ALERT: On April 20, 2020, Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta announced that self-employed, gig workers, religious workers, people seeking part-time work, and others not eligible for regular unemployment assistance can now apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) via a brand new state web portal. In many cases, these “non-traditional” individuals will be eligible for a basic level of PUA unemployment benefits for up to 39-weeks in 2020, potentially retroactive to February 2, 2020, as well as a possible additional $600 per week for 13-weeks.
To receive these new and enhanced benefits, however, you must act quickly. Here is a link to the state’s brand-new application webpage: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assistance. In addition, the above page will take you to the just-published guidebook, which can also be found here: https://www.mass.gov/guides/pandemic-unemployment-assistance-benefits-guide. We suggest that you read the guidebook first, and gather all of your documents, before you apply.
If you need help, we are here for you. For many years, Attorney Nathan Olin has been assisting individuals secure unemployment benefits. You have a right to representation at any stage of an unemployment appeal. Accordingly, if you are denied assistance, and want to lodge an appeal, please contact Nathan Olin at nate@oliplaw.com or (413) 203-0010 immediately.
