Patricia Dillon

I hope you are healthy and safe. There was some progress on needed relief.

First, small business: the Federal programs for small business ran out of money, but the funds were replenished by Congress this week. Click here to apply (or reapply) soon! Note, if you have previously applied for this program, please contact your bank to determine if your request has been processed. Submitting a duplicate application may delay the processing of your request.

Second, unemployment: the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which is a $600 weekly stimulus added to the state’s usual unemployment benefits, will begin the week of April 27. Also, the department will begin accepting applications for a new program - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for those that are self-employed - by April 30.

Read more about the $600 weekly stimulus in the Hartford Courant.

Click here to visit the state Department of Labor.