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In a letter to the North American Building Trades, the National Red Cross from across North America are in urgent need of blood and plasma.  According to the letter: “At this moment, the Red Cross is having a difficult time in finding places to set up and perform collections as many of their traditional partners are unable or unwilling to do so. We would request that you discuss this with your affiliates and ask them to strongly consider working with the Red Cross by making your union halls and training facilities available as collection sites, and we would further encourage your rank and file to donate if they are able.”
Contact information for the National Red Cross offices in the United States and Canada:
American Red Cross 
National Office 431 18th Street, NW
Suite 8000 Washington, DC 20006
800-733-2767
www.redcross.org
Canadian Red Cross   
400 Cooper Street,
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H8
613-740-1900
www.redcross.ca

Topics Covered:

 
I. ONE-TIME, DIRECT PAYMENT TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
II. EMERGENCY UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT
III.  THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UI BENEFITS

  1. ELIGIBILITY FOR UI BENEFITS
  2. AMOUNT OF INCREASED UI BENEFITS UNDER THE CARES ACT
  3. RELATIONSHIP TO EMERGENCY PAID SICK OR FAMILY LEAVE

VII.    NO WAITING PERIOD
VIII.   SEEKING WORK DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY

  1. FILING FRAUDULENT CLAIMS

ONE-TIME, DIRECT PAYMENTS                                              

 

  1. Does the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provide a direct, one-time payment to individual and families?

Yes, the CARES Act provides direct, one-time payment to individuals and families. The amounts of those payments are:

  • $1,200 for an individual with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 based on 2019 income tax returns (if filed) or 2018 returns
  • $2,400 for a married couple filing jointly with adjusted gross income of $150,000
  • $500 to parents for each child under age 17
  1. Am I entitled to the direct, one-time payment if my income or the income of my spouse exceeds the thresholds of $75,000 or $150,000 (combined)?

 The answer depends on the amount of your income. For persons or couples who earn more than the amounts listed above ($75,000 or $150,000), there is a $5.00 reduction for each $100 that a taxpayer’s income exceed those amounts. The amount of the one-time, direct payment is completely phased out for single filers with incomes exceeding $99,000, $146,500 for “head of household” filers with one child, and $198,000 for joint filers with no children.
 

  1. What is a “head of household”?

 “Head of household” is a term used by the IRS for filing purposes. If you filed your most recent tax form as “head of household,” you are a head of household for purposes of the phase out described in FAQ 2. “Head of household” includes unmarried persons and may include married persons living apart even if the couple is not divorced or legally separated.
For more information, see Publication 501 (2019), Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.  https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501#en_US_2019_publink1000220775
 

  1. Am I entitled to the direct, one-time payment if I remain employed and have suffered no loss of income?

Yes. Employed individuals are entitled to the direct, one-time payment if they meet the income guidelines discussed in FAQs 1 and 2.
 

  1. Do I need to apply for the direct, one-time payment?

No. The U.S. Treasury will send the payment to the address listed on your tax return. If you received your tax refund (if applicable) by direct deposit, the payment will be sent to your direct deposit account.
 

EMERGENCY UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT

  1. Does the CARES Act increase UI benefits?

Yes, under the CARES Act, the federal government provides UI benefits in the amount of $600 per week to eligible persons until July 31, 2020. These benefits are in addition to the UI benefits that a worker may receive from the state. The CARES Act also extends the number of weeks that workers may be entitled to receive state benefits.
 

 III. THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UI BENEFITS

  •  7. How do I apply for UI benefits in my state?

Check the website of your state unemployment office since instructions vary by state. You should plan to file on-line since offices are closed to the public until further notice.  Use the following to locate the website for your state.
 
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx

  1. Can I apply for UI benefits by telephone?

The websites of many state unemployment offices warn that you will have an unusually long wait if you call and may have difficulty getting through to their personnel. Filing on-line is your best option.
 

  1. How long will it take for the unemployment office to process my claim?

Since more than 3.3 million workers who have recently filed for UI benefits, there may be delays in the processing of your claim. The federal government has provided states with funding to hire additional staff to process claims. Be persistent in filing your claim.
 

  1. What information will I need to provide to the unemployment office on my application form?

The website of the unemployment office in your state lists the information that you need to file a claim, such as your social security number, work history (including the names and addresses of your employer(s), and dates of employment), etc.
 

