As states begin to release information about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on unemployment insurance benefits, filing, and requirements, Wolters Kluwer is compiling a state-by-state list of links and short summaries for their subscribers. We received permission to reprint them below for your convenience.
Alabama: Alabama has a link to its information page on COVID-19 as well as updated news releases on its Homepage.
See https://labor.alabama.gov/.
Alaska: Alaska has a link to its web page on COVID-19. It provides both federal and state resources as well as information on the CARES Act. In addition, the state has a hotline for COVID-19 employment complaints, 206-398-8039.
See https://labor.alaska.gov/COVID-19.htm.
Arizona: The state has a dedicated DES COVID-19 page covering topics like “How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits” and an “Unemployment Insurance Fact Sheet.”
See https://des.az.gov/services/coronavirus.
Arkansas: The state has a dedicated COVID-19 section that begins at the bottom of its Home page. There are links to Common Questions and Answers about UI Benefits, Federal Legislation Update, and Worker and Employer FAQs on Unemployment & COVID-19, among others. Individuals also may sign up for PUA email alerts.
See https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/.
California: California has its own webpage devoted to COVID-19 in both English and Spanish. The page provides links to various worker and employer scenarios related to COVID-19 and disability insurance, paid family leave, UI, and work sharing.
See https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm.
Colorado: Colorado has an information and resources webpage on COVID-19. It contains News & Alerts, Return to Work Guidance for Workers, and information on jobs and training, appeals, and other resources like virtual town halls, forms/publications, and contact information.
See https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/unemployment.
Connecticut: Connecticut recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus. It has FAQs for both workers and employers as well as federal UI stimulus programs FAQs.
See http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF.
Delaware: Delaware has a webpage with a new system to support applications for PUA, guidelines on the 13-week extension of UI benefits, guidance for independent contractors and the self-employed seeking UI through the CARES Act, sign-up for weekly unemployment updates, and a place for general UI questions and answers.
See https://dol.delaware.gov/.
District of Columbia: The District of Columbia’s webpage provides links to COVID-19 information as well as a Virtual Agent that can be used for general and COVID-19 questions.
See https://coronavirus.dc.gov/.
Florida: Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Program webpage provides links to COVID-19 resources, filing claims for state or federal reemployment assistance benefits, and a claims dashboard.
See http://www.floridajobs.org/.
Georgia: Georgia’s DOL has a COVID-19 webpage that provides updates on the federal stimulus CARES Act, PUA, a Q&A on the Families First Response Act, and an “Ask GDOL” link.
See https://dol.georgia.gov/gdol-covid-19-information.
Hawaii: Hawaii’s webpage provides FAQs on both UI and TDI benefits as well as a link to its COVID-19: Labor Benefits Fact Sheet, which provides information for both employees and employers.
See https://labor.hawaii.gov/covid-19-labor-faqs/.
Idaho: Idaho’s webpage, available in both English and Spanish, provides links to FAQs on UI and COVID-19, as well as specific information for the self-employed and gig workers, the additional $600 per week payment to qualified individuals under FPUC, the extension of benefits under PEUC, and essential jobs that need to be fulfilled in the state. In addition, a long list of resources for employers is provided.
See https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/COVID-19.
Illinois: Illinois has a dedicated webpage for information on COVID-19 and unemployment benefits. The webpage notes that if an employee receives unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19, at this time no guidance has been issued on whether the employer’s unemployment contribution rate will increase. Until such time, normal procedures will be followed.
See https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx.
Indiana: Indiana’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is requesting that if a company is planning a mass layoff of approximately 50 or more due to COVID-19, that it provide employee-specific information to assist DWD in processing unemployment insurance claims more quickly for the impacted staff. More information on the information requested can be found at the website below.
See https://www.in.gov/dwd/19.htm.
Iowa: Governor Reynolds announced that first quarter unemployment tax payments that are due April 30th will be delayed until the end of the second quarter, July 31, 2020. Eligible employers include those employers with 50 or fewer employees. Eligible employers also must be in good standing with no delinquencies in quarterly payments.
See https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/COVID-19.
Kansas: The Kansas Department of Labor has provided information regarding COVID-19 and applying for the shared work program on its webpage. In addition, the state notes that, though not required, employers may consider filing claims by spreadsheet.
See https://getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx.
Kentucky: The Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet has released an "Unemployment Insurance Employer Handbook for COVID-19." The handbook includes UI information and a sampling of questions staff has received from businesses in the state.
See https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Louisiana: Louisiana has provided information on its webpage for employers regarding COVID-19 information.
See http://www.laworks.net/PublicRelations/COVID_19_Information.asp.
