New York Gig Workers Hold Out for Benefits With Rent Coming Due

Elise Milner, an independent off-Broadway director and playwright, canceled a production originally set to open March 30 because of the coronavirus—taking with it $15,000 in revenue and lost sponsorships and work for 17 crew members.

Still, the inclusion of special jobless aid for independent contractors and gig workers in the stimulus bill approved by Congress gave her some hope she’d make her May rent. Then came the crush of people filing for regular unemployment insurance benefits, overwhelming the state’s website and staff before they could begin to address the new program for contractors.

A month later, New York state says ...