Munley Law Blog

COVID-19 Resources

During this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to have a list of resources ready in case you need help and don’t know where to turn.  We have put together a listing, by category, of links to what we think are some very important sources of information during this trying time period.

Employee Rights – Paid Leave, Unemployment and Workers Compensation

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

FFCRA Supplemental Questions and Answers

US Department of Labor Guidelines

Information for PA Employees Impacted by COVID-19

Information for NJ Employees Impacted by COVID-19

Information for NY Employees Impacted by COVID-19

Social Security

Social Security Administration

Information for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (the list is extensive and we have listed just a few)

US Small Business Administration

EXIM Bank Coronavirus Response

Forbes List of COVID-19 Small Business Relief Funds

PA Working Capital Access Program

Philadelphia COVID-19 Fund

Philadelphia Small Business Relief Fund

NYC Assistance and Guidance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)

Covered employers (see definition below) are now required to provide their employees with paid sick leave, expanded family or medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

This newly established Act will remain in effect until December 31, 2020.

In general, covered employers must provide the following:

Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave if the employee is quarantined, experiencing symptoms of coronavirus and seeking a medical diagnosis. 

OR

Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay because the employee has a bona fide need to care for a quarantined individual, or a child under 18 whose school or day care facility has been closed as result of COVID-19, or other specified reasons.

Up to an additional 10 paid weeks of of expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay, […]

Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19

The $2 trillion stimulus package recently signed by President Trump greatly expands unemployment benefits for laid off workers.  Unemployment benefits will increase by $600 per week on top of the currently provided payments.  The stimulus package also broadens the numbers of individuals eligible for these benefits. 

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits?

Unemployment insurance is administered at the state level.  While specific plans vary by state, Americans are generally eligible if they have been laid off from their jobs.  The new plan has been expanded to include the self-employed, independent contractors as well as part time employees.  

According to the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation, you might be eligible if:

• Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
• Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
• You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
• You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, […]

Economic Stimulus Checks

An economic stimulus plan has recently been signed into legislation in order to help the millions of Americans negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The plan includes direct payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and more. Here are  some of the most commonly asked questions pertaining to stimulus checks.

How much will my check be for?

Individual taxpayers will receive $1,200 each if their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is less than $75,000. 

Married couples will receive $2,409 each if their Adjusted Gross Income is less than $150,000.

For individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income in excess of $75,00 or married couples with an Adjusted Gross Income in excess of $150,000, they will receive lesser amounts – a $5 reduction for every $100 in income above the threshold. 

There is an additional $500 payment for each dependent child under the age of 17. […]

Commercial Drivers, COVID-19, and Workers’ Comp

We rely on truck drivers and commercial delivery drivers for the food, medicine, household supplies, and other goods we use every day. Never has that been more clear than now, as the U.S. battles the coronavirus pandemic. From personal protective equipment to groceries and toilet paper, we have what we need to survive all thanks to these drivers.

Trucking has always been a tough job, and that’s especially true in times of crisis. Drivers may wonder: will the pandemic affect my eligibility for workers’ comp if I get hurt? What are my options if I get sick with COVID-19 while working?

If you’re hurt on the job (in a crash, at the delivery location, loading or unloading your truck…), you have the right to collect workers’ compensation benefits, even during a national emergency. If you worry about your claim being denied by your employer or their insurance company, […]