Maine: Maine stated on its website that it will begin accepting claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program on May 1st. Maine has issued FAQs for employees and employers about UI and new COVID-19 measures.
See https://www.maine.gov/labor/covid19/.
Maryland: Maryland’s Department of Labor reiterated on its website that the state does not have a waiting week. Therefore, no matter when or how they file, Marylanders become eligible for benefits starting after the day after they separated from employment. In addition, the state has issued FAQs for employers impacted by COVID-19.
See https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uicovidfaqs.shtml.
Massachusetts: Governor Baker signed new legislation waiving the waiting week for unemployment benefits in cases related to COVID-19. The state has posted questions and answers that explain the recent changes at the Department of Unemployment Assistance webpage listed below.
See https://www.mass.gov/info-details/employer-unemployment-faq-covid-19.
Michigan: Michigan’s Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity is encouraging employers to implement the state’s work share program. The program permits employers to keep their employees working with reduced hours, while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of their lost wages. More information on the Department’s COVID-19 resources are available at the website below.
See https://www.michigan.gov/leo/.
Minnesota: The Minnesota Department of Unemployment Insurance notes on its webpage that due to the high volume of calls from workers whose employment has been affected by COVID-19, the employer phone line is currently unavailable. Also, the Department has posted information regarding key things employers need to know during COVID-19.
See https://www.uimn.org/employers/employer-account/news-updates/covid-19.jsp.
Mississippi: The Mississippi Department of Employment Security has issued COVID-19 FAQs for employers on its website.
See https://mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/covid19/#EmployerFAQs.
Missouri: The Missouri Department of Labor reminds employers that there is information available on its website regarding the Shared Work Program, a layoff aversion program, and information on the filing of a mass claim, expedited filing of multiple claims on behalf of employees.
See https://labor.mo.gov/coronavirus.
Montana: The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has issued COVID-19 resources for employers on its website. It notes that the webpage will be regularly updated and recommends that employers bookmark the page and check back often.
See http://dli.mt.gov/employer-covid-19/employer-resource-covid-19.
Nebraska: The Nebraska Department of Labor has issued employer UI FAQs on its COVID-19 Resources and Information website. If an employer is reducing hours, the Department recommends Short-Time Compensation. Information about the STC program is available at https://dol.nebraska.gov/STC.
Nevada: The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has posted FAQs for employers on COVID-19.
Seehttps://detr.nv.gov/Page/Coronavirus.
New Hampshire: The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security issued a security alert regarding a number of online scams targeting individuals seeking to file unemployment insurance claims. The DES processes unemployment claims for free, so customers should be extremely wary of any site that charges a fee for this service.
See https://www.nhes.nh.gov/index.htm.
New Jersey: The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers printable guides outlining COVID-19–related benefits for New Jersey employees on its website.
See https://myunemployment.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/covidFAQ.shtml.
New Mexico: New Mexico’s COVID-19 webpage contains information for workers affected by the coronavirus, latest updates, fraud alerts, Frequently Asked Questions, plus additional resources. The information is available in both English and Spanish.
See https://www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info.
New York: The State of New York has been on a “pause” these past two months as it deals with an unprecedented number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths. It has begun to add material to a specifically designated page about unemployment insurance and has updated its claims filing online system. The City of New York also has a page on COVID-19 information.
See https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm for UI information statewide and https://www1.nyc.gov/site/helpnownyc/get-help/individuals.page for information specific to individuals.
North Carolina: North Carolina’s COVID-19 webpage has a chat feature, information for both employers and individuals, online account help for employers and individuals, information on returning to work, information on PUA and PEUC, and the state’s Executive Orders.
See https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-nc-unemployment-insurance-information.
North Dakota: North Dakota Job Service has a dedicated page on UI and COVID-10 FAQs in both English and Spanish.
See https://www.jobsnd.com/news/unemployment-insurance-and-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions.
Ohio: Ohio offers a Coronavirus and UI Employee Resource Hub which provides information about the latest COVID-19 news and an extensive list of FAQs about UI eligibility; the UI application process; technical errors, notifications, and troubleshooting; as well as what to expect after applying. Also included is a list of helpful links to other state resources. Ohio also offers a separate Coronavirus and UI Employer Resource Hub, providing information about latest news, and an extensive list of FAQs about UI eligibility; the UI application process; tax and payment implications during COVID-19; and technical errors, notifications, and troubleshooting. Also included on the Employer Hub is a list of helpful links to other state resources. An Expanded Eligibility Resource Hub, with expanded eligibility links, is also available
See https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/employee/ for the Employee Resource Hub, https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/employer/ for the Employer Resource Hub, and https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/expandedeligibility/ for the Expanded Eligibility Hub.
