Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program

Designed for unemployed Californians who are:

• Business owners (Sole Proprietors)

• Self-employed

• Independent contractors

• Have limited work history

• Others not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits who are out of business or services are significantly reduced as a direct result of the pandemic.

 The provisions of the program include:

• Up to 39 weeks of benefits starting with weeks of unemployment.

• An additional $600 to each PUA weekly benefit amount you may be eligible to receive.

• A new 13-week federal extension for those who run out of their regular state-provided UI benefits.

• Benefits can be retroactive to weeks starting on or after February 2, 2020.

PUA overview
Eligibility
How to file a PUA claim