Coronavirus Unemployment Benefits and the COVIDTRA 2020

As the Coronavirus began spreading in February and March, cities enforcing “stay at home” orders, requiring all “nonessential” businesses to close. As millions lost their jobs, Congress quickly passed the CARES Act, providing increased unemployment benefits, among other things as part of a stimulus package to mitigate the effects of the economic slowdown.  

In November, the number of individuals affected spiked again forcing many states to issue “stay at home orders” increasing unemployment and forcing businesses to shutdown again. Congress passed COVIDTRA 2020 with a host of tax related and other changes including an additional round of unemployment benefits.   

What is the COVIDTRA 2020?

Providing over $900B in economic stimulus, the COVIDTRA 2020 provides millions of unemployed Americans with extended unemployment benefits to get through the next few months. It contains a variety of provisions, from direct payments to taxpayers to tax breaks, and more.

Perhaps the most important provisions are the unemployment benefits, including:

• Extending emergency benefits from from 12 to 24 weeks after traditional benefits are exhausted
• An additional weekly unemployment benefit of $300 through March 14, 2021
• Extends unemployment benefits for freelancers, self-employed, and “gig economy” workers through April 5, 2021
• Added rules to preserve the integrity of the unemployment system. Including verifying the ID of applicants and proof of self-employment income required within 21 days

How do I know if I qualify for COVIDTRA 2020 benefits?

As of this date, over 12 million Americans are out of work due. If you’re one of them, you could be eligible to receive expanded unemployment benefits outlined in the COVIDTRA 2020. In fact, there are a number of ways you can qualify for expanded benefits.

You may be qualified to collect unemployment benefits if:

• You were laid off by your employer
• You were furloughed, or left voluntarily
• You quit because you felt unsafe at work
• You need to stay home to care for children or other dependents
• You’re self-employed and there’s no work because of the Coronavirus
• The primary breadwinner died from the coronavirus and you’re now head of household

What if I don’t qualify for the COVIDTRA unemployment benefits?

Benefit eligibility varies by state. And not everyone who’s out of work qualifies for these increased unemployment benefits. If you’re a remote worker or you quit your job for reasons unrelated to coronavirus, you won’t be eligible. But even if you’re not, the COVIDTRA 2020 also provides an additional stimulus check for individuals and families based on their Adjusted Gross Income. The amount is based on your 2019 tax return, or your Social Security, Railroad Retirement Equivalent, or Veteran’s Administration benefits.

Individuals with an AGI up to $75,000 and Heads of Households with an AGI up to $112,500 will receive $600. Married couples filing jointly with an AGI up to $150,000 will receive $1,200. You could also receive an additional $600 for each child. Taxpayers whose AGI is above these amounts may still receive a stimulus payment, but it will be reduced by $5 for every $100 of income above the limit. Higher income taxpayers may receive a small stimulus check, or no payment at all.

How much money will I get from these unemployment benefits?

Since benefits are paid by the state where you live, eligibility requirements and the amount paid vary by state. When the federal government steps in as with the COVIDTRA 2020, additional weeks of benefits will be paid at the rate you were receiving them. This is the same as when the federal government provides increased unemployment benefits during recessions or periods of high unemployment.

The difference this time is the additional $300 in weekly benefits the federal government has also provided. You can estimate your benefits using our stimulus calculator.

Is there a waiting period to receive these unemployment benefits?

There is no waiting period to apply. But keep in mind that a large number of people are still without jobs, so state unemployment offices are overwhelmed. If you’re eligible, contact your state unemployment office and apply as soon as you can to reduce any potential delay as much as possible.

When you apply, most states require basic information such as your name, social security number, driver’s license, mailing address and banking information for direct deposit. You’ll also need to provide your employment history over the last year or so, including the name and address of your employer, supervisor’s name, start and end dates, income, and the reason for unemployment. Given the backlog, it probably makes sense to gather all this information before you apply.

How do I apply for these increased unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits are paid by the state where you live. So, you should go online to find your state’s unemployment office and follow the instructions. As we mentioned, however, state officials are often overwhelmed, so it may take some time to get through.

I’m already collecting unemployment. Does anything change for me?

Yes, the COVIDTRA 2020 affects you in a couple of ways. First, even if your benefits are ending soon you’re eligible for increased unemployment benefits. The COVIDTRA 2020 expanded emergency benefits through 24 weeks valid until until March 14, 2021. You’re also eligible for an additional $300 per week in benefits on top of the state benefits you’re already receiving.

How will unemployment affect my taxes?

Unemployment benefits are taxable, just like regular income. Since we usually don’t think of withholding on these benefits, taxpayers collecting unemployment could end up with a tax bill come April. If you want withholding from your unemployment benefits, you have to ask your state unemployment office to do it. Even then, they will only withhold at a flat rate of 10%. You have to be careful too, in the event you’re collecting unemployment for an extended period.

While credits like EITC and Child Tax Credit can increase your refund, they’re based on earned income, and unemployment isn’t considered earned income. That could mean a big difference in your tax refund next year. Due to the generally negative impact on the EITC from a large amount of unemployment compensation, taxpayers may be eligible to use their 2019 earned income to calculate both their EITC and Additional Child Tax Credit. Of course, every taxpayer’s situation is different.

Want to learn more? Read our tax tips for unemployment.

We’re here to help

Obviously, none of us has ever been through anything like this and we’re all trying to find out why. Fortunately, the COVIDTRA 2020 could help. And Jackson Hewitt is here too, to answer questions and provide answers as best we can.

Of course, the situation is always changing, and the government continues to issue new guidance about the COVIDTRA 2020. You can keep up with the latest here. It’s not easy. But we will get through this. Together.

About the Author

Jo Willetts, Director of Tax Resources at Jackson Hewitt, has more than 35 years of experience in the tax industry. As an Enrolled Agent, Jo has attained the highest level of certification for a tax professional. She began her career at Jackson Hewitt as a Tax Pro, working her way up to General Manager of a franchise store. In her current role, Jo provides expert knowledge company-wide to ensure that tax information distributed through all Jackson Hewitt channels is current and accurate.

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