Unemployment – COVID-19 – PUA
Hi Terry! I enjoy listening to you on WGN radio! I am an independent contractor, currently unemployed because my only client closed their business due to the pandemic (hopefully a temporary close, but who knows?) and because I am home with two small children who are out of school with day care unavailable. I had a long wait before my PUA unemployment money started coming, but I am getting my deposits regularly now and I am financially ok for the summer. My kids are going to do in-person learning for half-days, five days a week, so I will be available to work part-time once they start school. I had worked in the travel industry, and I have very little hope of that job returning, so I would like to get a job someplace else, perhaps at a grocery store or something – I’m just looking for ANY work. However, I am well aware that my kids’ school could close at any time, and if so then I will have to quit my job to stay home with them and do remote learning again. If so, would I be able to get unemployment insurance if I just work for a bit and then quit? Or am I better off NOT finding a job, and just waiting it out at home until I’m sure the school will remain open? (And that may not be for a very long time). Thank you for your help!
Terry Says
Oh, this is a tough situation. I would stay at home and get as much PUA as you are eligible for. Perhaps there will be more federal benefits, after the $600/week has run out. If you start work at a regular job now, you won’t have earned enough to qualify for unemployment based on W-2 wages. Sad, but true.
A thought: Other mothers are in the same situation– but might be required to go back to work. Any chance you could add to your hassle and take care of a neighbor’s child in the same grade? Might seem more like “school” to all the kids — and you could earn some cash?!