  1. Is there any information that I can provide on my application that can speed up the processing of my application?

Check the website of your state’s unemployment office. The Connecticut Department of Labor, for example, advises that “For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.”
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF
 
 

  1. Can I receive my benefits by direct deposit into my bank account?

Some websites state that you should include your bank’s routing number and your account number if you want to receive your benefit payments via direct deposit.
Examples: https://dol.georgia.gov/blog/new-information-filing-unemployment-partial-claims-and-reemployment-services; https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/Indiana_Unemployment_FAQ.pdf
 

  1. If I am already receiving UI benefits from my state, what do I need to do to apply for the $600 increase provided by the CARES Act?

Check your website of your state unemployment office. The answer may that you are not required to do anything.  The New York State Department of Labor’s website states, for example, “If you are currently receiving benefits, there is nothing you need to do as your benefits will be updated automatically.”
https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
 

ELIGIBILITY FOR UI BENEFITS

 Who is eligible for increased UI benefits?
All workers who are normally eligible for regular UI benefits in their state are automatically eligible for increased federal benefits. The CARES Act also provides additional reasons for coverage that are related to COVID-19. See FAQ 17.
 

  1. Am I covered if I would not normally be eligible for UI benefits under state law?

Yes, other eligible persons under the CARES Act include: part-time workers, workers who have used up their UI benefits, workers with no work history to report (based on most recent tax return), and self-employed individuals. These individuals may receive benefits if they are unemployed or unavailable to work because of COVID-19 but otherwise would be available for work. Workers in these categories are entitled fewer weeks of benefits than workers who are normally eligible for regular benefits. See FAQ  22.
 

  1. Am I covered if I continue to be employed but am assigned a reduced number of hours?

Yes, you are eligible for a partial amount of UI benefits.
 

  1. Which types of COVID-19 reasons for being unable to work make you eligible to UI benefits?

You are covered if you:

  • have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis
  • have a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
  • are providing care for a family member or household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
  • are the primary caregiver for a child or other person in the household who is unable to attend school or another facility as a direct result of COVID-19
  • are unable to reach the place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of COVID-19
  • are unable to work because a health care provider has advised you to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 concerns
  • were scheduled to commence employment and do not have a job or are unable to reach the job as a direct result of COVID-19
  • have become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of household has died as a direct result of COVID-19
  • have to quit your job as a direct result of COVID-19 or
  • are employed in a place of employment that is closed as a direct result of COVID-19.

 

  1. Am I eligible for UI benefits if I was laid off before the federal government declared the COVID-19 emergency on January 27, 2020?

 Yes, you are still entitled to UI benefits as of that date.
 

  1. Am I eligible for UI benefits if my unemployment was not caused by the COVID-19 but I am unable to find a job because of the sharp increase in unemployment overall?

 Yes, you are still entitled to UI benefits.

 

  •  20. Am I eligible to receive UI benefits while temporarily quarantined with the expectation of returning to work when the quarantine is over?

 Yes. Federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive UI benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.
 

  1. Am I eligible to receive UI benefits if I leave employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member?

 Yes
 

AMOUNTS OF INCREASED UI BENEFITS UNDER CARES ACT

 

  1. What are the increased UI benefits provided under CARES Act?

Eligible workers are entitled to $600 per week for up to four months in UI benefits under CARES Act, plus the amount to which they are entitled to under state law. Entitlement to an additional $600 per week ends on July 31, 2020. The CARES Act also extends the number of weeks that a worker is entitled to receive state benefits by 13 weeks (not exceed 52 weeks). However, workers who would not normally be entitled coverage under state law receive a maximum of 39 weeks of coverage. See FAQ 15 for a list of those workers.
 

  1. What UI benefits am I entitled to under state law?

You can learn about the amount UI benefits to which you are entitled under state law unemployment if you click on the link provided in FAQ  7 for your state. For example, California’s Employment Development Department provides a UI benefit calculator that provides you with an estimate of your weekly benefit amount.  https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI-Calculator.htm
The amount of UI benefits provided by state law depends on your earnings. The maximum amount allowed varies by state.
 

