In recent weeks, local, state and federal officials have been tirelessly working to alleviate COVID-19's unprecedented impact on the economy. On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, which, in and of itself, is unprecedented. The CARES Act follows the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which we discussed in our last Employment Law Insider Alert, and is geared toward stabilizing the economy by providing financial assistance to employers and employees across the country.
The CARES Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan measure that all employers should be aware of, as it could provide much needed long-term as well as short-term financial relief.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits: The Department of Labor Issues Guidance on Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
On Section 2102 of the CARES Act broadens the availability of unemployment benefits to those individuals who are usually not eligible under regular state or federal unemployment programs, and have become unemployed or unable to work as a result of COVID-19. Those individuals include: self-employed workers, independent contractors, short term employees who have not had a long enough work history by ordinary standards, and part-time employees. The program offers up to 39 weeks of benefits and is available starting January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020.
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