COVID-19 Help, Resources
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins March 23, 2020 | 11:35 AM
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Here is the latest information on claim processing from Unemployment Compensation. You may check UC’s website for additional alerts at: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
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PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Assistance program site is fully operational. In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits.
Individuals covered under PUA include the self-employed (independent contractors, gig economy workers, and workers for certain religious entities), those seeking part-time employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits.
You can learn more about the PUA program by clicking here.
Filing an Initial Claim for PUA
Make sure to review the PUA System Guide for helpful information on what to have ready to prepare for registering and filing your initial claim. You’ll also want to collect proof of earnings documents in advance. Acceptable documentation of wages can include but is not limited to:
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In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Here is the latest information on claim processing from Unemployment Compensation. You may check UC’s website for additional alerts at: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
=====
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Assistance program site is fully operational. In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits.
Individuals covered under PUA include the self-employed (independent contractors, gig economy workers, and workers for certain religious entities), those seeking part-time employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits.
You can learn more about the PUA program by clicking here.
Filing an Initial Claim for PUA
Make sure to review the PUA System Guide for helpful information on what to have ready to prepare for registering and filing your initial claim. You’ll also want to collect proof of earnings documents in advance. Acceptable documentation of wages can include but is not limited to:
- ?2019 tax returns;
- your 2019 1099 form(s);
- paycheck stubs;
- bank receipts;
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- ledgers;
- contracts;
- invoices; and/or
- billing statements.
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You do NOT need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) with the PUA system, you will have the username and password that you create.
You will NOT receive a confirmation email after submitting your initial PUA claim, you can go into the PUA dashboard to see the claim.
You CAN manage everything through your PUA dashboard - check on your claim status, upload documents, see payment information, etc.
CLICK HERE TO FILE FOR PUA.
Status of Claims Processing - Updated 5/7/20
If you opened your claim between March 15 and March 21: We are working quickly to mail a PIN to you so you can file for benefits. In case you did not receive your PIN by Saturday, 4/4, you will still be able to file for claim weeks 3/21, 3/28, and 4/4 through 9 p.m. on 4/11/20. From the time when you are first able to file your biweekly claims, continue filing every other week as long as you are still unemployed.
If you opened your claim between March 22 and March 28: Your first day to file will be Sunday, April 5, 2020. If you have not yet received your PIN, you will have the opportunity to file for your benefits for an additional two weeks. We will make sure that claim weeks ending 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, and 4/18 are available for you to complete your “biweekly” claims through 9 p.m. on 4/24/20. From the time when you are first able to file your biweekly claims, continue filing every other week as long as you are still unemployed.
Claims opened March 29 and later: We will be ensuring that you are also able to file “biweekly” for four weeks back, instead of just two, to ensure you do not miss benefits for any weeks while you wait for your PIN to arrive.
For Reopened Claims: If you reopened your claim since March 13, 2020, you may try filing your biweekly claims and receive a message that your claim is not active. Please try again each day. We are working to get claims reactivated as quickly as possible. If your filing window expires and you still could not successfully file, we will make any older weeks available for filing once we reactivate your claim.
REQUESTING A NEW PIN: If three weeks or more have passed and you have not yet received your pin, you may request a new pin. Please keep in mind that requesting a NEW pin will make any previously issued pins inactive.
SUBMIT COVID-19 BUSINESS COMPLAINTS HERE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a form where COVID-19 complaints can be submitted. This form will serve as the single point of contact for people who have complaints related to businesses that are not in compliance with worker safety or business closure orders.
In completing the form, people will be asked for:
- their contact information (name, phone number and e-mail address)
- business information (name, phone number, address)
- their relationship to the business/facility (employee, friend or family works there, in my community, no relationship)
- the category of public health complaint (employees coming to work sick, equipment not sanitized, business not creating a safe environment for customers, etc.)
- the type of business (auto dealership, construction, cosmetology, day care, grocery store, local government, transportation, warehouse, etc.)
- information on whether the business owner already has been notified of these concerns
- information on whether local police, other law enforcement or local officials already were notified about the business.
You can find the form at the COVID-19 resources by clicking here.
Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources.
TRACK YOUR STIMULUS PAYMENT
The IRS launched the "Get My Payment" tool to track stimulus payments. The site will request your social security number, birthdate and mailing address to track the payment.
Click here to track the status of your stimulus payment.
When checking the status, the site will provide you an estimated date of when to expect your payment or inform you if any additional information is required.
***ATTENTION: Self employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for PUA benefits.***
State Services and Resources
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/
For individuals: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals
For families: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies
For businesses: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities
The Life-Sustaining Business list, as of March 24: https://www.scribd.com/document/452553026/UPDATED-2-30pm-March-24-2020-Industry-Operation-Guidance
Life-Sustaining Business FAQ: https://www.scribd.com/document/452553495/UPDATED-4-00pm-March-31-2020-Life-Sustaining-Business-FAQs
To apply for a waiver: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DCED/Waiver-process-keeping-physical-locations-open
The PA Department of Community & Economic Development is offering working capital loans that could be of assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Resources and information are here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-working-capital-access-program-cwca/
Governor Wolf has announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
Business-to-Business Interchange Directory to connect organizations and businesses directly to manufacturers producing COVID-19-related products and supplies.
COVID-19 Support for PA Businesses
Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.asp
Find PA services while practicing social distancing:
Federal Info
The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. Please read the below fact sheets to determine if you are eligible.
