Unemployment benefits may be available to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. These bi-weekly benefit payments help job seekers focus on their path to reemployment and help lessen the negative impact that unemployment has on the economy.
Workforce Issues
As developments continue to unfold in response to the spread of COVID-19, we know many small businesses have questions about implications in the workplace and funding options to help bolster their businesses during this difficult time. On this page, we are compiling relevant tips and resources such as unemployment, paid family leave, paid sick leave, healthcare and more.
State of Colorado, Department of Labor and Employment
Unemployment Benefits
Audience: Employees
Georgia Department of Labor
Unemployment Benefits
Individuals may visit the portal to claim weekly unemployment benefits, file appeals, file unemployment insurance claims and get unemployment assistance.
Audience: Employees
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is a state-operated insurance program designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work. Like fire, accident, health and other types of insurance, it is for an emergency: when you are temporarily or permanently out of a job, or if you work less than full time because of lack of work.
Audience: Employees
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
New Tax Credits
This law provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19.
Audience: Small Business Owners, Employees, Non-profits
BitWise Industries
Onward US
A national portal that will match open jobs to laid-off workers in seven states based on their specific skills through a questionnaire.
Audience: Employees
State of Colorado, Department of Labor and Employment
Guidance on paid sick leave
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has crafted emergency rules regarding paid sick leave. Under the emergency rules, employers in specific industries are required to provide up to four days of paid sick leave. This rule only requires pay up to the four day waiting period for virus testing, and does not require employers to replace wages in the event of a positive test.
Audience: Small Business Owners, Employees, Non-profits
California Employment Development Department - EDD
Paid Family Leave
Employees eligible if they have to take time off to take care of a loved one that is sick beacuase of COVID-19. Provides 60%-70% of wages.
Audience: Employees
California Employment Development Department - EDD
Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC)
For self-employed/freelancers - to be eligible, either you or an employer had to make contributions in the past 5 to 18 months. It is possible these contributions were made at a prior job.
Audience: Self-employed
California Employment Development Department - EDD
Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program
Employers eligible to cover part of their employees wages if employees see a reduction in hours of at least 10% and no more than 60%. Other guidelines exist for eligibility.
Audience: Small Business Owners
California Employment Development Department - EDD
State Disability Insurance
Employees eligble if they no longer can work because they are themselves suffering from COVID-19. Provides 60-70% of wages.
Audience: Employees