Covered 6 Team:
The COVID-19 epidemic that has spread across the globe has created unprecedented challenges that we are facing together, as a community and as a company.
Thank you for your continued professionalism and leadership in the face of this historic crisis. We appreciate your dedication and perseverance during this period of uncertainty. As we work through these difficult times, we want you to know that we care about you and share your concerns about the potential impact this crisis may bring to Covered 6.
Please understand that we are taking proactive measures to strategically plan for the ever-changing scenarios presented by this virus. We are doing this by engaging in dialogue with industry partners and collaborating closely with our clients. Unfortunately, short and long term effects on Covered 6 operations, resulting from government mandates, are likely. Keeping that in mind, we want to communicate directly with you, to demonstrate respect and the utmost transparency in this process.
Should reductions become necessary, we will do our best to relocate staff to other assignments within Covered 6. We recognize that this may not be possible in all cases, and as a result, want to share some important information with you. Knowledge is power. Please take the time now to visit the Employment Development Department website. Information regarding benefits available to employees impacted through quarantine, caregiving, and reduction of hours, as a result of COVID19 may be found on this website. This site also provides a link to the Governor’s Executive Order waiving the one-week unpaid waiting period for benefit payments. Below is a summary of the information and links available through EDD:
Sick or Quarantined
If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. DI provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.
The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect DI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.
For guidance on the disease, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Caregiving
If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. PFL provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.
School Closures
If your child’s school is closed, and you have to miss work to be there for them, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Eligibility considerations include if you have no other care options and if you are unable to continue working your normal hours remotely. File an Unemployment Insurance claim and our EDD representatives will decide if you are eligible.
Reduced Work Hours
If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. UI provides partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own. Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 and expected to return to work with their employer within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week. However, they must remain able and available and ready to work during their unemployment for each week of benefits claimed and meet all other eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals can receive benefits that range from $40-$450 per week.
The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect UI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.
EDD Website: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Wishing you and your family health and wellness! Stay vigilant and safe.