Are you unsure what businesses are considered essential and non-essential?
Here is an FAQ from New York State with the latest information:
https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/ESD_EssentialEmployerFAQ_032220.pdf?
Chenango-Delaware-Otsego Workforce News & Blog
The Official Career Development Source for Employment, Training and Recruitment issues for Business and Individuals in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties of New York State.
The New York State Department of Labor has issued a press release that includes helpful information and resources.
Including:
- A new PSA that provides information on how to apply for unemployment benefits and reassures New Yorkers if their unemployment filing is delayed, they will still receive full unemployment benefits. The PSA is also available with Spanish subtitles
- How to claim unemployment benefits
- Unemployment Insurance FAQs
- What you need to know and do About the CARES Act
- and more
Looking for plain language resources on the Corona Virus?
Green Mountain Self-Advocates has created a guide written by and for people with disabilities.
Includes information for SSI & SSDI recipients.
Shared From cornell.edu:
"With ongoing impact of covid-19 still not fully understood by the community at large, individuals with disabilities who regularly access a series of public benefits are left with a variety of questions about the impact of the various federal and state legislative and administrative actions on these various benefits. Key language in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) serves as a guidepost from which the impact on benefits can be better understood.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any refund (or advance payment with respect to a refundable credit) made to any individual under this title shall not be taken into account as income, and shall not be taken into account as resources for a period of 12 months from receipt, for purposes of determining the eligibility of such individual (or any other individual) for benefits or assistance (or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance) under any Federal program or under any State or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. 26 U.S. Code § 6409."
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Individuals who are receiving SSI need to be aware of several key elements related to the stimulus payment:
- Stimulus payments are NOT taxable.
- Stimulus payments received by the individual that are initiated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) will not counts as income in the calculation of the individual’s SSI amount for that month(26 U.S. Code § 6409).
- Stimulus payments will not be counted as “resources” for a twelve month period following the receipt of the funds (26 U.S. Code § 6409).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Disabled Widow(er) Benefits (DWB), Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB): The stimulus payment will have no impact on any of these Title II benefits: SSDI, DWB, CDB, and SSA Retirement. These benefits are classified as insurance benefits and are NOT impacted by unearned income. In addition, the stimulus payments will NOT be taxable.
Please note that Title II benefits are SSA benefits. SSI benefits are federal welfare benefits. At any time when the Act refers to “Social Security Benefits, “SSI” in not included unless specifically stated by the statute.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): There is no impact on SNAP benefits due to the receipt of a stimulus payment in accordance with 26 U.S. Code § 6409.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD): There is no impact on HUD rent subsidies due to the receipt of the stimulus funds. Further, HUD housing does not consider an individual’s resources. Only the income produced by the resource, bank interest, is considered by HUD. *Please check your state rules concerning and state public housing in which an individual may be living.
HUD has also extended a “tailored set of mortgage payment relief options for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages”. “Effective immediately for borrowers with a financial hardship that makes them unable to pay their mortgage due to the COVID-19 National Emergency, mortgage servicers must extend deferred or reduced mortgage payment options - called forbearance - for up to six months, and must provide an additional six months of forbearance if requested by the borrower”[1].
Medicaid: In all states that have accepted the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) 6.2% increase from the federal government (only NYS is in question), Medicaid recipients who received benefits before the COVID-19 crisis, or become eligible during the crisis cannot be terminated from Medicaid.
On a case by case basis, states may change the category or eligibility, e.g., from regular Medicaid to 1619(b) or Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD), but terminations of coverage will not be allowed.
Medicare: The stimulus payment will have no impact on Medicare premiums or eligibility. Medicare Savings Plans (MSPs), those programs that see Medicaid paying all or part of Medicare premiums for Parts B and D, will also not be impacted by the stimulus payments in accordance with above language (26 U.S. Code § 6409).
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): In accordance with the language in 26 U.S. Code § 6409, the stimulus payment will have no impact on TANF eligibility or resource levels for a 12 month period from receipt of the funds.
Unemployment Insurance (UI): Each state is responsible for establishing its own UI benefits eligibility. In general, individuals qualify when:
- Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
- Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a "base period." In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.
- Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own state’s program. [2]
Important UI Facts: • UI has been extended beyond the “normal” 26 weeks to 39 weeks. *Note: Massachusetts residents will receive 43 weeks as the Commonwealth provides 30 weeks of UI in normal circumstances.If your state pays other than 26 weeks in normal circumstances, simply add 13 weeks to the number of state weeks of payment
The federal government will also add $600 per week to the maximum state U/I benefit paid. For instance, if your state maximum payment is $450 per week, the weekly check will be $1045. There appears to be no variation in payment for those not receiving the maximum in your states so we must assume, until we receive other information that the $600 per week will be added to all UI amounts paid by the state.
For SSD/I workers with disabilities that will have to meet your state “base rate”; meaning that they have to have worked long enough and earned enough to be eligible for UI. See your state’s UI website for this information. Many websites also have calculators to estimate payments.
Important UI and SSI Facts: • SSI recipients are required to apply for any other benefit they may be eligible to receive when told of potential eligibility. The SSA Program Operations Manual System (POMS) states:
- SSA advises him/her, on a written, dated notice, of potential eligibility for other benefits; and
- He/she does not take all appropriate steps to file for and, if eligible, obtain any such payments within 30 days of receipt of such notice.
For those SSI recipients that meet your state’s UI “base period” the potential of receiving $2400 plus the state U/I benefit exists. SSI recipients could receive much more through the UI program than through the SSI program. Thus, they should be encouraged to apply ASAP for UI. Given that be maximum period of receipt of UI is 43 months, SSI recipients will still be suspended when UI ends. Please note:
- At the conclusion of the UI, the recipient MUST call SSA to have the SSI reinstated.
- Any EXCESS resources held at the time reinstatement is requested will count toward the resource limit.
- Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts or other protected savings mechanisms could be considered, if eligible, to ensure SSI resource rules are met.
[1] HUD (2020, April 1). HUD issues new CARES act mortgage payment relief for FHA single family homeowners. HUD https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_048
[2] DOL (2020, April, 2). How do I file for unemployment insurance? DOL https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
Released April 2, 2020
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
Due to the current situation with the Covid-19 Virus, the Catskill Center for Independence Navigators are now taking phone applications only and are no longer conducting in person appointments.
From the Catskill Center for Independence:
"Although our presence in the community is not what you may be used to, we are still diligently working to meet your health care enrollment needs.
New York State of Health has opened a SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD where everyone, regardless of their income, can apply for coverage. This special enrollment period is effective now through Aril 15, 2020 and includes Qualified Health Plans (those with metal levels). Of course enrollments in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan are open year round. Please call one of our navigators to get the help you need in taking advantage of this special enrollment period as well as applying for Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan at any time during the year.
Our Navigators are located in the following counties, but are able to assist consumers in any New York State County:
Schoharie County: Debbie Martin: 607-725-7256 Cheryl Plant: 607-437-0265
Delaware County: Shelly VanDerwerken: 607-435-7645
They are available Monday through Friday from 8-4 daily and are looking forward to assisting you as you make your health care decisions. We thank you for your understanding during this time and hope you all stay safe and healthy".
The NYS Department of Labor has issued guidance for self-employed Individuals on how to file an Unemployment Insurance Claim on New York State Department of Labor’s Website.
Guidance for Employers from NY.gov
"As an employer, there are important things for you to know – and actions to take – related to the new COVID-19 quarantine paid leave legislation signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo."
Current guidance from the NYS Dept. of Labor as of March 31st, 2020:
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed a law that provides additional Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19.
This new law provides:
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – Extended eligibility for individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for UI benefits (e.g., self-employed workers, independent contractors);
• Pandemic Unemployment Compensation – An additional $600 per week, on top of regular benefits, to all UI recipients; and,
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation – An additional 13 weeks of UI benefits, beyond the regular 26 weeks already provided, for a total of 39 weeks of coverage.
See our CDO Workforce April Newsletter for our Virtual Services announcement, COVD-19 Resources, Resources & Opportunities for Job Seekers, Resources for Businesses and lots more...
The federal CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The Act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers.
