Frequently Asked Questions about
Unemployment Benefits & Health Insurance
We know many Cranford residents have been laid off or furloughed and there is frustration and confusion about unemployment benefits, eligibility, and the application process. We hope this information is helpful but urge you to check the state and federal websites for more details.
Q. Am I eligible?
A
. If you lost your job or were furloughed because of coronavirus, or if the company you work for is temporarily or permanently closed because of it, you qualify for weekly unemployment payments from the state where you work.
Q. What is the CARES Act?
A.
The CARES Act is a rescue package that allows self-employed, sole proprietors, freelancers and gig workers to qualify for benefits. The payment amount is based on what you earned and aims to replace about half of your previous income.
Q. Is there other financial aid?
A.
The $2.2 trillion CARES Act will also provide one-time $1,200 payments to adults making as much as $75,000, and $2,400 payment to married couples making less than $150,000 combined. Parents will also receive $500 for each dependent child. Single people making $75,000 but less than $99,000 will receive a lesser amount.
Q. Is it based on your tax return?
A.
If the IRS doesn’t have your 2019 return, it will use your 2018 return to calculate your relief payment.
Q. What about my health insurance
?
A
. If you were furloughed, you will probably still get your health insurance coverage. You should check with your employer for details.
Q. How do I find out about jobs?
A.
There are more than 50,000 jobs available from 742 employers. NJ keeps jobs information on the COVID-19 website.
www.jobs.covid19.nj.gov
You should also check
a guide to filing a PUA claim
as an independent contractor, self-employed worker, or gig worker. It contains information about documents and information that you will need to provide to qualify. The PUA application is currently not available but DOL is working around the clock to make the new PUA benefits system available, but until implementation is complete, you should start the process of qualifying for PUA today.
DOL also released
a guide to filing a PUA claim
with information about documents and information that you will need to provide to qualify. The PUA application is currently not available but DOL is working around the clock to make the new PUA benefits system available, but until implementation is complete, you should start the process of qualifying for PUA today.
