COVID-19 - Employment Issues and Unemployment Benefits

Legal Information

Other COVID-19 Problems

Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.

Federal Court Finder

Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.

Waiver of Benefit Overpayment - PUA, PEUC or FPUC

A waiver is available for non-fraud overpayments of benefits for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

Learn how to file for unemployment benefits online (Video)

Informative video describing how to file for unemployment compensation benefits online in Pennsylvania.

Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings

Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.

COVID-19 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides unemployment assistance to “covered individuals,” i.e., self-employed, those seeking parttime employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history, and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular UC or extended benefits under state or Federal law or the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program created by Section 2107 of the CARES Act of 2020. These individuals include certain gig economy workers, clergy, and those working for religious organizations who are not covered by regular UC. This brochure offers detailed information on the program.

FILE AN INITIAL CLAIM - Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal CARES act, there are federal unemployment programs available to assist in the event you have exhausted regular unemployment or typically ineligible. Here is information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on applying for regular unemployment benefits and the the special pandemic-related programs, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

Filing for Benefits - Unemployment Benefits

Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on filing Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation and on filing a weekly claim; reopening an existing claim. Information is also provided on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

Payment/1099G FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry about Form UC-1099G related to unemployment compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

People should be on the lookout for identity theft involving unemployment benefits

Scammers took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made as a result of these fraudulent claims went to the identity thieves. This Tax Tip from the IRS offers advice on what to do if you receive an incorrect form 1099-G regarding unemployment benefits.

Unemployment Benefits - Guide

This guide will help you navigate the process of applying for unemployment compensation and connect you with additional resources available as part of the federal and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What's wrong with my UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM? -- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

This troubleshooting guide explains common issues that many claimants may experience with unemployment compensation claims and offers suggested action steps that can help speed up the process or fix the issue.

Guide on Applying for Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment Compensation benefits help you replace your income when you have lost work through no fault of your own. Generally, you must be a W2 worker and have enough work history from the last 18 months to qualify for unemployment compensation benefits. However, after a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision, app based gig drivers are also now eligible for state unemployment compensation. This guide explains how to apply for benefits.

Learn how to file for unemployment benefits online (Video)

Informative video describing how to file for unemployment compensation benefits online in Pennsylvania.

How to Choose your Reason for Separation on the UC Application

When you apply for Unemployment Compensation you have to state a "reason for separation" Here are common scenarios during the coronavirus crisis to help you figure out what to select under "reason for separation".

How to Appeal Unemployment Compensation Denials

Information on how to file an appeal if your application for Unemployment Compensation is denied, including information about denials during the COVID-19 Crisis.

COVID-19 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides unemployment assistance to “covered individuals,” i.e., self-employed, those seeking parttime employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history, and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular UC or extended benefits under state or Federal law or the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program created by Section 2107 of the CARES Act of 2020. These individuals include certain gig economy workers, clergy, and those working for religious organizations who are not covered by regular UC. This brochure offers detailed information on the program.

Mistakes and Misinformation from Employers about Unemployment Compensation

There are many misconceptions about unemployment compensation so it is important that workers know their rights and the rules around UC benefits. Many employers are uncertain about information regarding unemployment compensation and may furnish you incorrect information. Here are facts to help you determine if what you are told is correct.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Pennsylvania.

Returning to Work During Coronavirus

Answers to some frequently asked questions from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia about returning to work following a shutdown during the COVID-19 crisis.

Understanding & Challenging PUA Monetary Determinations in Pennsylvania

You’ve applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and received your Monetary Determination. This guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance will explain how your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated for your PUA claim and what you can do if you believe your WBA is incorrect.

Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19

Resources and information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance for Pensylvanians seeking unemployment compensation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unemployment Compensation in Pennsylvania FAQs

Answers to common questions about Unemployment Compensation, including issues arising during the COVID-19 crisis from Philadelphia Legal Assistance.

Waiver of Benefit Overpayment - PUA, PEUC or FPUC

A waiver is available for non-fraud overpayments of benefits for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

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