1) Updates  

• Last week DEED hosted a training for partners to help you answer common UI questions. You can watch the training on DEED’s YouTube page. 
• New questions and answers have also been added to the UI Need to Know page.

2) Don’t Use Third-Party Apps and Tools  

Recently, TV news shows have featured segments recommending their viewers use a third-party app called DoNotPay to apply for benefits. Tell your customers not to do this! There is no way the state can protect customers’ information if they have given it to a third party.  

3) Common Questions

Q: Do students who lost their full-time jobs due to COVID-19 qualify for Unemployment Insurance?   

• High school students do not qualify for Unemployment Insurance. GED students are not considered high school students and may qualify. 
• Students attending college or other educational institutions may receive benefits while attending school if they are available for employment for hours normal to their occupation, actively seeking employment and willing to rearrange or drop classes for an offer of employment.  

Q: My employer laid me off temporarily, should I apply for Unemployment Insurance?

• Yes. If you are laid off, you should apply for benefits. You should also apply for benefits if your hours were reduced below 32 hours per week AND you are making less than 50% of your regular income.   

4) PUA benefits for self-employed people  

We expect Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits will be available for some self-employed people, independent contractors, and gig workers before the end of April. 

• If a person believes they may qualify for PUA, they should apply for regular unemployment benefits now.  
• UI has special instructions for self-employed people that will allow you to qualify for PUA benefits more quickly once they become available. 
• UI will post updates to the CARES Act page on the UIMN.org website as they are available.  
• UI customer service representatives do not have any additional information to what is available at the above CARES Act page on the UIMN.org website.