  1. What UI benefits am I entitled to if I remain employed, but my hours are reduced?

The amount of your state benefits will be reduced based on the formula for calculating benefits in your state.
 

  1. How will my benefits be calculated if I have no work history on my most recent tax return?

If you have no income on your most recent tax return and no wage history that can be used to calculate a weekly benefit amount, you will receive a “minimum flat benefit” based on the average weekly benefit paid in the state, plus an extra $600 per week through July 31, 2020.
 

 RELATIONSHIP TO PAID SICK OR FAMILY LEAVE

  

  1. Can I collect UI benefits and paid family or sick leave for the same time period?

No, if you are eligible for both UI benefits and paid family or sick leave, you may be eligible to collect both but not for the same time period. For example, if your employer closes while you are on paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, your employer must pay for any paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave you used before the employer closed. As of the date your employer closes your worksite, you are no longer entitled to paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, but you may be eligible for UI benefits.  See the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers,” which addresses eligibility for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions
 
 

 VII.  NO WAITING PERIOD

 

  1. Is there a waiting period between date of unemployment and eligibility for extended UI benefits?

No. All waiting periods are eliminated in all states under the CARES Act.
 

VIII. SEEKING WORK DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY

 

  1. Does the CARES Act require you to “actively” seek work to remain eligible for benefits?

Yes. However, the CARES Act allows the states to provide “flexibility” in meeting this requirement for individuals who are unable to search for work because of COVID–19, including because of illness, quarantine, or movement restriction. You should follow the instructions provided on the website of your state’s unemployment office to learn what is expected of you to maintain eligibility. If your state requires you to register with employment services (Career Services), you should do so.
 

  1. If I lose my job for reasons related to COVID-19, am I required to register with the state’s employment services to remain eligible for UI benefits during the state of emergency?

 The answer may vary by state. Check the website of your state’s unemployment office. Registration with employment services (Career Link) may not be required during the state of emergency. Please be aware that this requirement may change once the state of emergency has ended. Here are two examples of guidance provided on websites of state unemployment offices:
Pennsylvania’s Website
Work Search and Work Registration requirements are temporarily waived for all UC claimants.  Claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their UC benefits.  Claimants are also not required to register with www.PACareerLink.pa.gov.
https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx
Illinois’ Website
30. What if I’m temporarily laid off because the place where I work is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 virus?
An individual temporarily laid off in this situation could qualify for benefits as long as he or she was able and available for and actively seeking work. Under emergency rules IDES recently adopted, the individual would not have to register with the employment service. He or she would be considered to be actively seeking work as long as the individual was prepared to return to his or her job as soon the employer reopened.
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx
 

  1. Have any states waived the requirement that workers seek work to remain eligible for UI benefits if they are not working for reasons related to COVID-19?

 Yes.  Many states have “waived” the requirement that recipients look for work.
Example: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF
 

  1. Am I required to seek work if I was unemployed at the time the state of emergency was declared?

Check the website of your state’s unemployment office. Here is an example from the Massachusetts Department of Labor that requires that workers make on-line efforts, as they “are able.”
Massachusetts’ Website
I was already collecting UI due to a reason unrelated to COVID-19. What do I do about work search?
You should continue to do an online work search as you are able. Many things that can be done remotely count as work search activities. For example, continue to monitor job boards and post resumes. You only need accept suitable work, however. If you are quarantined, are self-quarantining due to a reasonable fear of exposure, or you must care for a family member who is sick, or a child who is at home, you do not need to accept work until those conditions resolve.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/employee-unemployment-faq-covid-19
 

  1. Do any states require recipients of UI benefits to undertake reemployment activities?

Check the website of your state’s unemployment office. Here is an example of a state that informs workers that “may be required” to engage in on-line reemployment activities.
 
