Through the current pandemic and subsequent economic crisis, many people within the dental industry are finding it harder to make ends meet due to closures and business limitations. Thankfully, the government has worked to provide extended unemployment benefits to assist those caught in the COVID-19 limbo.
But when you are used to working as a dentist or dental assistant, you may still find yourself stressed and looking for a little more income to create a safety net.
Many people are now looking to turn to independent contractor jobs in search of work but are held back by the mixed response concerning how exactly bringing in gig economy income will impact their vital unemployment benefits. Fortunately, many experts have chimed in to help clarify the rather murky issues surrounding unemployment and secondary income options.
Does Freelance Income Impact Unemployment Benefits?
As explained by several professional legal individuals and entities, as long as you are earning less from your part-time work than what you are getting for your unemployment benefits, you can expect to retain your benefits. There are some grey areas in states that have different laws and caveats in their unemployment system setup. For the most part, it will be fine to perform a modest amount of freelance work without worrying about losing your benefits, so long as it does not exceed the percentage or lump sum listed by your state’s guidelines.
Honest Work, Honest Approach
One of the most important things to keep in mind when working as a freelance dental hygienist, dental assistant, dentist, or any other freelance niche is that you must disclose your income in a timely manner. The government likes to be privy to how much you are making, so be sure to properly report your income per your state’s guidelines to prevent being penalized or having to potentially pay back the money you have drawn through unemployment.
Unemployment is currently monitored on a weekly basis, so you need to report any changes in your income each week to prevent issues. Additionally, some states like Texas and Colorado require you to report the money you have requested, not just what you have been paid. This means that if you have completed a job but have not yet seen payment from your client, you still have to report that requested income since it was technically earned within the given week. This can be confusing and is a great example of why understanding your local unemployment laws is key in successfully navigating freelancing during this tumultuous time.
Find the Right Resources
If you decide to go forward with freelancing, whether within the dental industry or through a secondary interest, you need to locate a good place to find quality jobs and receive feedback on your work. Stynt offers an easy way to access tons of dental jobs right now. All you have to do is fill out the quick form on the site. You should also download our free marketplace app to begin browsing jobs. It is really that simple and can make a massive difference in your ability to find a freelancing job to help pad yourself through this crazy timeline.
