Amanda H. Christensen, AFC, UMM Editor, Extension Professor

​Identity thieves have had a heyday with pandemic-related schemes and scams aimed at obtaining your information to apply for credit, unemployment benefits, file taxes, buy things, or get medical services. The good news? There are things you can do to protect yourself that I’m sharing today in honor of #IDTheftWeek. Read on!

2020 has been a stressful year. From pandemics to natural disasters, and seemingly everything in between, we have faced a level of uncertainty many of us have never seen before. This uncertainty has led to stress and worry in all aspects of life, including finances. If you fall into this category of finding your financial life more stressful in this crazy year, know that first you are not alone. According to a study performed by a group of researchers in Canada, parents have reported a higher level of stress with 22% of mothers saying their financial stress has increased regarding the next 6 months of their future (Carroll, et al., 2020). With all this stress happening, it can almost seem like a gloom and doom case scenario. However, there are things you can do to help manage this stress, especially when it comes to your finances. 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring on a lot of financial concern. Many have questions about unemployment benefits offered through the CARES Act. Here are three common FAQ's regarding Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: 
Note: This information is updated frequently. Please check jobs.utah.gov for current updates. 

1. Am I eligible to apply for unemployment benefits?  
In general, you are eligible if you meet all of the following criteria: 

• You have been connected to the workforce for long enough to meet monetary eligibility rules. You are able and available for suitable employment . You were laid off through no fault of your own. 

Criteria specific to COVID-19 include: 

• Your employer temporarily ceased operations with the expectation you will return to work. This is sometimes referred to as being “furloughed.” The application process is the same whether you are laid off or furloughed. You are quarantined, but not showing symptoms, and will return to work. You are able and available (not showing any symptoms of COVID-19), but are unable to go to work because your place of employment has been quarantined. ​

2. Should I apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance?
Individuals should apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance if they have lost income due to COVID-19 and:

• are self-employed or working in the gig economy, or
• lack sufficient work history to qualify for traditional unemployment benefits, or
• are employed by an organization exempt from unemployment taxes, such as religious institutions, or
• have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have a member of their household that has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

3. I'm still working, but my hours were reduced. Should I apply?
If you were full-time and see your hours reduced due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. When you apply you will report your earnings which will then determine how much or if they are eligible for unemployment benefits. 

For additional information please see www.jobs.utah.gov