How much does PUA pay each week? The PUA benefit is based on your income from the 2019 tax year. You must provide proof of income via 1040 tax forms. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $169, while the maximum is $461.
How do I apply for PUA? Applying for PUA is a two-step process. First, apply for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits at www.jobs.state.nm.us to determine if your income is covered by the regular state Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. If determined ineligible for regular UI benefits, you will then be cleared to apply for PUA benefits. Once you are determined ineligible for regular benefits, you will be provided access to apply for PUA benefits through a link on your Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System homepage.
What counts as proof of income when I apply for PUA? Acceptable forms of proof of earnings include copies of 2019 income tax forms such as the following: Self-employed: Forms 1040; and schedules C, F, or SE Partnerships: Forms 1040, 1065, and schedule F, K-1 Corporations: Forms 1040, 1120, 1120A, and schedule E, SE 1099 or W2 (Updated 05/28/2020)
What are the requirements for PUA? You must be either unemployed or have hours reduced to fewer than 32 hours/week and must be earning less than the weekly amount of unemployment you receive. You must not be eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits. For example, those who are self-employed/business owners, independent contractors, 1099 and other gig-economy workers, and sole proprietors who do not pay unemployment premiums on their own income are generally not eligible to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits. You are able to work and available to accept work except that the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing you from doing that. You must provide an acceptable form of proof of earnings. Acceptable forms of proof include copies of income tax return forms such as a Form 1040. For a full list of acceptable forms, please refer to the FAQs.
What is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)? Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a new temporary federal program under the CARES Act that provides benefits to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance.