowa are eligible for up to $481 per week for up to 26 weeks. Some drivers report being able to choose the option for Self Employed. In most states the economy hasnt recovered; there are no bustling bars or restaurants, the airports are quiet, and hotels are nearly empty. Meanwhile, its good to know drivers can feel safe about the continued flow of unemployment benefits, which kick in as of December 26, 2020. For PUA you can do stuff that expands your business (not sure how that would apply for an Uber driver) but you can also do regular work search activities-There is a good guide here about work search activities. When responding to that case an Uber spokesperson gave WIRED a similar statement as issued to the SF Weekly . According to The New York Times, The Treasury said the I.R.S. Is Nevada currently accepting unemployment applications for rideshare and delivery drivers? Get information on layoff alternatives, preventing fraud, and more. As a rideshare or delivery driver, you would qualify. If you served in the military, worked for a federal government agency, or worked in a state outside of California within the last 18 months, you mustreapply for a new claim by phone, mail, or fax. After you file, you will receive important documents from us within two weeks of filing for unemployment. Eventually when this calms down, Vigne said, we anticipate that the state will go after these companies who havent paid into the fund, who havent been reporting earnings on behalf of workers so that the fund could be paid back.. Individuals in Kansas who have become temporarily or permanently unemployed to to COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits. Your employment information for the last 18 months to two years. Youll need to set up an account, if you dont already have one, so the state can contact you if necessary and you can easily access your information. Drivers in the District of Columbia are eligible for up to $444 per week for up to 26 weeks. No separate website for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is available at this time. The funds will be direct-deposited to your bank account if the IRS has your banking information. This applies to rideshare and delivery drivers. Drivers using the Uber platform come from all backgrounds and industries ranging from traditional driving and transportation industries to other industries. Newsoms office did not provide a comment by the time of publication. We have seen many accounts of drivers receiving benefits yet inGeorgia, so we recommend rideshare and delivery drivers inGeorgiaapply now to receive unemployment benefits. If you are eligible for regular unemployment benefits, you are likely not eligible for the new PUA program. This Is How Uber lyft drivers and gig workers can Apply For Unemployment Benefits. You must have a Social Security number, however, as those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers cannot collect unemployment benefits. The CARES Act was slated to expire on December 26, 2020, but recent events have allowed its benefits to continueat least for now.In this article, well answer some of the most common questions about unemployment compensation and other benefits for drivers, including: We want to give you as much information as possible here, but because this is all so new, much of the process you need to go through to secure unemployment compensation is still in flux. We hope the COVID crisis will end soon and rideshare business will boom once again, but no one knows when that might happen. Information about any other work that you do, especially as a self-employed contractor. However, be sure to have your previous year 1099s and tax return info ready. Drivers have tons of expenses gas, wear and tear on their car, phone bills meaning their gross is much higher than their net earnings, which means they would earn more money through UI instead of PUA. Gridwise helps rideshare and delivery drivers earn more money in less time. Weve seen rideshare drivers getting denied and getting approved. If you are unable to verify your identity through ID.me when applying online, you will need to file a claim by phone, fax, or mail. A federal judges decision in New York is a key victory in efforts to secure the protections extended to other workers. It requested that the governor ask the EDD to change the language on their website. The answer is, if youre a driver for Uber, Lyft, GrubHub, Postmates, or another driving or delivery service, and youre an independent contractor yes. The federal guidance for PUA talks about gig-economy workers, and this may come up in your application. Drivers in Utah are eligible for up to $580 per week for up to 26 weeks. Drivers in Massachusettsare eligible for up to $823 per week for up to 26 weeks. To File an Out of State claim by phone, residents should call the Interstate Unit at 1-800-529-8339. Florida unemployment benefits are available to any individual who has lost their work through no fault of their own as a result of COVID19. The best way to apply for unemployment is to Google Unemployment Application ___________ and enter your state. If its less than that, youll want to divide your 1099MISC by 4 and add that to your best quarter. But he didn't want to give up and settle for PUA instead of UI because he didnt want federal taxpayers to contribute to his unemployment when Uber and Lyft werent. UI Online will take you to the ID.me login page. Apply online, and we will notify you when your new claim is processed. But that should not be a reason to hold back, Levine said. Wagel considers herself a Lyft employee, so she says it is only fair that her employer pays some of the cost instead of