From our friends at Triangle ArtWorks:
Gig workers, self-employed artists, and employees of small arts non-profits can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
As part of the federal CARES Act, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which went live last week, provides state unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for independent contractors, gig workers, and others who are out of work due to COVID-19 and who otherwise would not be eligible for UI benefits.
This new program also includes workers in 501(c)(3) non-profits with fewer than four employees. Weekly benefits for individuals through PUA range from $132 to $350 per week (depending on employees’ regular wages) plus federal supplemental benefits of $600 per week.
Applicants should start receiving benefit checks about two weeks after applying for them. The program is administered by NC Departure of Employment Security (DES), part of the Department of Commerce.
Learn about eligibility and how to apply.
Triangle ArtWorks is working with DES to put together a webinar ASAP to provide more information about this and other DES unemployment benefit programs. Watchour social media for information about this program.
Think this program doesn’t apply to you because you are “just an artist”? As recognized by Congress in making this program available to you, your work in the arts is vital to the economy of this Region. If you are eligible for benefits, apply!
In addition to other resources already listed on our Covid-19 Resource Page, here are two other recent program changes:
Raleigh Small Business Grants – The City of Raleigh recently announced a new grant program for Raleigh small businesses. Applicants must be a storefront business, have a revenue cap of $2.5 million, and be able to show at least a 25% revenue loss due to COVID-19. Up to $10,000 is available to each applicant until funding sources are depleted. (Click here for more info.)
SBA Grants & Loans for Small Business – Congress this week passed a bill providing additional money for SBA’s Paycheck Protection (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. If your loan application is not already in the queue, contact your financial institution immediately to apply. If you have already applied, you should check with your bank to assure you are in the queue for the new funding. Like the initial money allocated under the CARES Act, this money will not last long. Watch our webinar to learn more about these SBA programs.