Maryland’s Website
The Department of Labor and Industry “might not require claimants to search for jobs, but may instead require claimants to perform other reemployment activities, such as creating a resume, completing online classes and training courses, or completing other approved online tasks that prepare the claimant to become reemployed in a future, stabilized labor market.” The website further states: “Claimants are not required to search for work if their employer has temporarily laid off the claimant and has provided a return to work date that is less than 10 weeks in the future.”
https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uicovidfaqs.shtml
 

FILING FRAUDULENT CLAIMS

 33. What is the penalty for intentionally filing a false claim for UI benefits?
The consequences of filing a fraudulent claim may include ineligibility for UI benefits in the future, repayment the amounts wrongfully received, and criminal charges.
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the second episode of Talking SMART, we talk with SMART leadership about the impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on our members and their jobs, as well as how SMART is mobilizing across the United States and Canada to help and support members and communities in need.
We first hear from Randy Krocka, the head of SMOHIT – the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust. Randy fills us in on the important work SMOHIT is doing to help members stay informed and be safe at home and on the job during the COVID-19 outbreak.
We also speak with SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson, who addresses what SMART is doing to protect rail and transit members at work, what the response to COVID-19 has been from federal transportation agencies and rail carriers, and the critical role all our TD members are playing during this time of crisis.
Finally, we talk with SMART General President Joseph Sellers, for a summary of what SMART is doing to help and support members — both in terms of workplace health and safety, and financially — as business shut-downs, lay-offs and stay-at-home directives ripple across the economy.
 
RELATED RESOURCES:

Here are the key provisions that will impact members in the $2 trillion package the Senate approved on March 25, 2020, and the House today on March 27.
Examples of How the Bill Affects Building Trades Members:   Anticipated real-life scenarios of how the CARES Act will impact building trades men and women (Based on examples provided by the North American Building Trades).  
Unemployment Assistance: Details of what is included in the legislation that addresses Unemployment Assistance for members and working families.
Income Assistance : A synopsis of what is in the legislation that affects members looking for information regarding income assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Rail Industry: Waiver of the 7-day waiting period for benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. Enhanced benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act ($1,200 in benefits every two-week cycle). Extended unemployment benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. Approx. $1 billion aid for Amtrak.
Private Insurance Coverage: Private insurance plans must cover testing for COVID-19 and any future vaccine without cost sharing.  
Foreclosure Protections: Prohibits foreclosures of federally backed mortgage loans for 60 days, and up to 180 days of forbearance for borrowers of a federally backed mortgage loan who have experienced a financial hardship related to COVID-19. Provides up to 90 days forbearance on multi-family properties with federally backed loans. Borrowers receiving forbearance may not evict or charge late fees to tenants during forbearance period. No protections for mortgages that are not federally assisted (through private lenders).  
Student Debt: This affects members with dependents and requires Secretary of Education to suspend all payments on federal student loans through September 30, 2020, with no accrual of interest.  
OSHA: No provisions regarding OSHA were included in the bill. 
Elections: $400 million for states to help prepare for the 2020 elections. Funding can be used, among other uses, to increase the ability to vote by mail, but includes no requirements that ease access.  
Employer Assistance:  A breakdown of assistance and resources in the bill that are available for private employers.
A House Bill was also introduced this week called the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act) 
For more information about all the recent COVID-19 relief packages, visit: Center for Economic and Policy Research 
 

Below are links from each Canadian Province and Territory for members and workers effected by the societal disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus.

Provinces

British Columbia  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
Alberta  https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
Saskatchewan https://www.saskatchewan.ca/~/link.aspx?_id=380105922B1249708F22D35E974FE476&_z=z
Manitoba https://manitoba.ca/covid19/
Ontario https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Quebec https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/
New Brunswick https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus.html
Nova Scotia https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
Newfoundland https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/
Prince Edwards Island https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

Territories

Northwest Territories  https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety-notices
Yukon Territories  https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/health-concerns-diseases-and-conditions/find-information-about-coronavirus-covid
Nunavut https://gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

After an overnight session, the Canadian Parliament has passed the new COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, ensuring that Canada has the tools and flexibility to respond quickly to the rising challenges being posed by the COVID-19 virus.
The Act includes the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which will provide $2000 a month for the next 4 months to workers who lose their income as a result of COVID-19.
This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose income as a result of the pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
Additionally, workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB. For businesses, this will keep their employees as they navigate the crisis, while preserving the ability to quickly resume operations as soon as it becomes possible.
Canadians who are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits as of today will continue to receive benefits and need not apply to the CERB. If their EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, they can apply then once their benefits cease.  This is If they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19.
Canadian members who have already applied for EI and whose application has not yet been processed  need not reapply. Canadians who are eligible for EI regular and sickness benefits will still be able to access their normal EI benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.
The portal for accessing the CERB would be available in early April. EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI here, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits.
Canadian members will begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. The CERB will be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.
 