federal tax payers. Individuals in Utah who have become temporarily or permanently unemployed due to COVID-19, have been placed under quarantine, or have had their place of employment quarantined due to COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Program. Their website states the following: UI benefits for self-employed persons and bona fide independent contractors are covered through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program under THE CARES Act. One of the hardest things about answering this and many other questions is that unemployment compensation varies widely from state to state. Individuals in Nevada who have become temporarily or permanently unemployed to to COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits. Last fall, as soon as AB 5 garnered enough votes to pass, the city attorney in San Diego filed a lawsuit against Instacart, but that case is still snarled in the legal system. Labor advocates worry that if drivers opt for PUA, which is a more straightforward process than getting UI, it will lend credence to the argument Uber and Lyft are making that their workers are indeed contractors, not employees. is accepting unemployment applications for rideshare drivers and we have seen multiple drivers get approved. Individuals in Oklahoma who have become temporarily or permanently unemployed due to COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Program. Benefits can be up to a maximum of $618 per week, for up to 39 weeks, plus the $600 per week offered by the federal government. We recommend applying as soon as possible. Then finally she says, Listen, you want my advice, just apply for the PUA. The states attorney general, Xavier Becerra, has been far more reticent. Benefits can be up to a maximum of $586 per week,for up to 39 weeks, plus the $600 per week offered by the federal government. The maximum amount of unemployment in Maine is $378 per week for up to 39 weeks. There is no official definition of gig worker in state or federal law. Since there is no legal question over classification, getting PUA is less complicated, but UI offers almost certainly more money and potentially more long-term security. On March 27, 2020, emergency legislation known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was signed into law. And if I don't take it later finding out I missed out . Have Questions or Need Help Applying for Unemployment Compensation? Jerome Gage, a Lyft driver in Los Angeles, applied for unemployment in early March because his income had dropped so much. It depends on what answer is available to you for me, in California, I chose Airport Delivery Service. While the pandemic could make organizing a big case difficult, Levine said the fact that California is directly paying unemployment for Uber and Lyft is incentivizing the state to sort this out. First, its almost certainly more money. As of April 19th, 2020The DES websitesays Arizonans are awaiting guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, but they do encourage self-employed people to apply right now. To find your benefit year end date,log in to UI OnlineSMand view yourClaim Summary. Federal Emergency Management Agency says Arizona hasnt been approved for unemployment assistance for self-employed people and the president would need to sign off on it, which hasnt happened yet. It does appear that drivers in New York can apply for unemployment under the Pandemic Unemployment Program now. Alabama unemployment benefits are available to any individual who has lost their work through no fault of their own as a result of COVID19. He has a family of five to support. We recommend rideshare and delivery drivers in Arizona apply now to receive unemployment benefits. Read Also: How Do I Change My Address For Unemployment Online. However, under the CARES Act, PUA benefits can be claimed retroactively beginning January 27, 2020, and until December 31, 2020. It does appear that the state of Maryland is accepting unemployment applications for rideshare drivers and we have seen multiple drivers get approved. The first payments, $600 per individual taxpayer, rolled out in January 2021. This is over and above anything you might receive from the state. Is Wisconsin currently accepting applications for Unemployment? But instead, Uber, Lyft and other gig companies continued doing business as usual. Answer all questions and honestly and here are a few tips: You May Like: What Time Does Nc Unemployment Direct Deposit. With all that money as a cushion, staying at home may sound like an attractive proposition. We launched ID.me, a safe and easy way to verify your identity inUI Online. If your appointment has been canceled, it will no longer show inUI Online. Depending on how long the pandemic lasts, covering the tab on their unemployment could cost the state hundreds of millions or even more than a billion dollars. Individuals in Virginia who have become temporarily or permanently unemployed due to COVID-19, have been placed under quarantine, or cannot work because they are caring for a family member sick with COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Program. Get one at an affordable rate. A regular unemployment insurance benefit year ends 12 months after the claim started. Carole Vigne is a senior staff attorney at Legal Aid at Work, a nonprofit that is helping drivers get UI. Ive been laid off from my traditional job and normally drive with Lyft for a few hours a week, but now Im driving more. The answer is, if you're a driver for Uber, Lyft, GrubHub, Postmates, or another driving or delivery service, and you're an independent contractor - yes. 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