What's a Pua Claim?

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

(PUA) is part of the federal assistance that helps unemployed Californians who are not usually eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.

Are individuals eligible for PUA if they quit their job because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are multiple qualifying circumstances related to COVID-19 that can make an individual eligible for PUA, including if the individual quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. Quitting to access unemployment benefits is not one of them.

Am I eligible for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

• Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
• Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a "base period." (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.)
• Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own state’s program.