COVID 19 : WORKFORCE UPDATES

The State of California’s Employment D

evelopment Department has issued new guidelines as supportive services for those in the workforce that are impacted by the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

Sick or Quarantined Workers

Workers who unable to work due to being exposed to COVID-19 (Medical Certification required) can now file a Disability Insurance Claim that could provide eligible workers short term relief with a benefit payout covering between 60 to 70 percent of their wage depending on income (Can range between $50 to $1300 a week).

Caregivers

Workers who are caregivers to family members who are affected by COVID-19 (Medical Certification required) can file a Paid Family Leave claim which provides up to six (6) weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need to take time off to care for the affected family member.

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 job 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 employer within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week. However, they must remain able and available and ready 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-$450 per week.

Employers

Workplace Health and Safety

For information on protecting workers from COVID-19, refer to the Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus.

Businesses and employers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for help with planning and responding to COVID-19.

Reduced Work Hours

Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent.

Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

Potential Closure or Layoffs

Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM.

Tax Assistance

Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.

Resources

For questions, employers may call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-745-3886Hearing impaired (TTY): 1-800-547-9565Outside the U.S. or Canada: 1-916-464-3502