How do I apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance?

Updated March, 2021

To apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), you must apply for unemployment through your state’s labor department. Even though this is a federal program, the qualifications and benefit amount are still based on individual state laws.

If you have access to the Internet, visit the department’s website first to see if you can apply online. Department phone lines across the nations are likely extremely busy during these times, so if you have to call, expect very long wait times.

The method of applying has not been changed after President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law. The only update is that the program has been extended until September 6, 2021.

For more information on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance:

• What is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?
• Who qualifies for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance?
• How much money will I get from Pandemic Unemployment Assistance?
• What is Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)?
• What is Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)?