https://www.siliconvalley.com/2020/04/15/coronavirus-independent-contractors-can-soon-apply-for-unemployment-benefits/ > Workers in California’s gig economy who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic will soon be eligible for unemployment insurance under a federal program that will distribute payments as soon as 24 hours after an application is submitted. > California Labor Secretary Julie Su gave details about how independent contractors can apply to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program in a letter posted on her website Tuesday. Su said the funds are covered under the federal government’s Cares Act, and will be available to workers who since they are self-employed, have exhausted regular benefits, or didn’t work enough, don’t qualify for state unemployment benefits. Workers can apply for the federal benefits if they can show they have either lost their job, or become partially unemployed due to coronavirus.