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Unemployment Resources

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The COVID-19 pandemic response has had a tremendous impact on the economy. Fortunately, there are many resources available to those who have lost their jobs as a result of the response to contain the pandemic.  

Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Employers
The Department of Unemployment Assistance recently compiled a comprehensive guide for employers as the State prepares to lift restrictions.

Click on the following link to access the guide: Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work.

File for Unemployment
You should apply for unemployment benefits during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Most claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing. It may take longer if there is an issue with your claim.

The Norwood MassHire Career Center office put together this helpful step by step guide explaining how to file for unemployment online, linked HERE.

Many filers have experienced problems logging in to their account because their password needs to be reset. If this happens to you, this resource may provide you with the assistance you need, linked HERE.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) 
This program will provide an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting regular Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Extended Benefits, Trade Readjustment Act, or Disaster Unemployment Assistance.  Eligible claimants and those already receiving unemployment benefits do not need to do anything for the additional $600 to be added to their weekly benefit amount. This benefit will be available for all new claimants filing for regular Unemployment Compensation.

Click HERE to read the press release about the FPUC and PUA.
The Norwood MassHire office developed a list of FAQs for the FPUC, linked HERE.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
“The Baker-Polito Administration announced today, April 20th, that Massachusetts residents who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits can now apply online for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.” Here is the link to the application: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assistance.

PUA will provide up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not working as a result of COVID-19 and are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and others who otherwise would not qualify for regular UC or EB under state or federal law or PEUC. These individuals will not be able to claim benefits directly through the UI Online System in Massachusetts, as of this time. The Department of Unemployment Assistance has engaged a vendor to build a new platform to disburse PUA benefits. Eligible claimants under PUA will be retroactively compensated with this benefit beginning February 2, 2020, or the first week a claimant was unable to work as a result of COVID-19, whichever date is later. The last week this benefit is payable is the week ending December 26, 2020.

The Norwood MassHire office developed an easy to read PUA guidebook, linked HERE.
Click HERE to read the Department of Unemployment Assistance's list of PUA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers.
Click HERE to read the press release about the PUA.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Sole proprietors are eligible for funding through the Paycheck Protection Program. Am I a sole proprietor? Click HERE to review the SBA's definition of a sole proprietor.  The Town has created a web page of resources for Norwood businesses, which includes information about the PPP, linked HERE. You may also contact the Community Planning and Economic Development Department by email CPED@norwoodma.gov or by phone at (781) 915-4742

The Norwood MassHire Career Center compiled a fact sheet for the PPP, linked HERE.

Sole proprietors will be eligible for unemployment compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Click HERE for more information.

Norwood MassHire Career Center
We are incredibly fortunate to have a MassHire office in Norwood. If you have questions about unemployment compensation, completing an application, etc. do not hesitate to reach out to the Norwood MassHire Career Center. 

Operations Manager, Antoine Jones can be reached at the following:

MassHire also job portal for those looking for fulltime employment or temporary employment for those furloughed due to COVID-19, linked HERE.

Money Geek Recommendations
Money Geek has compiled a list of helpful recommendations for individuals who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, linked here:Resources for Workers Impacted by Coronavirus Layoffs and Lost Wages.