Oklahoma: The state includes a COVID-19 website for claimants and a separate COVID-19 website for employers, featuring COVID-19 FAQs for employers.
See https://www.ok.gov/oesc/Businesses/Employer_FAQs_about_UI_and_COVID-19/index.html for the employer COVID-19 website with FAQs.
Oregon: Oregon provides a website with COVID-19 related information regarding business layoffs, closures, and UI benefits, which includes links to more information, as well as a timeline of COVID-19 events and agency metrics.
See https://govstatus.egov.com/ORUnemployment_COVID19.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation website provides information on filing an initial, a PUA, or PEUC claim; updates on COVID-19; live chat availability; frequently asked questions; COVID-19 statistics; and other resources and assistance. It is available in both English and Spanish.
See https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/Important-Updates.aspx.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico provides a website link as well as email contact information pertaining to COVID-19 in Spanish.
See https://www.trabajo.pr.gov/images/covid19.png.
Rhode Island: COVID-19 resources include links to various employee application situations, including gig economy workers, laid off employees, and employees whose place of employment is still open but who are unable to work because of COVID-19; a COVID-19 UI fact sheet; a UI eligibility/pandemic memorandum; and a COVID fraud memorandum.
See http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/.
South Carolina: The state maintains a COVID-19 Resource Hub for employers, including information about COVID-19 support payments and COVID-19 payment plan applications, as well as employer-filed claims. And PUA FAQs. A separate hub is available for individual jobseekers which includes tutorials on some of the most commonly asked questions.
See https://dew.sc.gov/covid-hub/employerhub for the employer hub and https://dew.sc.gov/covid-hub for the individual/employee hub.
South Dakota: The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation offers a number of tips on UI benefits for business and individuals, as well as videos and webinars.
See https://dlr.sd.gov/covid_19_resources.aspx.
Tennessee: The state has websites providing answers to frequently-asked questions on COVID-19-related issues for employers, employees, and the self-employed.
See https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/faq/employers.html for the employer FAQ website, https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/faq/employees.html, for the employee FAQ website, and https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/faq/selfemployed.html for the self-employed FAQ website.
Texas: Texas has websites devoted to both jobseekers and to employers with information about COVID-19-related matters. For job seekers, helpful information includes updated news about law and benefits, next steps, UI fraud, and precautions for employees. For employers, information includes such things as precautions for employers, mass claims and shared work programs, and fraud prevention.
See https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers resources website and https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers for the COVID-19 resources website for job seekers.
Utah: The Utah Department of Workforce Services has provided a website with links to a number of FAQs for employers along with a claims process overview and FAQs on weekly claims processing and returning to work.
See https://jobs.utah.gov/covid19/covidui.html.
Vermont: The Vermont Department of Labor provides a website including links to an extensive list of FAQs, as well as resources for both employers and employees.
See https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19.
Virginia: The Virginia Employment Commission has developed a website devoted to resources for COVID-19 issues regarding unemployment, including FAQs, including videos and COVID-19 news.
See https://www.vec.virginia.gov/covid19.
Virgin Islands: The Virgin Islands has added some information on COVID-19 to its website. There is a UI application form that may be filled out, information on Virgin Islanders living abroad who are hoping to return, and information for both employees and employers on COVID-19 in general, with links to resources.
See https://www.vidol.gov/cv19/.
Washington: Washington has a dedicated webpage for COVID-19-related issues for employers, including sections devoted to COVID-19 rulemaking, employer Q and A's, additional resources, and COVID-19 information. Washington also has a separate webpage dedicated to COVID-19 issues for workers, including sections devoted to COVID-19 rulemaking, employee Q and A's, additional resources, and COVID-19 information.
See https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19-employer-information for employer-related information and https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19 for employee-related information.
West Virginia: West Virginia has a webpage that includes COVID-19 and unemployment updates, which includes the governor's executive order on UI, as well as UI-filing FAQs.
See https://workforcewv.org/covid19.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin has a webpage that includes an extensive list of frequently-asked questions providing information for both employees and employers.
See https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/covid19/public/ui.htm.
Wyoming: The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services has a webpage providing tips for both employers and employees to prevent exposure to, and infection from COVID-19.
See http://wyomingworkforce.org/data/epidemiology/coronavirus/.
Reproduced by permission from Payroll Management Report Letters, 1568, PAYROLL MANAGEMENT GUIDE. © 2020 CCH Incorporated.