Hey, freelancers and gig workers: Did you know that, under the CARES Act, unemployment benefits will now include a $600 weekly bonus?
The benefit is even available to folks who don’t normally qualify for unemployment benefits.
Here’s how Mother Jones described the news:
You can find dozens—or hundreds—of stories about low-wage workers who have suddenly lost their jobs and are now terrified because they don’t know how they’ll be able to afford food for their kids, let alone rent and utilities.
But what you won’t find are dozens or hundreds of stories explaining how much money people can expect from the expanded UI benefits in the coronavirus rescue bill. Or explaining that for a great many people UI benefits will completely replace their usual income. Or that this is good through June.
As a result, lots of people don’t know about this. They don’t realize that they don’t have to be terrified. The next week or two will be tough, but at least there’s something to look forward to if they can make it through the middle of the month.