JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (Note: The video above is from a previous, related report.)
Applications are now open for the new unemployment program, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, which may add an extra $100 to your unemployment benefits.
The program is only for those who utilize state unemployment benefits.
The calculations for state unemployment benefits only take W-2 earnings into consideration and doesn’t recognize 1099 wages, so not all those with mixed earnings have received what they deserve.
MEUC will pay claimants an extra $100 per week, but not exceed the maximum benefit amount of $275.
To qualify, you must have been self-employed or a gig worker and made at least $5,000 for the most recent tax year through both W-2s and 1099s.
Those who qualify will need to apply through the PEGA website, not their CONNECT accounts.
Unemployment expert Vanessa Brito recommends taking the following steps:
- If you applied for benefits on PEGA in 2020, do not create a new account. Sign in with your existing account.
- If you're creating a new account, make sure you use the same email address you use on your CONNECT account.
- When uploading documents, make sure to: Select File --> Upload --> Attach --> Save Application for Later --> Finish.