Molly’s Story

Molly Banks (name changed to protect client privacy) was temporarily unable to work at her job at a daycare around the time of the statewide quarantine orders. Several weeks later she was called back to work when daycare was officially considered an "essential service." As a single mother, she was unable to find childcare for her own young children and was therefore not able to return to work. This led to a discontinuation of her unemployment compensation.

Molly called Legal Aid for help and was referred to a volunteer attorney through the Virtual Advice Clinic. The attorney, a new volunteer, informed Molly that while the denial would be expected under normal circumstances, she should still be entitled to benefits through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act.  The volunteer worked with her to develop an action plan to appeal the decision and apply for relief under the CARES Act. Molly began receiving her unemployment benefits as well as the extra $600 a week of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). These benefits have been Molly's sole source of financial support during the pandemic.