Florida and Connecticut are now online for PUA Insurance as of this morning. It seems like most have their sites up and running. Except Nevada, who still states it is "awaiting guidance" on its website.

Illinois is supposed to have their system ready May 11th. Has anyone here actually been approved yet?

Yes. I know of 5 others as well. Depending on the state it could either be a seamless next day approval or one that takes 3-4 days. Regardless of when your state opens up their PUA platform your weeks can be backdated to when you were forced to shut down (this includes the $600/wk from the date these became active). You do still need to complete the quick weekly benefit approval after the initial weeks direct deposit of the back weeks.

So you would receive a combination of payments. The weekly amount which replaces traditional unemployment and the $600 weekly. The max for the PUA unemployment isn’t the max amount that your state list. They all seem to be in the $270 per week range (for up to 39 weeks) and the $600 is through end of July as of right now which could continue in some form based on the 4th stimulus bill being passed.

Great News today. I got my approval letter for pua Unemployment. No idea when I will get funds, but they are backdating to 3-15. Also got stimulus check a couple days ago. Despite my doubts, Our government came through.

That's great news! May I ask what documentation you needed to provide? Will 2019 tax return suffice? And did you claim professional gambler as your profession?

What did you guys put for Work Type?

I have been filing as Professional Poker Player which is what I listed on my PUA application. There were basic questions to ask and to the best of my recollection the only number I recall being asked for from my tax return was Total Net Profit from Line 31 of my 2019 Schedule C.

You should receive all of your backdated funds in your account on Tues or Wed of next week. Be sure to read through your claim to understand your responsibility in filing for weekly claims which is likely to begin next weekend.

Thanks for the info!

Yes I have filed as professional Gambler ever since 1996. I included wg2’s for 2019 and 2020 ( as requested ). I also wrote a letter explaining that I have been a solid taxpayer in my state for many years. I was a bit fortunate that my w’2 s from the first 3 months of 2020 matched up almost exacty with my 2019 year total ( a lucky coincidence as my income varies a lot from year to year depending on how wsop goes ). I would imagine the documents needed will be a bit different from state to state. I have no idea how strict they are being with documents. I for sure feel I deserved to qualify for PUA, but I was worried there would be red tape issues in Georgia until I got approval letter yesterday.

Thank You. I have already been filing the weekly claims ( was not sure If i should or not ). By “ my account “ what does that mean? Do I expect a check or a bank deposit? My letter yesterday just said approved backdated to 3-15, but no instructions on what to do next. Letter was about approval and reasoning plus appeal rights if needed ( dated 4-30 ). Will I get a further letter or email?

As you said, each state has some variations as to what they require. If you included your banking info you will receive a direct deposit. As far as any other action needing to take place if there is I’d imagine there would be something in your account stating such. Maybe click around in there and do a sweep (I have no idea what GA’s site looks like). I receive updates in my “Actions needed” tab.

Some states are simple and straightforward while others are having a whole lot of issues implementing this process. CT and FL are two that are still struggling with this.

I got an email from IDES today saying PUA will be available Monday.

Please be sure to send us your 2019 tax return or proof of 2019 income as quickly as possible, but not later than 21 days after you file.



I have not filed 2019 taxes yet. Can I use 2018? I have filed as self employed since 2010

I would go ahead and file, you don't have to pay any money you owe until July 15th anyway and then you can get an extension to October 15th if needed.

That way you will have the proof. I did that in mid April so I will have the proof when needed, which is supposed to be Mid May for NV.

I know every state is different, but for those who have actually received PUA approval, have you seen the money yet and how long did it take?

I was officially approved for PUA, says $133/week plus the $600 (I assume)
So I requested payment for 2 weeks already, direct deposit, and I haven't received anything. When I look online it just says that "PUA was approved"

I'd love to not have to call them, but I believe on Monday I can request for week 3 already... Seems like week 1/2 should come through before week 3

When did you receive the approval? If you received it this past week you should see all of the back weeks in your deposit the middle of this week. Theoretically of course, as some states are really struggling with the implementation of this new program. The other thing you may want to do, if it’s possible, is to be sure you entered the correct account and routing number.

For me I just got approval letter. At no point has department of labor asked for banking information. Mabye they just send checks in Georgia?

I see direct deposit on the Georgia department of labor website, but I don’t think I have ever given that information. Not sure how to

Go to the site and click Online services. From there scroll down and there is a link to Benefit Payment Methods where you can enter the info.

Edit: Here is the link.

https://dol.georgia.gov/online-services

My approval correspondence was 4/29

"Notice of Determination of Entitlement - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Your PUA Weekly Benefit Amount is:$133.00"

I'll double check the direct deposit stuff.

You mentioned the back pay stuff, one of my friends had that happen. He received like 5 weeks worth all on one day... So maybe it'll just take some time

I got direct deposit for the past two weeks. I guess they had my information from years ago. Not sure if I can go back before approval date though, despite letter saying I am eligible from 3-15, website seems to reject previous weeks. Thrilled to get something started though, and it says eligible for 39 weeks.

Im filling out the PUA and am stuck on the work information section. My accountant says she puts me in the entertainment category, but I am not sure what to put here. I do not get a W2, obviously, so my tax returns include only 1099. Thoughts?

On the IL system today I put "sport" in the search box and it brought up an option for gambling and sports book and sports running (or something very similar). Strange that "gambling" brought up no options.

It looks like Nevada will be ready this week sometime!

DETR will accept unemployment claims from gig workers sometime this week

"The state of Nevada is expected to have more unemployment claims once independent contractors or gig workers are also allowed to file claims. The office has said it is planning to start accepting those claims sometime this week.

Gig workers, which is defined as are independent contractors, online platform workers, contract firm workers, on-call workers, and temporary workers, have been waiting to apply since the pandemic started. Soon there will be a specific portal for them to apply on the DETR website."

https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-...itter_8NewsNow


But when they keep talking about gig workers and Independent contractors, that includes regular self employed people too right?? like poker players and business owners, etc. Right?

I wouldn’t worry about it. This is a federal program and they have given their guidance to the states where self-employed individuals are eligible. This seems more like a poorly written article more than anything.