State Resources and Benefits

The following are online links to U.S. states and some local municipal resources for workers that have been impacted by COVID-19.  Within these links are resources for Unemployment Insurance as well as other support services.

ALABAMA

ALASKA

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

CONNECTICUT

DELAWARE

  • Press Announcement: The Delaware Department of Labor Expands Unemployment Benefits to Workers Affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
  • Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance FAQs Regarding the Potential Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

FLORIDA 

  • Reemployment Assistance Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
  • Apply for unemployment benefits

GEORGIA

  • New information for filing for unemployment, mandatory filing by employers for partial claims, and reemployment services
  • How to file for unemployment insurance claim
  • FAQs for claimants filing for unemployment benefits due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

HAWAII

IDAHO

ILLINOIS

INDIANA 

IOWA

KANSAS

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

MAINE

MARYLAND

MASSACHUSETTS

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

  • General information about the Unemployment Insurance program, includes information on filing for unemployment insurance

MISSOURI

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs for Businesses and Workers
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
  • Apply for unemployment insurance claim online

MONTANA 

NEBRASKA

NEVADA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) mandatory notice – new policy re: visiting New Hampshire offices
  • News Release: Governor Sununu Issues Three Emergency Orders To Provide Relief (re: utilities, housing, unemployment benefits)
  • General information about the Unemployment Insurance program

NEW JERSEY

NEW MEXICO 

NEW YORK

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

  • FAQs regarding Unemployment Insurance and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • General information about the Unemployment Insurance program

https://www.jobsnd.com/unemployment-individuals
OHIO

OKLAHOMA

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

  • Information for Pennsylvania employees impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

PUERTO RICO

RHODE ISLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE 

TEXAS 

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

UTAH

VERMONT

VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON

WEST VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

WYOMING

The purpose of this page is to serve as an information clearinghouse for clear and accurate information about emergency legislative an regulatory activity regarding the COVID-19 outbreak affecting the general public along with SMART members and their families.  This site is to serve as a useful source of information for members searching for the most up to date legislative information affecting them.
https://www.smart-union.org/news/faq-on-unemployment-insurance-benefits-under-covid-19-relief/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/cares-act-corona-virus-phase-iii-passes-congress/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/canada-passes-new-covid-19-emergency-response-act-including-new-benefit-for-workers/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/families-first-act-signed-into-law-here-is-how-this-effects-members/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/provincial-resources-and-benefits-available-for-canadian-workers-impacted-by-covid-19/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/state-resources-and-benefits-available-for-workers-impacted-by-covid-19/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/coronavirus-preparedness-and-response-bill-passed-to-address-emergency-preparedness/
https://www.smart-union.org/news/new-emergency-ei-benefits-passed-in-canada/

Below is a summary of EI sickness benefits, EI regular benefits, the new Emergency Care Benefit and a new Emergency Support Benefit for Canadian members passed by the Canadian government.

 EI Sickness Benefits

Workers that have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus or are engaging in a public health authority directed self-isolation and/or quarantine may apply for Employment Insurance sickness benefits. Workers applying for EI sickness benefits must have:

  • experienced a decrease in gross earnings of more than 40% for at least one week;
  • accumulated 600 insurable work hours in the 52 weeks prior to the start of a claim; and
  • been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus or are engaging in a public health authority directed self-isolation and/or quarantine

EI sickness benefits provide workers with up to 55% of their gross earnings up to a maximum of $573 per week for up to a maximum of 15 weeks. The Federal Government has recently announced that it will be waiving the otherwise mandatory one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits for those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and/or those who are engaging public health authority directed self-isolation and/or quarantine. The Federal Government has also indicated that claimants will be eligible for EI sickness benefits without the usual requirement of a doctor’s note or other medical certificate.

Workers that have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are engaging in a public health authority directed self-isolation and/or quarantine should file a claim for EI sickness benefits immediately. Any delay in filing a claim could give rise to a denial or reduction of EI sickness benefits.

For more information on EI sickness benefits, including eligibility requirements, please visit this link.

