Wolkins: Help Available To Hoosier Workers, Employers Impacted By COVID-19
April 2, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Wolkins: Help Available To Hoosier Workers, Employers Impacted By COVID-19
By Staff Report-
Under Indiana's temporary "stay-at-home" order, many businesses deemed not essential have laid off staff or cannot pay employees while they are shut down. To help, Gov. Eric Holcomb expanded unemployment coverage to those impacted, including Hoosiers whose work hours were reduced, those under medical quarantine and employees who cannot continue to work because of lack of child care options.
"Hopefully, Hoosiers in need can find some financial relief," Wolkins said. "The worry and stress associated with finding a way to pay for necessities can be eased by some of these programs. We're all doing the best we can to get through this health crisis, and these resources are just another way to help."
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Hoosiers should file for unemployment insurance if their employment has been interrupted or ended due to COVID-19, and their claim will be evaluated. Individuals must apply for UI benefits online, using a computer or smart phone at Unemployment.IN.gov. For questions, the state asks Hoosiers to review the Frequently Asked Questions, the Claimant Handbook or the online video tutorials before calling the 1-800-891-6499 helpline, which continues to experience a high volume of calls.
Indiana waived the one-week waiting period for payment of unemployment benefits, and it is retroactive to March 8, 2020. Qualified claimants can typically receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, but this has been extended by an additional 13 weeks. Wolkins said thanks to the action of the federal government, unemployed workers who file and are approved will see an extra $600 per week for four months.
Wolkins said small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits can receive up to $2 million in low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact. The loan interest rates for small businesses and nonprofits are 3.75% and 2.75%, respectively, with terms up to 30 years.
"There are many small businesses now facing uncertainty due to the pandemic," Wolkins said. "Employers are having to make tough decisions about their short-term and long-term future, and I encourage them to check out this program for help meet their needs."
Wolkins said businesses' merit rate/tax rate will not be impacted if they lay off employees due to the coronavirus.
For more information and to apply for a small business loan, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Hoosiers can also contact 1-800-659-2955 or [email protected] with additional questions.
Under Indiana's temporary "stay-at-home" order, many businesses deemed not essential have laid off staff or cannot pay employees while they are shut down. To help, Gov. Eric Holcomb expanded unemployment coverage to those impacted, including Hoosiers whose work hours were reduced, those under medical quarantine and employees who cannot continue to work because of lack of child care options.
"Hopefully, Hoosiers in need can find some financial relief," Wolkins said. "The worry and stress associated with finding a way to pay for necessities can be eased by some of these programs. We're all doing the best we can to get through this health crisis, and these resources are just another way to help."
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Hoosiers should file for unemployment insurance if their employment has been interrupted or ended due to COVID-19, and their claim will be evaluated. Individuals must apply for UI benefits online, using a computer or smart phone at Unemployment.IN.gov. For questions, the state asks Hoosiers to review the Frequently Asked Questions, the Claimant Handbook or the online video tutorials before calling the 1-800-891-6499 helpline, which continues to experience a high volume of calls.
Indiana waived the one-week waiting period for payment of unemployment benefits, and it is retroactive to March 8, 2020. Qualified claimants can typically receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, but this has been extended by an additional 13 weeks. Wolkins said thanks to the action of the federal government, unemployed workers who file and are approved will see an extra $600 per week for four months.
Wolkins said small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits can receive up to $2 million in low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact. The loan interest rates for small businesses and nonprofits are 3.75% and 2.75%, respectively, with terms up to 30 years.
"There are many small businesses now facing uncertainty due to the pandemic," Wolkins said. "Employers are having to make tough decisions about their short-term and long-term future, and I encourage them to check out this program for help meet their needs."
Wolkins said businesses' merit rate/tax rate will not be impacted if they lay off employees due to the coronavirus.
For more information and to apply for a small business loan, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Hoosiers can also contact 1-800-659-2955 or [email protected] with additional questions.
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