The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program is a new emergency unemployment assistance program under the CARES Act that unemployed Californians can turn to if they do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. The Employment Development Department has been directed to streamline the process so that Californians who are struggling financially due to COVID-19 can get assistance as soon as possible. To find more information and instructions on how to apply, visit www.Labor.ca.gov.