The Federal Government has also set up a new dedicated toll-free phone number for workers in quarantine:  Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)

EI Regular Benefits

Provided workers have the requisite number of insurable work hours in the qualifying period, employees that are otherwise healthy and capable of working may apply for Employment Insurance regular benefits arising from a loss of employment due to COVID-19.

The qualifying period is the shorter of the 52 week period prior to the start of any benefit claim or the period from the start of a previous benefit claim to the start of your new benefit claim if the employee applied for benefits earlier and the application was approved in the last 52 weeks. Generally speaking, employees will need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment based on the unemployment rate in the employee’s area during the qualifying period to qualify for EI regular benefits.

EI regular benefits provide an employee with up to 55% of their gross earnings up to a maximum of $573 per week. The length of any EI regular benefit entitlement varies from region to region depending on the unemployment levels in the region where the employee works. Currently, the Federal Government has NOT waived the mandatory one-week waiting period for EI regular benefits for those employees who have been laid-off as a result of a COVID-19 slow-down.  For more information on EI regular benefits, including eligibility requirements, please visit this link.

Emergency Care Benefit

The Federal Government recently announced the creation of an Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks administered through CRA for those workers who don’t otherwise qualify for EI sickness benefits and/or EI regular benefits.

The Federal Government has indicated the Emergency Care Benefit will be available to the following class of workers:

  • Workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits;
  • Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent, but do not quality for EI sickness benefits; and
  • Parents with children who require care or supervision due to school closures, and are unable to earn employment income, irrespective of whether they qualify for EI or not.

Based on these initial eligibility requirements indicated by the Federal Government, the new Emergency Care Benefit appears to be available to piece work subcontractors in the construction industry, “gig” economy workers and part-time employees who would otherwise not be eligible for EI sickness benefits and/or EI regular benefits.

For more information on the Emergency Care Benefit, please visit this link:

Emergency Support Benefit

The Federal Government also recently announced the creation of an Emergency Support Benefit for Canadians who lose their jobs or face reduced hours as a result of COVID-19’s impact. The Emergency Support Benefit will be delivered through the CRA to provide up to $5.0 billion in support to workers who are not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment. Details of the benefit amounts payable to individuals and eligibility requirements for this benefit have yet to be articulated by the Federal Government. The Federal Government has indicated the Emergency Support Benefit will provide payments comparable to EI and last for 14 weeks. When further details become available, they will be communicated to members

 
 

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law, marking the second major legislative initiative to address COVID-19 (the first was signed on March 6 and provided emergency funding relief for domestic and global efforts). The Families First Act addresses the domestic outbreak, focused on paid sick leave.
The Act takes effect April 2, and provisions run through Dec. 31, 2020.
Below is how the Act will effect SMART members and their families. Please note that the sick leave portion of this legislation only effects employers with less than 500 workers.

Two Week Paid Sick Leave For Care of Family Members

Who gets it? Workers with family members affected by coronavirus and those whose children’s schools have closed. The number of people affected by school closures has so far run into many millions.
What does it pay?  These workers will receive up to two-thirds of their pay, though that benefit is limited to $200 a day. That would cover two-thirds of the typical daily wage of someone earning up to about $75,000 annually.
How long does it last? This benefit lasts up to a total of 12 weeks, including two weeks of sick leave. Note that many schools could be closed through the end of the year.
How does this effect employees who work under multi-employer bargaining agreements?  Under multi-employer bargaining agreements, employers may satisfy their obligations regarding the paid sick leave and extended FMLA provisions by making contributions to a multi-employer fund that permits such contributions and allows for employees to obtain these benefits through the fund. If such an arrangement is not in place, individual employers are still obligated to provide paid sick leave and extended FMLA benefits under the legislation.

Two Week Paid Sick Leave for Ill Or Quarantined Workers

Who gets it?   Only people being tested or treated for coronavirus or have been diagnosed with it. Also, eligible would be those who have been told by a doctor or government official to stay home because of exposure or symptoms.
What does it pay? Payments will be capped at $511 a day, roughly what someone making $133,000 earns annually.
Who pays for it? According to the IRS, employers will receive 100% reimbursement for paid leave. Health insurance costs are also included in the credit. Employers face no payroll tax liability for these leave hours paid. An immediate dollar-for-dollar tax offset against payroll taxes will be provided. Where a refund is owed, the IRS will send the refund as quickly as possible.