Employment Resources
During this time, the CDE Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) is encouraging all Expanded Learning grantees to work locally with hourly and classified staff, partner agencies, and community-based organizations to negotiate financial relief to support the individuals affected.
- CA Labor & Workforce Agency – Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers
- DHCS – Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
California Resources for Workers
- Disability Insurance is offered to those unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19. The benefit depends on income ranging from $50 to $1,300 a week for up to six weeks.
- Unemployment Insurance is offered to those who have lost their job or had hours reduced due to coronavirus. The benefit ranges from $40 to $450 a week for up to 26 weeks. The governor has waived the one-week unpaid waiting period, so workers can collect benefits the first week they are out of work.
- Paid Family Leave is offered to those unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member. The benefit ranges from $50 to $1,300 a week for up to six weeks.
- The special enrollment period for the Covered California health care insurance exchange opened up due to COVID-19. Individuals who are uninsured are eligible to enroll in health care coverage through the program through June 30.
California Resources for Employers
- The Work Sharing Program is offered to companies as an alternative to layoffs. It allows employees to receive unemployment benefits while still keeping their current jobs. A number of requirements must be met for companies to be eligible for the program, including hours and wages being reduced by10% to 60%.
- California’s Small Business Finance Center has partnered with local financial development corporations to provide direct loans to businesses struggling with cash flow during the pandemic. Businesses and some nonprofits with 750 or fewer employees are eligible for the services which include loan guarantees of up to $1 million for small business borrowers in declared disaster areas and loans in the range of $500 to $10,000 to low-wealth entrepreneurs in declared disaster and emergency areas. Interested parties should reach out to the Nor-Cal FDC here.
- California’s Rapid Response program is meant to help companies facing potential layoffs or closures with the help of local workforce development agencies in partnership with the America’s Job Center of California network. Services include worker training, work sharing and career counseling. Interested companies should reach out to their local America’s Job Center location, which can be found here.
- The Office of the Small Business Advocate has provided a FAQ for small businesses looking to get financing help from the state. Contact the office directly here.
- State Sens. Scott Wiener and Lena Gonzalez have introduced Senate Bill 939 as emergency legislation to stop commercial evictions of small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.