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DES PLAINES – Contract and gig economy workers who believe they may be eligible for new federal benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program should apply for and be denied regular unemployment insurance before applying for benefits under PUA, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Friday.

“It may seem counterintuitive, but you must have your application denied before you can submit a claim through the new PUA program,” said Murphy. “If you think you’ll be eligible for federal benefits, I encourage you to apply as soon as possible to get a head start on that process.”

If claimants apply for unemployment benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and receive an eligibility determination of $0, they can then submit a claim for PUA benefits. Claimants who have already applied for and been denied regular benefits can submit a claim through the new PUA portal when it opens.

PUA provides up to 39 weeks of federally funded unemployment benefits for individuals who are unemployed for specified COVID-19-related reasons and are not eligible for the state’s regular unemployment insurance program. Independent contractors and sole proprietors are newly eligible for benefits under this program.

PUA claims will be backdated to a claimant’s first week of unemployment, but no earlier than Feb. 2, 2020, and will continue for as long as the individual remains unemployed as a result of COVID-19, but no later than the week ending Dec. 26, 2020.

IDES is contracting with Deloitte to run the online PUA program. The department expects the program to launch Monday, May 11, 2020.

IDES processed over a million initial unemployment claims between March 1 and May 2, nearly 12 times the number of claims the department processed over the same period last year. The number of initial claims has slightly declined over the last two weeks, but the department expects to experience an increase when the PUA program launches.

“Lots of gig economy workers are struggling at this time, and the current unemployment program doesn’t cover them,” said Murphy. “I hope the PUA program rolls out smoothly and offers some relief to these Illinoisans soon.”

For more information and to apply, visit the IDES website.

I have heard from numerous nursing home workers and administrators in my community that adequate protective personal equipment (PPE) has been unavailable to staff during the COVID-19 crisis. The distribution system isn't providing these workers with the protection they need to do their jobs safely.

This news is deeply concerning to me. The staffs in our nursing homes are an enormous asset to the state. They have bravely stepped up to care for some of our most vulnerable residents— our aging parents, friends, and loved ones— during this outbreak.

We must ensure they feel as safe as possible on the job. That's why I joined my colleagues to request information from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding the amount of Personal Protective Equipment that has been distributed to those nursing homes and the process by which it was distributed.

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SCHAUMBURG – To help local business owners navigate state and federal financial assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8th) co-hosted a virtual meeting with the Schaumburg Business Association on Monday, April 27.

The conversation focused on economic issues facing the small business community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and featured presentations from financial experts, followed by a Q&A.

“Small businesses strengthen our local economies and make our communities unique. We must do everything we can to help them survive this challenging period,” said Murphy. “I hope business owners came away from this meeting with the knowledge they need to find help.”

It was the second virtual meeting Murphy has hosted with local businesses during the pandemic. The first attracted nearly 40 business owners.

Jonathan McGee, Assistant Deputy Director for Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, discussed the $60 million Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund. Bo Steiner, District Director of the Illinois office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was also on hand to explain the grant and loan opportunities that are available to struggling businesses in Illinois under the federal CARES Act.

“State and federal assistance programs can help small businesses get back on their feet after this pandemic,” said Murphy. “I’m glad to have given our local business owners the chance to learn more.”

Business owners who were unable to attend the meeting can get the information discussed by contacting Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or www.senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

Murphy regularly updates her Facebook and Twitter with information about the COVID-19 outbreak, including resources available to businesses.

DES PLAINES – In an effort to provide support to Illinoisans facing unprecedented economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) highlighted relief options that could help nearly 140,000 Illinoisans pay their student loans.

“Widespread unemployment means that many Illinoisans are struggling to keep up with bills, including student loan payments,” Murphy said. “If you’re facing financial hardship during this time, don’t wait—contact your loan provider now to discuss your options.”

Under this new initiative, spearheaded by Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief.

Borrowers who need assistance are asked to contact their student loan provider immediately to set up a plan.

Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:

• Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance;
• Waiving late payment fees;
• Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting;
• Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days; and
• Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.

Those having problems contacting their student loan servicer can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456.