In March 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law to help companies offer paid sick leave and unemployment benefits caused by COVID-19. Most of the commentary and publicity regarding the FFCRA focused on employers with W-2 employees to help them weather the economic impact caused by the pandemic.

Many people are unaware that the FFCRA included provisions to help self-employed individuals as well. Under Sections 7002 and 7004 of the FFCRA, self-employed individuals who were unable to work during certain periods in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19 may be entitled to tax credits intended to lessen the economic impact of the pandemic. Self-employed individuals, freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers, therefore are also eligible for tax credits that pay you back for the time you would’ve normally spent earning money that was lost because of COVID.