This is going to hit small businesses, freelancers, gig-workers, etc. harder than those with salaried positions. Here are resources for y’all!
There are some updates to unemployment due to COVID-19 that can benefit you, especially if you lost a job specifically due to COVID closures, or are a freelance/gig worker. Many workers who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment can now file and receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA. See more below:
KENTUCKY - you may file unemployment claims online here. If you do not have Internet access, would prefer to file by phone, or need to file in Spanish, you can call (502) 875-0442 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Eastern Time.
INDIANA - you may file unemployment claims online here. If you have questions/would like to speak with someone by phone, you can call: 1-800-891-6499 or (317) 232-7560 for TDD, Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern
If you are having trouble getting through to either office, try contacting your state legislators directly:
If your Kentucky unemployment claim has been denied, the Kentucky Equal Justice Center can help you file an appeal:
Contact Lizz - lizz@kyequaljustice.org or (502) 791-5839
JOB BOARDS/WANT ADS:
COVID-19 FREELANCE ARTIST RESOURCES: This is an aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.
PAID WRITING GIGS/CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS: This is a Google Doc with a series of screenshots from Twitter that mention or call for pitches, written pieces, etc, that PAY. Note: some of these may be out of date, so get in touch with the person behind the call first.
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF: If you are a small business owner, there are options for you under the CARES Act, passed in March. Check back often in case of further details.