Unemployment Crisis — Options for hourly workers

The US is experiencing an unprecedented rise in unemployment as industries including hospitality and food service grind to a halt.

In absolute terms: California and Texas are projected to lose the greatest number of jobs, with California losing 1,609,975 and Texas losing 1,180,580.

In relative terms: Nevada is projected to lose the greatest percentage of its private-sector workforce, with 14.2%, or 177,749 people, out of work. This is probably because leisure, hospitality, and retail — the industries hit hardest by coronavirus — account for 40.2% of the state’s private-sector employment, which is the greatest percentage among all 50 states.

What can be done:- Claiming Unemployment Insurance

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced new guidance outlining flexibilities that states have in administering their unemployment insurance (UI) programs to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

President Donald Trump approved an unprecedented $2 trillion stimulus package to help Americans who have lost jobs and wages due to the coronavirus pandemic. The relief bill is said to be the largest rescue package in modern American history.

Every state has its own website that will help individuals determine eligibility and go through the application, adding that most states have added information about what’s changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants can also get answers to questions or file their claim by phone.

How to Apply for UI:

1. Click on the Website Link: https://www.usa.gov/unemployment
2. Select Unemployment benefits under “Covid 19 Unemployment Insurance”
3. Select the state from drop down menu
4. Later click on the needed links to file the claim
5. Filling required details as below:

A. Key personal information like Social Security number, date of birth, mailing address, phone number, email address, and driver’s license or state-issued ID.

B. Addresses of your former employer

C. Work dates with your previous employer

D. Reasons you’re no longer employed

E. Some states will ask for additional personal information about dependents.

In most cases, benefits will start receiving benefits within 3–6 weeks. The stimulus bill is giving a federally funded weekly pay boost to those who are unemployed. In addition to regular state unemployment insurance, individuals will receive an additional $600 per week for up to four months. In total, unemployed workers will receive 39 weeks of unemployment benefits, which will carry them through to the end of 2020.

FAQ from The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers.html

Other Insurance Policies

1. In California (E.D.D): The Employment Development Department (E.D.D.), which has waived the usual one-week waiting period. That means workers who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the coronavirus should be able to receive benefits starting the first day of lost hours or work, though given the volume of claims it will likely take at least two to three weeks to receive your benefits. One can receive between $40 and $450 each week, depending on their earnings.
2. S.D.I: Employees who are sick with Covid-19 can apply for S.D.I. benefits online or by mail. State Disability Insurance provides the same pay rate as Paid Family Leave (60 or 70 percent of your income, up to a cap of $1,300 per week), and can continue for 52 weeks, with no waiting period for coronavirus-related claims. They need a certification from a doctor documenting your condition, or a written order from a state or local health officer stating that you have (or are suspected of having) Covid-19.