Resources and Answers from the NYS Dept.of Labor to Frequently Asked Questions from Career Center Customers and Job Seekers:
Unemployment Insurance
Concerns about getting through and wanting to visit the center to file a claim
• The NYS UI system and telephone claim centers across the state have been handling unprecedented numbers of claims/phone calls and as a result, are experiencing some technical difficulties and are running slower. Those filing claims (or attempting too) are experiencing a variety issues, but they need to be patient and keep trying. New claimants do need to follow the newly enacted protocol and file on their assigned day to help alleviate the overload, but it is no guarantee they won’t experience issues/errors. DOL has extended telephone filing hours and is in the process of hiring additional call center staff, but claimants may still experience difficulties as we work thru this.
• All in-person services at all Career Centers in New York State have been canceled until further notice. This is being done out of an abundance of caution based on directives from Governor Cuomo to ensure appropriate measures are being taken for the safety and health of our staff and customers.
• If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name. If your last name starts with A - F, file your claim on Monday. For last names starting with G - N, file your claim Tuesday. For last names starting with O - Z, file your claim on Wednesday.
If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday or Friday.
Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.
Here is a step by step process to file a claim online: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/Unemployment-Filing-Instructions.pdf
We are extending telephone filing hours as follows:
Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 7:30 pm. Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Saturday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.
NY.Gov Accounts:
If you require assistance re-setting your username and password so you can access your NY.GOV account, you will need to call the Department of Labor Contact Center at (888) 469-7365) between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Press option 2 to speak to a representative at the Department of Labor Contact Center.
For information regarding your unemployment insurance claim, including information regarding benefits or payments, you will need to call the Telephone Claims Center and speak with a representative: 1-888-209-8124.
Extended Benefits (will most likely change)
The federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes extended unemployment benefits. New York has not qualified for these extended benefits at this time, but we will continue to monitor the situation and leverage all federal resources to help New Yorkers survive the economic hardships associated with the novel coronavirus.
If New York State DOES qualify for the extended benefits, New Yorkers do NOT need to do anything new. We will post additional information on the website as it becomes available. Please do NOT call our unemployment hotline with questions about extended benefits -- this helps us keep our phone lines available for your fellow New Yorkers who need to file new claims.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Failure to Report (FTRs)
We have referred the issue of your missed appointment to the UI Division. Please continue to certify for your weekly benefits. Look for important messages from the UI Division and any forms you may need to complete in your Online Services account.
All in-person appointments at all Career Centers in New York State have been canceled until further notice. This is being done out of an abundance of caution based on directives from Governor Cuomo to ensure appropriate measures are being taken for the safety and health of our staff and customers.
Work Search Requirements
Temporary lay Off
If you are on a Temporary layoff of 4 weeks or less, with the assumption that you will be returning to your employer, you are not required to look for work. If after 4 weeks has passed and you have not been called back to work, we will reassess your temporary layoff at that time.
Permanent Lay off
We understand that you have work search constraints at this time. Work search activities that you can do each week within the limitations of the Coronavirus include:
• Developing or revising your resume
• Search for jobs online • Applying for jobs online (many industries are still hiring!) • Send resumes to companies that may have openings in the future
• Interview via videoconferencing if possible
• Registering and checking in with recruiters, college career centers, placement services and professional organizations
• Create a LinkedIn Profile and network each week
NYS Department of Labor, Labor Standards Complaint:
If your customer has a complaint related to wages owed and other employment issues, you can submit a Labor Standards complaint by following the steps below:
- Fill out form LS223: https://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/LS223.pdf
- (DEWS Staff only) Submit the completed form via email to: LSClaim.Intake@labor.ny.gov
Or submit the complaint via mail to:
NYS DOL - Division of Labor Standards
State Office Campus Building 12, Room 266B
Albany, NY 12240
Please refer to the NYSDOL Labor Standards website for any questions: https://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/labor_standards.shtm
NYS Division of Human Rights, Discrimination Complaint:
If you have a complaint alleging discrimination you can submit a Division of Human Rights Complaint form. Follow the steps below: To file a complaint of employment discrimination, download the below form:
- Complete the Division of Human Rights Complaint form: Fillable PDF: https://dhr.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/nysdhr-employment-complaint-form-fillable.pdf Printable PDF:https://dhr.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/nysdhr-employment-complaint-form.pdf
- Have the form notarized
- Return the original, signed and notarized complaint form to the regional office closest to you by mail, or personal delivery, or you may email your complaint to complaints@dhr.ny.gov or fax it to (718) 741-8322.
