Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Gig Workers – Navigate the MA Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Application – VLA

The Massachusetts Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is LIVE!

(via the Arts and Business Council newsletter)

Screenshot of the VLA PUA newsletter

“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits, including self-employed workers.

“Currently, the system can only pay benefits retroactively to the week ending March 14, 2020. Eligible workers will be able to certify for and to request benefits retroactively to January 27, 2020 if their dates of unemployment make them eligible.“

Check the continually updated unemployment guide for self-employed individuals (pdf).

Keep up-to-date with the Arts and Business Council’s COVID-19 Resource page.

To read Pandemic Unemployment Assistance newsletter in its entirety, click here!