This guide helps workers and employees in Indiana better understand how to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. Readers will also learn how the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is increasing benefit amounts, the length that an individual can receive unemployment insurance benefits, and including workers who would have been denied regular unemployment benefits.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) website can be easily accessed using a computer or smartphone. If you had a previous unemployment insurance claim with Indiana DWD, simply start filing weekly vouchers again and your claim will reopen.
Claimants must submit all relevant personal information, including your social security number, Indiana Driver's License, date of birth, and a daytime phone number where a claim investigator can contact you in case they need more information to validate your unemployment insurance claim. You will also need to provide your employer's information and the reason you are unemployed.
Under the CARES Act, the federal government is expanding the length individuals can receive unemployment insurance benefits for up to a total of 39 weeks with up to an additional $600 each week. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program allows self-employed individuals, such as gig economy workers and independent contractors whose income has been partially or entirely cut due to the pandemic to receive UI benefits. The program also extends benefits to workers who might not have met the minimum requirements to qualify for regular UI benefits.
Individuals who are already receiving UI benefits will find the additional PUA benefits automatically added to their account and they can continue submitting weekly vouchers for up to 39 weeks without any additional step or paperwork to worry about.
Individuals can apply over the phone by contacting the Indiana Department of Workforce Development Customer Service; however, the DWD is encouraging anyone who can to apply online to keep the phone wait times as short as possible.
Before filing a UI claim with the Indiana DWD, be sure the check out the Claimants Handbook, the COVID-19 FAQs, and the various video tutorials that explain the application process in detail. Both Claimants and employers can find more information about Indiana's Unemployment Insurance program on the Indiana DWD website. Before self-employed claimants can apply for PUA benefits, they will need to add themselves as an employer.
To apply online, go to the Claimant Self-Service System, then log in if you've filed for benefits before, or start the claim process by clicking "Register New User."
Once you've finished your claim, you might see a yellow triangle. Don't worry, it just means there will be a claim investigator contacting you soon to collect the necessary information to get your claim processed. Additionally, you might receive a Check Stub Coversheet in the mail. It is automatically sent to claimants who reported that they will also be receiving vacation or sick pay. You can fax the information or wait for a claim investigator to contact you. There is no harm in not faxing the coversheet.
After your claim is approved, make sure to file a voucher for each week you are unemployed to keep receiving benefits each week. The Indiana DWD regularly sends notices via email. Claimants can also receive notices via US Mail; however, they will need to make a request with DWD.
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