If your net income (for self-employed workers) or gross wages (for gig workers) in 2019 was below $15,224, you do not have to upload your income information and will continue receiving the minimum benefit of $172 per week. If your earnings were higher than that in 2019, you are eligible for retroactive benefits up to a maximum benefit of $445 (claims filed before June 1) or $462 (claims filed after June 1) per week. You may receive those benefits automatically if the Department of Labor is able to match your tax information with your claim.
Beginning Aug 4, 2020, if your information was not automatically matched, you may submit your 2019 tax information to prove your earnings. Instructions for how to upload your tax documents can be found here.
More frequently asked questions:
- How many weeks will I receive benefits?
- I lost my job during the pandemic, but I have not yet applied for benefits. Am I still eligible? How do I apply?
- Am I required to look for work in order to receive unemployment benefits?
- What counts as engaging in work search activities?
- What if I am required to look for work to keep my benefits, but cannot because myself or a family member/ household member is part of an at risk group and can’t risk being exposed to COVID-19?
- What if my employer asks me to return to work, but I am unable to do so due to concerns related to COVID-19?
- What if I am offered a job, but I cannot start the job due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 or because I need to care for a child or other family member?
- I need to stay home from work because I have coronavirus/I have been advised or ordered to self-quarantine. What can I do to receive income while I am not working?
- A close family member of mine has COVID-19, and I will stay home from work to take care of them. What can I do to receive income while I’m not working?
- I am self-employed or a gig worker and have been receiving the minimum weekly benefit. How do I know if I am eligible for a higher benefit? How do I submit proof of income?
- If I am receiving unemployment benefits, and I am working part time or earning money from gig work, How do I fill out my weekly claim?
- Information on Overpayments due to error or appeal reversal
For all frequently asked questions, you can download a copy of our Know Your Rights document here.