The Vermont Department of Labor has now created a portal to make unemployment benefits available to the self-employed and independent contractors:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides support for workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, freelancers, gig workers, and others.)
The benefits are available to those who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency. Funding is provided by the federal government and distributed by the state, similar to Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
PUA benefits are calculated based on a claimants reported prior earnings. PUA will provide for lost wages, including an additional $600/week for each week of lost wages, which is an added supplement for all unemployment benefits provided by the federal government during the COVID-19 crisis.
