The CARES Act signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020, gives states the option of extending unemployment compensation to independent contractors and other workers who are ordinarily ineligible for unemployment bene�ts.

This has created some confusion over how exactly gig economy workers, the self-employed, and freelancers should go about proving they are entitled to unemployment bene�ts under the CARES Act.

You can contact your state’s unemployment insurance o�ce learn more about the availability of these bene�ts where you live. Find your State’s Unemployment Insurance O�ce on the US Department of Labor’s website.

Here are a few resources to check out if you are an independent contractor who needs some help navigating the COVID-19 crisis:

1. Department of Labor: Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak. Information on eligibility and applying for unemployment bene�ts, FAQ’s, news releases and more.

2. Freelancers Union. Information about government relief programs and how they apply to freelancers, health insurance updates, housing protection measures and more.

3. Gig Workers Rising. Resource and advocacy group for app and platform workers, particularly Uber and Lyft LYFT drivers.

4. COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources. Includes livestream panel discussions, legal resources, health and mental health support and more.

5. PHLEARN. Educational platform that o�ers tutorials on creative software, but it has also put together a substantial list of COVID-19 resources for the creative community.

6. New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). Relief options for individuals across the country including housing, health, �nancial, legal and public assistance resources and COVID-19.

7. Kickstarter. Immediate and long-term grant opportunities, general resources about applying for federal coronavirus relief, legal aid options and advice on how nonpro�ts can navigate the pandemic.

Resources for Gig Workers and Freelancers

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Visit ibhworklife.com (User name: Ma�ers Password: wlm70101), schedule services by filling in our contact form. Connect to a counselor for free support services: 1-800-386-7055 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)