April 28, 2020
Starting today, REALTORS® can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the California Employment Development Department (EDD). PUA, a key component of the CARES Act, expands unemployment benefits eligibility to business owners, self-employed workers and independent contractors, including most REALTORS®. California REALTORS® can apply for PUA through UI Online. They can create an account, file their claim, certify for continued benefits, verify income and update their information.
To assist members in learning about and applying for this relief program, the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has created step-by-step illustrated instructions available here.
Additionally, please note CAR has extended the COVID Relief Hotline hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning today through this Friday, May 1st. Members can call the hotline at (213) 351-8450 for 24/7 support via SMS text and live support between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and someone will respond within one business day.
CAR's legal team is hosting webinars this week on the PUA application process. Please see the Webinars page on their coronavirus microsite for more details. You can also visit the updated Pandemic Unemployment Assistance page on CAR's microsite for additional information.