§ Fact Sheet for Employees
§ Fact Sheet for Employers
§ Questions and Answers
FEMA preparedness: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus
Federal Trade Commission on scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
Dept. of Labor workplace rules: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
EPA virus-killing chemicals: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
CDC guidance for businesses still open: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
Regional Resources
Residents can access these links for resources and assistance and can also sign up for alerts that can be sent to their phone or email.
NORTHWEST
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND UNIVERSITIES (COUNTYWIDE INFO)
Free Meals http://www.fairviewschools.org/news/what_s_new/free_lunches_during_closure
Free Meal-https://www.hcsd.iu5.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=620338&id=0
Free Meals - https://www.wattsburg.org/Foodservicecovid19.aspx
Free Meals- https://girardsd.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=621212&id=0
At home resources-https://girardsd.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=623091&id=0
HOSPITALS
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You do NOT need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) with the PUA system, you will have the username and password that you create.
You will NOT receive a confirmation email after submitting your initial PUA claim, you can go into the PUA dashboard to see the claim.
You CAN manage everything through your PUA dashboard - check on your claim status, upload documents, see payment information, etc.
CLICK HERE TO FILE FOR PUA.
Status of Claims Processing - Updated 5/7/20
If you opened your claim between March 15 and March 21: We are working quickly to mail a PIN to you so you can file for benefits. In case you did not receive your PIN by Saturday, 4/4, you will still be able to file for claim weeks 3/21, 3/28, and 4/4 through 9 p.m. on 4/11/20. From the time when you are first able to file your biweekly claims, continue filing every other week as long as you are still unemployed.
If you opened your claim between March 22 and March 28: Your first day to file will be Sunday, April 5, 2020. If you have not yet received your PIN, you will have the opportunity to file for your benefits for an additional two weeks. We will make sure that claim weeks ending 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, and 4/18 are available for you to complete your “biweekly” claims through 9 p.m. on 4/24/20. From the time when you are first able to file your biweekly claims, continue filing every other week as long as you are still unemployed.
Claims opened March 29 and later: We will be ensuring that you are also able to file “biweekly” for four weeks back, instead of just two, to ensure you do not miss benefits for any weeks while you wait for your PIN to arrive.
For Reopened Claims: If you reopened your claim since March 13, 2020, you may try filing your biweekly claims and receive a message that your claim is not active. Please try again each day. We are working to get claims reactivated as quickly as possible. If your filing window expires and you still could not successfully file, we will make any older weeks available for filing once we reactivate your claim.
REQUESTING A NEW PIN: If three weeks or more have passed and you have not yet received your pin, you may request a new pin. Please keep in mind that requesting a NEW pin will make any previously issued pins inactive.
SUBMIT COVID-19 BUSINESS COMPLAINTS HERE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a form where COVID-19 complaints can be submitted. This form will serve as the single point of contact for people who have complaints related to businesses that are not in compliance with worker safety or business closure orders.
In completing the form, people will be asked for:
- their contact information (name, phone number and e-mail address)
- business information (name, phone number, address)
- their relationship to the business/facility (employee, friend or family works there, in my community, no relationship)
- the category of public health complaint (employees coming to work sick, equipment not sanitized, business not creating a safe environment for customers, etc.)
- the type of business (auto dealership, construction, cosmetology, day care, grocery store, local government, transportation, warehouse, etc.)
- information on whether the business owner already has been notified of these concerns
- information on whether local police, other law enforcement or local officials already were notified about the business.
You can find the form at the COVID-19 resources by clicking here.
Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources.
TRACK YOUR STIMULUS PAYMENT
The IRS launched the "Get My Payment" tool to track stimulus payments. The site will request your social security number, birthdate and mailing address to track the payment.
Click here to track the status of your stimulus payment.
When checking the status, the site will provide you an estimated date of when to expect your payment or inform you if any additional information is required.
***ATTENTION: Self employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for PUA benefits.***
State Services and Resources
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/
For individuals: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals
For families: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies
For businesses: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities
The Life-Sustaining Business list, as of March 24: https://www.scribd.com/document/452553026/UPDATED-2-30pm-March-24-2020-Industry-Operation-Guidance
Life-Sustaining Business FAQ: https://www.scribd.com/document/452553495/UPDATED-4-00pm-March-31-2020-Life-Sustaining-Business-FAQs
To apply for a waiver: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DCED/Waiver-process-keeping-physical-locations-open
The PA Department of Community & Economic Development is offering working capital loans that could be of assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Resources and information are here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-working-capital-access-program-cwca/
Governor Wolf has announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
Business-to-Business Interchange Directory to connect organizations and businesses directly to manufacturers producing COVID-19-related products and supplies.
COVID-19 Support for PA Businesses
Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.asp
Find PA services while practicing social distancing:
Federal Info
The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. Please read the below fact sheets to determine if you are eligible.
§ Fact Sheet for Employees
§ Fact Sheet for Employers
§ Questions and Answers
FEMA preparedness: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus
Federal Trade Commission on scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
Dept. of Labor workplace rules: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
EPA virus-killing chemicals: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
CDC guidance for businesses still open: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
Regional Resources
Residents can access these links for resources and assistance and can also sign up for alerts that can be sent to their phone or email.
NORTHWEST
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND UNIVERSITIES (COUNTYWIDE INFO)
Free Meals http://www.fairviewschools.org/news/what_s_new/free_lunches_during_closure
Free Meal-https://www.hcsd.iu5.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=620338&id=0
Free Meals - https://www.wattsburg.org/Foodservicecovid19.aspx
Free Meals- https://girardsd.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=621212&id=0
At home resources-https://girardsd.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=623091&id=0
HOSPITALS