Coronavirus has caused many uncertainties in the past few weeks, leaving many tenants unsure of their financial stability. Luckily the EDD (Employment Development Department) of California is providing a number of support services, including financial aid, to individuals affected by COVID-19.
Who qualifies
Sick or quarantined workers
Workers unable to work due to having or having been exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), are able to file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. This can supply wages for workers who have had full or partial loss of wages due to COVID-19.
Please note benefits are roughly 60-70 percent of your regular wages and can span from $50-$1300 per week.
Due to California declaring a state of emergency the Governor released an executive order which waives the one-week unpaid waiting period. Meaning you can collect benefits the first week you lost work due to COVID-19.
If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues your payment a few weeks after receiving your claim.
Caregiving
Workers unable to work due to caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) may file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. This can provide up to 6 weeks of benefit payments.
Once again, benefits are roughly 60-70 percent of your regular wages and can span from $50-$1300 per week. If eligible, the EDD processes and issues your payment a few weeks after receiving your claim.
School Closures
Schools closing across the country have parents missing work to be home with their children. If working remotely isn’t an option and there are no other care options for your children, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and EDD representatives will decide if you are eligible.
Reduced Work Hours
If your employer has reduced your hours or completely shut down business due to COVID-19 you can file a UI claim. Workers who are briefly unemployed due to COVID-19 and expecting to return to work within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work (although workers must remain available to return back to work while they receive benefits).
Benefits can span roughly $40-$450 per week.
This information was provided by the EDD. If you have received a loss of hours and are concerned about money please apply for the above benefits and inform your property management company and landlord of your situation.