Pennsylvanians can begin applying for the new Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation program, which opened Sunday. Payments will be retroactive and will begin in several weeks.

The MEUC program was created by Congress as part of the federal Continued Assistance for Unemployment Workers Act of 2020 to assist workers who had multiple sources of income that varied in eligibility for traditional unemployment compensation. MEUC provides an additional $100 weekly in extra benefits to eligible claimants who:

• Are receiving an unemployment benefit from a program other than Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

• Are receiving an unemployment benefit for claims weeks covered by the MEUC program, which are Jan. 2 through March 13, 2021.

• Have at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment during the most recent taxable year.

• Apply for the MEUC program and submit documentation which clearly shows $5,000 net income.

People with internet access should apply online:

Log in as if you are filing biweekly claims at uc.pa.gov.

Click the “MEUC” button and follow the instructions to submit your application.

Choose the option to upload documents within the application.

If you do not have your documents ready at the time of application, you will be able to upload them later.

The deadline set by the federal government to submit all MEUC online applications and required documentation is March 12.

Individuals without internet access should mail the application:

Include the required documentation with your mailed application.

Mail your application to:

Department of Labor & Industry

1316 State St.

Erie, PA 16501

For more information about MEUC or other unemployment programs, visit uc.pa.gov or follow L&I on Facebook or Twitter.