Federal Legislation
The following federal policies have been enacted to alleviate financial burdens on working families during the Covid-19 crisis.
· Checks: $1,200 per individual adult + $500 per child for individuals with annual income up to $75,000 or $150,000 for families, determined by adjusted gross income on 2019 or 2018 federal tax returns. Individuals with annual income $75,001-$99,000 or families with annual income $150,001-$198,000 will receive a pro-rated amount proportionate to the $1,200 maximum
· Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits expanded to $600/week for 39 weeks for anyone who is unable to work due to Covid-19, including part-time workers, contracted 1099 workers, and gig workers. The $600 rate is in addition to any UI benefits offered by individual states.
· Paid Sick Leave: 2 weeks (up to 80 hours) paid sick leave at full wage rate to any worker subject to quarantine or isolation or is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Anyone who is unable to work because they are caring for someone in quarantine or isolation or with Covid-19 symptoms, or anyone who has children in a school that has close will receive 2 weeks (up to 80 hours) at 2/3 regular wage rate.
· Paid Family Medical Leave: 10 weeks at 2/3 the employee’s regular wage rate for anyone unable to work and needs to care for a child whose school or childcare provider is closed. An employee must have worked for their employer for 30 days to receive this benefit.
· Free Testing: Healthcare providers cannot charge an individual to be tested for Covid-19.
· Other: Employers cannot require employees to use Personal Time Off (PTO) if they cannot work due to Covid-19, nor can employers require employees to find someone to replace or cover for them. |