I cannot work because my child’s school or daycare facility has closed due to COVID-19, and I need to stay home to take care of my child. Am I eligible for Unemployment Insurance?

You may be eligible for benefits under the PUA program. Under provisions of the PUA program, you may receive benefits if you are the primary caregiver for a child whose school or care facility closed due to COVID-19.

If you are unable to return to work due to your child being out of school due to COVID-19, you may be permitted to remain out of work for a limited time, and still collect UI benefits. Based on guidance provided by the US Department of Labor, this exception will only apply until the date the school year was scheduled to end prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have other reliable child care options, you may not be eligible for this exception. These cases will be investigated, and decisions will be issued on a case-by-case basis.