Transcript
Last week 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits, as businesses continue to close and lay off workers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
This is a new historic high.
And millions more are expected to file.
If you’re one of them, here’s what you need to know.
The US Department of Labor is urging people to contact their state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after a job loss.
The department says you should file your claim in the same state where you worked.
You’ll be asked for information like the dates you were employed.
The agency says it generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.
The recently passed two trillion dollar economic stimulus package has also allowed more Americans to qualify for benefits.
The Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides emergency assistance to workers who are typically not eligible for unemployment insurance coverage.
This includes self-employed workers, independent contractors and employees with limited work history.
It also allows for short-time compensation.
This helps employers avoid layoffs by putting workers on part-time schedules with partial unemployment benefits to help make up for some of the lost income.
Posted – 4.2.20