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Writer's pictureKira Livingston

Self-Employed, Contractors Can Apply Now for Unemployment Benefits

Self-employed workers and independent contractors in Arkansas who are out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), state officials announced late Monday.


Individuals can apply online for the PUA benefits from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week. Applicants can also call 1-844-908-2178 from 6 a.m.-4 p.m.


Those eligible for PUA benefits are:

  • Nonprofit employees;

  • Gig economy workers;

  • Individuals who work for employers exempt from participating in the regular unemployment insurance program;

  • Part-time workers without enough work history to qualify for regular unemployment benefits; and

  • Individuals impacted by COVID-19 but who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits due to a prior disqualification.

The program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits with weekly payments ranging from $133 to $451, based on income from the previous tax year (2019). The assistance period begins with the week ending Feb. 8 and ends with the week ending Dec. 26.


For those who qualify, the program will apply retroactively to the date they became unemployed for a qualifying coronavirus-related reason.  


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