Millions of people are unemployed for reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic. Even though many states are reopening, people continue to struggle with the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Arizona residents are struggling to pay bills and make ends meet. Our Arizona bankruptcy attorneys offer the following information to help workers who have lost their jobs because of shutdowns and other coronavirus-related reasons.
What is the Difference Between Being Laid Off and Being Furloughed?
Some workers are being laid off during the crisis while other workers are being furloughed. In both cases, workers could qualify to receive unemployment benefits if they are not receiving income from their employer.
Being laid off means that you do not have a job. Your employer does not expect to rehire you in the future. That could change, but as it stands now, the employer is not holding a job for you.
A furlough is an unpaid, temporary leave of absence from work. Your job is being held for you when you return to work. Your employer could decide to fire you or lay you off in the future, but right now, you have a job to return to once your employer notifies you to do so.
How Does the CARES Act Help Me If I Am Unemployed Because of the Coronavirus?
The CARES Act had many provisions that helped individuals who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19 reasons. The Act extended unemployment benefits to workers who traditionally do not qualify for unemployment benefits. It also added 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for employees who are laid off or lose their job because of the coronavirus. The Act also gives workers an additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits if they lost their job because of the virus.
How Do I File Unemployment in Goodyear, AZ?
Claims for unemployment benefits are filed with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The easiest way to file the claim is online. You need to provide basic information about yourself and your most recent job.
If you lost your job for COVID-19 reasons, you might apply for unemployment in Arizona under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. There is a separate online portal you must use to apply for benefits under the PUA program. The DES has information available on its website to guide workers on how to apply each of the different unemployment benefits.
Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
The CARES Act extended unemployment benefits to additional sets of workers. However, you must still qualify for unemployment based on other state requirements. If you believe your unemployment benefits were wrongly denied and the DES refuses to correct the situation, talk to an employment attorney immediately.
How Can I Pay My Bills If I Am Laid Off or Unemployed?
Paying your bills during the coronavirus outbreak is difficult. Many people are facing foreclosure, repossession, and other financial hardships. Making ends meet on little to no income can be impossible.
There is help. Look at the website for the Arizona Department of Housing for information regarding tenants and homeowners who are struggling to pay rent and mortgage payments. Arizona residents can also access information about various programs that assist with food, housing, and other essential needs on the 2-1-1 Arizona website.
Should I Contact a Goodyear Bankruptcy Lawyer?
If you cannot pay your bills, take advantage of our free consultation to discuss bankruptcy options. Our Goodyear bankruptcy lawyer provides information about bankruptcy relief, including cases filed under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
For some people, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case can get rid of debts in as little as four to six months. If you have been out of work, you may have a short window in which you meet the income requirements for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge.
Contact Our Goodyear Bankruptcy Lawyers for More Information
The legal team of 602 Law Group continues to work with clients to find affordable solutions to their debt problems.
Call 602-562-5000 now to schedule your free consultation with a Goodyear bankruptcy lawyer.