In an effort to provide some relief from the economic woes of COVID-19, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law, bringing unemployment benefits to Uber Drivers, gig economy workers, and other independent contractors who before would have been left with no social safety net. The benefits are part of a broader range of support offered under the CARES Act that gives financial support to corporations, loan opportunities for small businesses, and a one-time $1200 check for some Americans.
As the legislation was passed only a few days ago, it will likely take several weeks before state agencies begin to process unemployment insurance claims from those seeking aid. After processing requests, After that, it will probably take more time to get this assistance in the hands of those who need it.
POINTS FOR UBER DRIVERS, GIG WORKERS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
- Independent contractors such as Uber workers and Doordash employees are now eligible for up to 39 weeks of expanded unemployment insurance. This financial assistance is available for coronavirus-related causes of unemployment, and it applies from January 27-December 31, 2020.
- Every individual receiving unemployment insurance due to COVID-19 will also be eligible to receive an extra $600 per week through July 31, 2020. The provision was added onto the CARES Act shortly before the final vote by Presidential Hopeful, Senator Bernie Sanders.
- If you made less than $75,000 in 2019, you would likely be eligible to receive a one-time $1,200 tax rebate check from the federal government. Officials expect this check to arrive within the next 3-4 weeks.
- The government has been authorized to make new types of small business loans available to the self-employed, including independent workers, uber drivers, and gig workers without full-time jobs. These loans may be used to cover expenses such as auto loan payments.
As the situation around COVI-19 further develops, further updates to aid will be provided, and specific resources that can help you understand the legislation and learn about how to take advantage of the relief package will be shared. For those seeking more information, independent workers can visit the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Benefits Finder, as well as the Stride | Uber Independent Worker’s Guide to COVID-19.
