PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance)

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a federal program introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial support to individuals who lost income due to COVID-19-related circumstances. Unlike regular unemployment benefits, PUA covers self-employed workers, gig workers, freelancers, and others not traditionally eligible for state unemployment insurance. It offers extended, temporary help by providing weekly monetary payments to help individuals meet essential needs while job opportunities are limited. PUA was designed to address gaps in traditional unemployment programs caused by the unique employment situations stemming from the pandemic.