Updated: 2021-01-29 10:00 EDT

Disclaimer: These FAQs are subject to change based on new information. Additionally, due to modifications of the UI program as a result of COVID-19 responses, many of the FAQs have modified answers. Please check back frequently. This website is not intended as legal advice. Any responses to specific questions are based on the facts as we understand them and the law that was current when the responses were written. They are not intended to apply to any other situations. This communication is not an agency order. If you need legal advice, you must consult an attorney.

On December 28, 2020, the President of the United States signed the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020 (CAA).  This legislation extends the UC programs created by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into 2021.  The CAA also added a new unemployment program – the Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation program (MEUC) for certain unemployed individuals engaged in self-employment.

Program Description

• Extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a program for the self-employed including independent contractors and gig workers, by 11 weeks through March 13, 2021 (50 weeks total).
• Extends Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) by 11 weeks through March 13, 2021 (24 weeks total).  Please note that PEUC benefits will phase out beginning on March 14, 2021.Claimants with benefit weeks remaining may receive PUA and PEUC through April 10, 2021. 
• Provides an additional $300 weekly Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit to eligible claimants for 11 weeks through March 13, 2021.
• The MEUC Program provides $100 of additional UC benefits to certain eligible individuals who are also engaged in self-employment. Please note that individuals receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments may not receive MEUC payments

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the additional $300 FPUC payment in effect?

For weeks ending 01/02/21 through 03/13/21

When do I start getting the extra $300 a week?

Delaware began paying the extra $300 on January 4, 2021. This was the first week the benefit could be paid. Beginning the week ending January 2, 2021 (paid out to eligible claimants the following week of Jan. 3-9, 2021) and all eligible weeks through March 13, 2021, individuals will receive the extra $300 FPUC for all weeks they receive UC, PEUC, Extended Benefits (EB), or PUA benefits. 

I already filed a weekly claim for past weeks, do I still get the extra $300?  When will I receive it?

Individuals will receive the $300 FPUC for all weeks they receive unemployment compensation, PEUC, EB, and PUA, beginning the week that ends on January 2, 2021, and all eligible weeks through March 13, 2021.

Do I need to apply for FPUC?

No.  The $300 additional FPUC payment will be automatically added to payments each week a claimant is eligible regardless of the program they are on (UI, PUA, PEUC or EB).

When is PEUC in effect?

PEUC provides for an additional 11 weeks of benefits beginning with weekending 1/2/21 through 3/13/21 Individuals who are receiving PEUC at the end of the program, and who have not yet exhausted their PEUC entitlement at the end of the program may continue to collect PEUC for any week in which they have remaining entitlement and are otherwise eligible. However, no PEUC is payable for any week beginning after April 5, 2021. 

I already filed a weekly claim for past weeks, do I still get the extra $300?  When will I receive it?

The $300 FPUC benefit is only available beginning the week ending January 2, 2021. 

I’m not usually eligible for UI but am now eligible because of the extension of the CARES Act?  Do I get the extra $300 a week?

Yes, all individuals who are eligible to receive regular UC, PEUC, EB, or PUA beginning the week ending January 2, 2021 will receive the $300 FPUC per week.

Will the extra $300 a week affect my eligibility for public assistance programs?

The extra $300 FPUC per week will not affect eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP.    

Please note that the extra $300 FPUC per week will affect eligibility for SNAP.

My job reduced my hours and I am collecting UI or will be filing for UI.  Am I eligible for the extra $300 a week?

Yes. If you qualify for at least $1 in UC, PEUC, EB or PUC benefits for the week, you are eligible to receive the $300 FPUC benefit.

Do I have to pay taxes on the extra $300?

Yes, FPUC is taxable. If you have elected to have federal taxes withheld from your UC, PEUC, EB or PUA benefit payment, we will withhold 10% from the FPUC payment as well. 

When should I apply for extended benefits?

If you are currently filing on an existing claim, you do not need to take any further action or call the department. Please continue to file your weekly certification. Changes as a result of the COVID-19 relief bill will be automatically updated on your claim and we will keep you informed of potential eligibility.

How do I know if I should apply for “regular” unemployment compensation (UC) or for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?

If you are currently filing on an existing claim, you do not need to take any further action or call the department. Please continue to file your weekly certification. If you have not yet filed a claim, you must first apply for traditional unemployment compensation. Initial claims can be filed at UI.Delawareworks.com. If you are not eligible for traditional UC benefits, you may be eligible for PUA benefits. If we believe you are eligible for PUA, you will receive a letter informing you of how to apply for PUA benefits.

Related Topics:  CARES Act, COVID-19, Extended Benefits, File a claim, Frequently Asked Questions, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Unemployment Insurance