You can apply for assistance even if you have a gap in your employment history. Wishing you all peace of mind and good health!
http://https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-1...s/default.aspx
I don’t know why The link isn’t working, but I’m sure it’s something I’m doing wrong on my end. Google the Cares Act and you’ll find the link!
Originally Posted by Dreamgurrl
A working link is
https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-b...g-for-PUA.aspx
If you follow along to the handbook (
https://www.uc.pa.gov/Documents/UC_F...20%2005-20.pdf and reads the handbook, there's a very important quote very early on:
PROOF OF INCOME/WAGES IS REQUIRED
If this agency has no record of your income/wages and you have provided no proof, the following important message applies to you:
20 CFR 625.6, in part, requires that an individual must furnish documentation to substantiate the wages earned from or paid for such employment or self-employment. This documentation must be submitted within 21 calendars days of the filing of the initial application for PUA. However, an individual will be provided the minimum PUA WBA if Pennsylvania does not have any existing wage records and the claimant does not provide documentation to support a higher PUA WBA. This could result in an overpayment of benefits, with applicable appeal rights.
As has been reported in the press, they are coming after people who filed without documentation and clawing the money back. In simple terms: you have to have reported income in 2019. It's how they determine the state portion (eg, all you get after 25-July):
For purposes of computing the WBA, the net income as reported on the tax return for a self-employed individual shall be used
To be fair, they go on to say this:
When an individual is unable to provide a copy of the prior year’s income tax return, acceptable documentation of wages earned or paid during Calendar Year 2019 includes, but is not limited to, pay check stubs, bank receipts, business records, ledgers, contracts, invoices, and billing statements
So, here's the thing: there is likely some subset of attorney or tax accountant willing to play in a gray area on those things, but if one didn't do it already for 2019, the ask is a bit daunting. Don't believe me--call an expert and ask. What they are going to tell you is that the risk lies in how deeply they decide to (or not) audit this program retrospectively. The mild risk is "pay us back the money." The worst case risk is "you lied to the government to obtain a benefit you don't qualify for, and will be jailed."
Bottom line (and feel free to blow money on legal / tax consults because I'm just an internet rando): If you want some PUA, have reportable/recorded income. If you don't have any of that, getting this slice of government cheese isn't likely possible without legal risk or paying for legal advice to minimize said risk. Plus, there are already reports they are working on clawing back the ill-gotten.
Stay safe out there.