Two weeks ago Minnesota Unemployment Insurance program began making
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to people who are self-employed, independent contractors, and other eligible recipients who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
DEED has processed initial payments for nearly 60,000 people to date.
They have developed an updated FAQ for applicants: COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors.
Here’s what Minnesotans need to know about applying
• If you have already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you do not need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. DEED will automatically establish a PUA benefit account for you if you are eligible.
• If you have not applied for unemployment benefits yet, special instructions for self-employed and 1099 workers are available here . These instructions include steps you can take to make your account easily identifiable as potentially eligible for PUA.
o If you applied for unemployment benefits without following those instructions, don’t worry – you don’t need to change anything. Your account will still be reviewed for PUA eligibility.
• If you have not heard from DEED yet, don’t worry. There is no need to call or follow-up; you will hear from us proactively if we need additional information to determine eligibility.
• You will receive information about PUA benefits in your online account, by email, and by mail.
• Applicants who receive PUA benefits will also receive the $600/week additional payment.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans Money Still Available Through Lenders
The Paycheck Protection Program has money available to help Minnesota businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 through
participating lenders. The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to help small businesses and non-profits keep their workforce employed. PPP loans can be used for payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities, for the 8 weeks following the first loan disbursement.
For those using these loans to support their employees’ paychecks and other operations, the full principal amount of the loan may be forgiven if:
• At least 75% of proceeds must be used for payroll costs in the 8 weeks following the first loan disbursement
• Employee and compensation levels must be maintained
• No more than 25% of proceeds may be used for mortgage interest, rent, and utilities
Business hasn't stopped, and your Chamber hasn't either. We're all in this together.......Stay healthy!
