The U.S. Dept. of Labor has put together a helpful site titled “Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak”. Answers to one of the questions that we’re hearing from our members can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions portion of this site. The question we’re hearing is this:
Question: My employer has remained open because it is essential. I’m not sick, nor is anyone in my household sick. I do not have children or care for someone who cannot care for themselves. However, I’m afraid of getting coronavirus from customers coming to the store, so I quit and filed for unemployment. Can I obtain benefits under the CARES Act?
Answer: No. Under the CARES Act, you may be eligible for benefits if you meet one of the circumstances listed in the Act, but none include the scenario described. On these facts, you are not eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) because you do not meet any of the qualifying circumstances.