If you are one of the many Indiana residents who have lost their jobs amid the pandemic, you may be wondering about the process for applying to get unemployment insurance benefits in the state. Many in Indiana are asking when they will receive their benefits and wondering if their claims might be denied.
Understanding the New Indiana Unemployment Guidelines
To help better address some of the most common questions about the program and to help Hoosiers understand more clearly how they will be impacted here is some important information.
Eligibility requirements include:
- You lost your job because of the coronavirus pandemic, and your earnings and weekly eligibility requirements are met.
- You are medically quarantined because of the virus, have the minimum amount of wages, and you are not receiving sick pay or pay for leave while you are in quarantine.
- You are now caring for your children who were previously in daycare or at schools that are now closed because of the virus while you are not receiving sick pay or pay for leave from your employer, and you must also meet the minimum wage requirements.
- In some circumstances, if you are still working but your income has been impacted because your hours were reduced, you may still have eligibility
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) made the way for individuals to obtain unemployment insurance through:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides an expansion to benefits allowing self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and gig workers who do not normally qualify for benefits.
- Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) allows for $600 per week through the end of July for individuals who are eligible for state benefits. This money is in addition to state benefits.
Apply for benefits online. Use the automated system (UpLink) to submit claims and weekly vouchers at https://uplink.in.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm.
- Submit your voucher every week to obtain benefits to UpLink even if you have not been approved yet.
- During normal unemployment, there is a week-long waiting period but that has been waived.
- You are not required to look for work during the health crisis, but you must be willing to work.
- A yellow triangle in the UpLink system after you have filed means that you may need to provide more information. Claims investigators can take up to 21 days to contact you.
- If you are denied benefits, you can appeal for a hearing, but you must do so within 10 days from the date you were sent the determination of eligibility. Follow the instructions here to do so: https://www.in.gov/dwd/2356.htm.
Do You Need Help With Bankruptcy or a Family Law Issue in Indiana?
These are difficult times for many families in the state of Indiana and across the country. The future is unknown for a lot of us, but recent talks about plans to safely reopen the country are underway, providing a glimmer of hope that we can get back to work.
If your finances have been affected by the pandemic and you need to make a modification in alimony or child support payments or if you want to see if bankruptcy is the right route for you, Christopher L. Arrington, P.C. is an Indiana bankruptcy attorney who will help your family or financial situation.
As a Danville, Indiana family law lawyer, Christopher L. Arrington, P.C. cares about residents of Indiana which is why he offers exceptional service, free consultations, and cost-effective pricing. Call Christopher L. Arrington P.C.’s Danville family law firm at 317-745-4494 to schedule your free consultation today.