COLUMBUS – If you can’t work from home while your child attends classes online, you might be eligible for unemployment payments.
If you cannot telework or take paid leave to oversee your child’s online education, you could receive some financial assistance through unemployment, according to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
But there are limitations: the assistance is available only to parents eligible for unemployment under the federal stimulus package, called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA. That includes self-employed individuals and those who make less than $269 a week.
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Those eligible for “traditional unemployment” cannot receive this financial help.
Many parents could benefit from the option, though. As of mid-August, 55 school districts representing 25.6% of students were holding classes online. Another 154 school districts representing 24.5% of students were using a hybrid model of some in-person classes and online classes.
The Enquirer breaks down how this new option will work.
I can work from home while my child takes online classes. Am I eligible for unemployment?
No. If you are able to work from home or take paid leave, you are not eligible for unemployment.
I am allowed to work from home, but my child needs so much help that I am unable to work. Am I eligible?
Yes. You are eligible for unemployment if you are unable to work and are the primary caregiver.
If my child’s school is on the “hybrid system” with some in-person classes and some online classes, am I eligible for unemployment?
Yes. If you are the primary caregiver and cannot work, you can apply for unemployment payments. If you are on a reduced schedule to care for your child a few days a week, you can apply as well – but the payment will be reduced based on the hours you worked.
If I had a choice to send my child to school in person but decided online only was best, am I eligible for unemployment?
Maybe. If you meet one of several criteria, such as you were advised by a healthcare professional to self-quarantine or your work was closed as a result of COVID-19, you would likely be eligible.
You would not be eligible if you don’t meet those criteria and chose to keep your child home when in-person lessons were an option.
Where can I apply?
You can apply for PUA online at https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/expandedeligibility