If you’re temporarily out of work during the coronavirus pandemic, you’ll be glad to know there are resources you can turn to.
While the recent coronavirus pandemic has yet to reach crisis levels in the United States, it nonetheless has had a dramatic impact on daily life for some areas of the country, including the San Francisco Bay Area. From low supplies of products like hand sanitizer and toilet paper to the closure of theme parks and cancellation of live events, all Bay Area residents are feeling the effects of COVID-19, even if few are experiencing its symptoms.
One of the ways Bay Area residents are being impacted is financially. Whether sick, quarantined, caring for an ill or quarantined family member, or temporarily unemployed due to an employer shutdown, thousands are missing out on work and feeling the pinch on their finances as a result. The good news is, if your livelihood has been affected by COVID-19, there are resources you can utilize. Refer to the following information provided by the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Sick or Quarantined
If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19, you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. DI provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60 to 70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 to $1,300 per week. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have your health condition certified by a medical professional.
Caregiving
If you’re unable to work because you’re caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. PFL provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60 to 70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 to $1,300 per week.
Reduced Work Hours
If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. UI provides partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their jobs or have their hours reduced through no fault of their own. Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 and expected to return to work with their employers within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week. However, they must remain able and available to work during their unemployment for each week of benefits claimed and meet all other eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals can receive benefits that range from $40 to $450 per week.