Yes, unemployment insurance can sometimes be paid retroactively. Workers usually receive their first benefit check two to three weeks after filing a claim for unemployment insurance, but that application may take more time to process. In these cases, a retroactive payment or back pay may be issued to the date of eligibility.

Translation: If you’re approved for unemployment benefits after July 31, you can collect back pay, which includes the $600 weekly boost for each eligible week between March 28 and July 31. The FPUC time frame includes 17 payment periods for an estimated $10,200 in federal benefits.

If that has happened to you, know this: you can still apply, even if it’s been weeks or months since you lost your job, and receive back pay. “We’re under special circumstances now,” said Anne Paxton, a staff attorney and policy director for the Unemployment Law Project.