New York COVID-19 Pandemic Laws In 2021

Unemployment

Mainly a continuation of the 2020 Laws
General Extension – Programs End September 5, 2021
- PUA
  - Available until the sooner of September 5, 2021 and 57 total weeks of eligibility
  - New Claimants (beginning February 1, 2021) have additional documentation requirements
- PEUC
  - Available until the sooner of September 5, 2021 and 99 total weeks of eligibility
  - Applications from September 7, 2020 and later have 46 total weeks of eligibility
- FPUC or PUC
  - $300/week
  - Start – Week Ending January 3, 2021
  - End – Week Ending September 5, 2021
  - No PUC benefits from July 27, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Continue to certify for weekly benefits. This remains as important as ever.
*NEW* Part Time Rule
- Part-time work is now allowed
- Instead of counting days worked, claimants can count hours worked
- This allows for some benefits to be given even though a person is working
Additional Information
Common Issues and Solutions
Undocumented* – NEW LAW IN NY 2021 BUDGET
- Undocumented immigrants can receive the equivalent of UI or PUA benefits
- These will be one-time payments (1 lump sum)
- Maximum amount of $15,600.00
- Must show that they are NYS residents, ineligible for UI, and lost income because of COVID-19
  - Tax ID Number (TIN) NOT required
  - Can use NYS ID; school transcript; utility bills; bank statements; pay stubs, income tax forms, or letter from employer
- Guidelines and Application instructions coming soon

Mainly a continuation of the 2020 Laws
- COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020
No Evictions due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic until August 31, 2021
- There are a few legal requirements associated with this protection for tenants
- NOTE: Rent is still due. Pay now if you can.
Utilities cannot be shutoff for failure to pay
No Mortgage or Tax Foreclosures due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic until August 31, 2021
- There are also a few legal requirements for Landlords to qualify for this protection
- This protection also prevents any related negative credit reporting
Additional Help
Related: Similar protections for small businesses

Employees are entitled to 4 hours of paid time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
- This applies for each injection, if the employee needs more than one
- Additional details depend on the company
- General Guidance
Sick Leave
- Employers with at least 5 employees or more than $1 million in net income must provide paid sick leave
- Employers with less then 5 employees and less than $1 million in net income must provide unpaid sick leave
- Most companies must provide 5 days or 40 hours of leave
- Additional Details