CARES Act expands unemployment assistance during pandemic
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)—a sweeping, third-wave relief package assembled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—became law on March 27. Read on to learn how the Act affects jobless benefits for people affected by the public health crisis.
More jobless benefits for more people
The CARES Act expands the list of people who qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits, the amount an individual may be eligible to receive, and the length of time the relief can be provided.
Who. Under the CARES Act, unemployment benefits are available for individuals who wouldn't otherwise qualify for the payments. They include independent contractors or any individual who is self-employed but is unemployed, partially employed, or unable or unavailable to work for the following reasons: