Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

Last updated: 1-6-21 at 7 am

NOTE: If you are looking for unemployment information as a W-2 employee, visit here.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides weekly benefit payments for those who are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits in Minnesota or any other state.

  • Under the original text of the CARES Act, PUA benefits were available for a maximum of 39 weeks and set to expire on December 26, 2020.
  • Under the new stimulus law signed on December 27, 2020, PUA benefits can now last for 11 more weeks (up to a maximum of 50 weeks).
  • The first week of PUA benefits under the new law is the week beginning December 27, 2020. You will be able to request payment for this week on or after January 3, 2021.

Will I qualify for the additional $300 payments?

  • For weeks of unemployment between December 27, 2020 – March 14, 2021: $300 per week additional payments are available to anyone receiving regular or extended unemployment benefits.

How do I apply?

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are specifically for self-employed, independent contractors, and other people who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits or extended UI benefits in Minnesota or any other state. This means you must apply for regular unemployment benefits before you can qualify for PUA benefits.

You can apply for regular unemployment benefits either online or by phone.

Once we determine that you are not eligible for a regular or extended benefit account, we will automatically review your account to determine if you are eligible for PUA. You will not need to complete a separate application for PUA.

Self-employed or an Independent Contractor

If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, make sure to follow our special step-by-step instructions on how to apply if you are self-employed.

I received money through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to pay myself. Do I need to report this money when I submit my weekly payment request?

  • Yes, PPP money is considered wages. You will need to report the gross income/hours the payment represents on your weekly benefit payment request.

Questions? Contact our payroll experts at (888) 388-1040.

Source: MN Unemployment Insurance