Am I on PUA or Regular Unemployment?

Question: How do I know if I am on regular unemployment or PUA?

Here are three ways to check if you are on UI (regular unemployment) or PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance)

1. Weekly Certification Form
There are two different weekly certification forms, one for UI and one for PUA. The UI form doesn’t mention Covid-19 (as your eligibility for unemployment was not dependent on the Cares Act expanded Unemployment) whereas the PUA form has a question about Covid-19.

The only issue with this method is that some people on PUA end up receiving the regular weekly certification form. I don’t know why.

Regular (UI) weekly certification. No mention of Covid.

 

PUA Weekly Certification. Notice the Covid-related details.

2. $182 Weekly Benefit Rate
The default PUA rate in NY is $182 a week. There is a rare possibility of someone on regular Unemployment (UI) also receiving exactly $182, but that is quite unlikely. If you earned more than $18,928.00 in 2019, you should be receiving more than $182 a week, even if you are on PUA. Read ‘Why am I getting only $182 a week?‘ to see how to raise your weekly amount higher than $182 a week.

3. Monetary Distribution LetterYour “Monetary Distribution Letter” shows whether you were approved for regular Unemployment or PUA.

‘Benefit Determination Letter’ – Notice the “PUA” under “Employer Name” and the $182 benefit rate.

Post last updated 10/15/2020

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