The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, includes a program called the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program to expand unemployment benefits. Please find below some items to note from the directive:

• "Quitting work without good cause to obtain UI benefits is fraud under PUA. Specifically related to PUA, 20 C.F.R. 625.14 governs overpayments and disqualifications for fraud. States are expected to enforce this provision." (Pg. 2)
• "These requirements include that individuals are only entitled to benefits if they are no longer working through no fault of their own and that individuals must be able and available to work."

To receive unemployment benefits, individuals must have a valid reason for being unable to work. For further questions, please use the links below to find your state unemployment office and find more information on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program from the Department of Labor.

Find State Unemployment Office

Dept. of Labor Information on PUA

PUA Directive for Unemployment Offices

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is now accepting online applications for PUA claims. To learn about PUA in Wisconsin, eligibility, and FAQs for claimants and employers, click the links below.

DWD - PUA Overview

DWD COVID-19 Scenarios for Eligibility

DWD FAQs for Unemployment Claimants and Employers