Las Vegas, Nev. – In a Medium post published today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) directed Nevadans to her Disaster Resource Guide and outlined how they can obtain unemployment assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
The full text of the post can be found here and below.
If You’ve Been Laid Off Because of COVID-19, Here’s How to Get Unemployment Assistance
by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
The coronavirus pandemic means that many businesses across the Silver State have had to close their doors, laying off employees on short notice. Nevadans who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own can get support through unemployment insurance (UI). To make sure all Americans have access to UI at this difficult time, Congress has made $2 billion in funding available to the states for unemployed workers through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which established the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. My office’s Disaster Resource Guide has extensive information you’ll need when applying for UI in Nevada.
Governor Steve Sisolak has made important changes to our state’s UI program in light of the COVID-19 outbreak across the United States. Usually, when you apply for unemployment in Nevada, you need to show that you’ve been job-hunting. You also normally need to wait seven days after you’re laid off or furloughed to apply for UI. Governor Sisolak’s executive order waived both of these requirements, which will make it easier for many in Nevada to apply.
To speed service for everyone, the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), which administers UI, requires applicants to submit an online application unless they do not have internet access. There are long wait times to speak with DETR’s telephone claim center, so your best option is to apply online as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sure if you’re eligible, it’s smart to start the process with DETR. As federal, state, and local governments roll out plans to help workers affected by COVID-19, some employees who would not previously have been eligible to receive benefits will likely qualify for support.
Because so many Nevadans are in the same boat, the website may be slow. It’s best to be as prepared as possible when you apply. You’ll need the following:
- Your Social Security Number and identification, such as a driver’s license or passport;
- Names, addresses, phone number(s), and dates you worked for your last 2 employers; and
- A list of names (corporate name) of all employers you have worked for in the last 18 months.
- If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must have your Alien Registration number and expiration date.
- If you have been discharged from the military in the last 18 months, you must have a copy of your DD-214.
- If you have worked for the Federal Government in the last 18 months, you must have a copy of your SF-8 or SF-50.
DETR has extensive online resources to answer any questions you have about filing for UI, including a handbook in both English and Spanish. It has also extended call center hours so that phone assistance in English and Spanish is available from 8am to 8pm Monday – Friday. Call center information is below. And remember that unemployment insurance is just one of the programs available for Nevadans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. My Disaster Resource Guide has information on many other programs and resources for Nevadans throughout the Silver State.
Unemployment Insurance Claim Information by Phone:
Northern Nevada: (775) 684-0350 • Southern Nevada: (702) 486-0350 • Rural Nevada: (888) 890-8211
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