April 29th COVID-19 Update

April 29, 2020

I want to pass along some important information and updates on the state's response to COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Don't forget to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

The Connecticut Department of Labor has been working as quickly as possible to process the unprecedented amount of unemployment claims it has received since the start of this pandemic. The DOL has processed more than 350,000 of the 420,000 applications it has received since mid-March. This incredible turnaround is due in large part to dedicated staff and updated software that has hastened the process.

In his daily update on Monday, Governor Lamont and the DOL announced more good news related to unemployment claims. 

DOL Commissioner Kurt Westby said Monday that new software has been installed on the agency's computer system which will allow the DOL to deposit Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments into the accounts of people who receive state unemployment benefits. 

These first supplemental $600 payments were issued to filers on April 25th and will be provided through July 25, 2020. 

According to the DOL:

"Claimants can check their online accounts on the CTDOL website at www.filectui.com and see the deposits were issued over the weekend. Those who receive payments through direct deposit should begin seeing the additional amount appearing in their bank accounts by Tuesday. 

Once an eligible claimant receives the increased weekly federal payment with their current week of state benefits, they can expect a subsequent lump sum payment with all retroactive weeks within the next two weeks. This retroactive payment will date back to all previously paid weeks that were filed since the FPUC program was enacted on March 29, 2020."

For more information on these new payments, please click here.

Child Care Program for Frontline Workers

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood has announced the CTCARES for Frontline Workers Child Care Subsidy Program. If you’re struggling to find and pay for child care during COVID-19 — and you’re a frontline worker, like a health care, child care, or grocery worker — this short-term program can help. It offers payments directly to child care providers, so your child gets the care they need and you’re able to work.

Click the photo above for more information.