Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order and press release regarding implementation of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and state stimulus payment for undocumented workers. PUA will provide benefits for persons ineligible for regular unemployment insurance, including independent contractors, persons who are self-employed, gig workers, and persons who do not have a sufficient employment history to be eligible for regular Unemployment Insurnace, who are unemployed or partially unemployed because of COVID-19. The PUA program will begin in California on April 28, 2020. Benefits will be issued within 24-48 hours.
The Employment Development Department (EDD) will launch a new call center that will be open 7 days per week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. EDD will also expedite access to the Work Share program to avert layoffs.
Governor Newsom also announced state funded stimulus payments for undocumented persons in California of $500 per person and a maximum $1,000 per household beginning in May. These funds will be disbersed through regional nonprofit organizations.
Governor Newsom also reiterated that COVID-19 testing, evaluation and treatment is considered emergency services under Medi-Cal, regardless of where they are received. This means all Medi-Cal beneficiaries can receive COVID-19 treatment regardless of documentation status. (Executive Order N-50-20 and Press Release, April 15, 2020.)