Unemployment benefits coming for 1.5M self-employed Californians
More help is on the way for people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. It comes as the number of unemployment claims in California is skyrocketing.
A record-breaking 2.7 million Californians filed for unemployment over the last month.
For Bonnie Lynch of Indian Wells, it's been a waiting game for some much needed assistance from the state.
"I've gone through my savings, the little bit I've tucked away to get me through the summer," Lynch said. "That's what's gotten me through till now."
She works as an esthetician, specializing in cosmetic skin treatments. She is self-employed with no employees, working out of a small office she rents in Indian Wells.
"I haven't worked since the middle of March, so no money coming in since then," Lynch said. "I have rent to pay; I still have to pay rent at work as well. I don't want to lose that space. So it's getting down to the wire."
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that California is working on the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which will provide benefits to people who are self-employed, gig workers and independent contractors. Newsom said that represents 1.5 million Californians.
The Employment Development Department said it's best to apply for benefit payments online. You can find a step-by-step guide here. In addition, there are video tutorials here.
In addition, Newsom signed an executive order extending the hours of call centers from 8am-8pm, seven days per week. He's also redirecting more than 1,300 state employees to help process claims.
That's good news for people like Lynch, because in this case, time is money.
"My little business savings is going to be gone within a couple weeks, so hopefully i can have something coming in in a couple weeks," Lynch said. "It's going to be really close."
Newsom said the PUA program will be rolled out starting April 28. He expects the state will be able to turn around those benefits within 24-48 hours.
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