Refer to the NYS Division of Human Rights website for any additional questions or inquires: https://dhr.ny.gov/ How to file a complaint: https://dhr.ny.gov/complaint
Health Insurance
https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
Individuals & Families
You and your family have many low-cost, quality health insurance options available through the Individual Marketplace. You can quickly compare health plan options and apply for assistance that could lower the cost of your health coverage. You may also qualify for health care coverage from Medicaid or Child Health Plus through the Marketplace.
Call our help line: 855.355.5777 - TTY: 1.800.662.1220
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Paid Family Leave
Governor Cuomo enacted a law that provides benefits - including sick leave, paid family leave, and disability benefits - to New York employees impacted by mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. If you have any questions about this law please visit www.ny.gov/COVIDpaidsickleave or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
The New York State Department of Labor has launched a new job search site!
Search your location now for companies that are hiring immediately.
The site is updated daily with vetted open positions at top companies.
Businesses you can post jobs too!
The Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has provided a webinar on applying for SBA Economic Disaster Loans, available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLfd03vjxvA&feature=youtu.be
From Benefits.gov:
Benefits.gov has released a new article, "Finding the Right Help during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) Outbreak".
In the article, you will find helpful information on government benefits such as unemployment resources and healthcare coverage as well as resources for businesses and families.
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
"The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. (CDC has provided separate guidance for healthcare settings.) This guidance also provides planning considerations for community spread of COVID-19."
Including:
- Preparing Workplaces for a COVID-19 Outbreak
- Reduce Transmission Among Employees
- Maintain Healthy Business Operations
- Maintain a healthy work environment
- and more...
THOUSANDS OF CRITICAL AND IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES ARE LOOKING TO FILL POSITIONS TO MEET INCREASED CUSTOMER DEMAND:
- Aldi
- Amazon
- Dollar General
- lPrice Chopper
- Domino’s
- Stewart’s Shops
- Walmart
- Target
See Open Positions and Learn More Here:
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read the Press Release/See Opportunities for Immediate Relief
N.Y. Unemployment Insurance Claims: The State is working to alleviate the significant pressure the influx of unemployment claims has created on the workforce system.
Therefore, the New York State Department of Labor has just released a new schedule for individuals filing new Unemployment Insurance Claim by phone or web. As a reminder the 7 day waiting period has been waived. https://labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm
The day you file is based on the first letter of your last name, and filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of your claim. Claims are effective on the Monday of the week of filing: • A-F: Monday • G-N: Tuesday • O-Z: Wednesday • If you missed a filing day, claim on Thursday or Friday.
The Governor has also announced an agreement has been reached with the Legislature that: • Guarantees Job Protection and Pay for New Yorkers Quarantined as a Result of Novel Coronavirus • Adopts Comprehensive Paid Sick Leave Proposal • Provide Two Weeks Paid Leave for Quarantined State Workers • Drive-Through COVID-19 Mobile Testing Facility Opens Today in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County and Staten Island • Outreach to Retired Nurses and Doctors to Supplement Medical Personnel at Hospitals - Part of Governor's Hospital Capacity 'Surge' Efforts • Directs Greater NY Hospital Association and Healthcare Association of NYS to Work with 1199 SEIU to Develop Plan to Create Drop-In Child Care and Expand Child Care Facilities at Hospitals to Ensure Child Care for Hospital Workforce
Read the full announcement: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-three-way-agreement-legislature-paid-sick-leave-bill-provide-immediate
HOW CAN SHARED WORK HELP YOUR BUSINESS?
The Shared Work Program gives you an alternative to laying off workers during business downturns by allowing them to work a reduced work schedule and collect partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. Instead of cutting staff, you can reduce the number of hours of all employees or just a certain group.
Learn more here:
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/employerinfo/shared-work-program.shtm
12 Dietz St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 432-4800