COVID-19 Updates 4/30

April 30, 2020
Many of our self-employed or gig workers have been anxiously awaiting the April 30th start to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. I understand your frustration and anxiety and will continue to do everything I can to get you answers. Earlier today the state Department of Labor announced new guidance for this program and we have included information below. Unfortunately, it’s not all welcome news.

We also have the latest information from the Governor’s Re-Open CT committee, reminders on safe storage of firearms during these difficult times and what you can do to help support fellow community members. Please continue to reach out for assistance.
DOL Updates on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

Starting today, those who are self-employed and members of the "gig economy" may begin applying for the new federal benefits program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).


 
Self-employed individuals will follow this two-step application process:
Step 1). Beginning April 30:
  • File a regular state claim application with the Connecticut Department of Labor at www.filectui.com, using the BLUE button to file.
NOTE: Self-employed individuals who already filed a claim application through this system SHOULD NOT file again. The agency has these original claims and a duplicate is not needed.
  • After completing and submitting your application, look for an email from CTDOL: "Thank you for submitting your online application for unemployment compensation benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor…Please look for a CONFIRMATION EMAIL notifying you that your claim has been processed. This email will include your NEXT STEPS information including instructions for when to start filing your weekly claims."
  • Look for a second email from CTDOL: “Your claim for benefits has been processed! If this is a new claim then we are sending information regarding your claim via US mail.”
  • Look for your eligibility determination (Form UC-58 Monetary Determination) that must be sent through the US mail service.
    • If the UC-58 Monetary Determination shows that you have a “zero” weekly benefit rate (which means you do not have wage earnings in the state system) you are not eligible for state benefits and are eligible to file in the ReEmployCT system for self-employed individuals.
    • If the UC-58 Monetary Determination shows a weekly benefit rate, you have wage earnings in the state system and are entitled to collect state unemployment benefits.
  Step 2). Once You Receive Your UC-58 in the Mail:
  • Go to CTDOL www.filectui.com for the link to PUA button (this button will be posted to the site next week).
  • The PUA system will have a record of your state benefit ineligibility status.
  • Complete the PUA application
    • Applicants will need 2019 IRS forms, 1099, 2019 W-2s, and Schedule C.
    • Applicants will be asked to provide earnings for 2019, broken down by quarters. Those without tax records for 2019 can self-attest their earnings, but will be subject to audit. ·Applicants will be asked the date when COVID-19impacted their employment. Federal guidelines allow this to go back to Feb. 2, 2020. If an unemployed status goes back to retroactive weeks, the system asks the claimant for weekly earnings through the current week filing.
  • Once the PUA application is completed, if applicants did not select a payment method when filing under the state unemployment system, they will select their method of payment (direct deposit or debit card –the agency recommends direct deposit for much faster payment). Payment selection is made by returning to www.filectui.com and selecting the “method of payment” GREEN button.

Applicants will need 2019 IRS forms 1099, 2019 W-2s, and Schedule C. Applicants will also be asked to provide earnings for 2019, broken down by quarters. If you have not filed your 2019 returns, you will be able to attest to your earning, but note this is subject to audit. All payments will be retroactive.

If you have any additional questions, please visit the CT Department of Labor website to check out their updated FAQs, or reach out to my office.
Re-Open CT Update

At this afternoon’s daily briefing, Governor Lamont was joined by Re-Open CT co-chairs Indra Nooyi and Dr. Albert Ko for an announcement for how we will begin to re-open our state and resume a broader life in the community. Detailed protocols will be provided by the committee. The first phase of re-opening will begin on May 20th for the following sectors:
Both co-chairs emphasized that the process would involve “baby steps” as this is a virus that is not simply going to go away. Dr. Ko noted that until better treatment and prevention measures are established, which he predicts will take 12-18 months, we will continue to need to wear masks, exercise good hand and face hygiene, and be aware of the number of contacts we have, the duration and the distance. The committee shared a series of slides that outlines the benchmarks and thought process the committee will use as they move forward.
Schools

The Governor noted that they will report early next week about schools and other social gatherings, but all three leaders agree that resuming large group gatherings will be a ways off. No timelines were provided. More information will be shared as the committee continues its work.
Gun Violence Prevention – Safe Storage

Tuesday I had the opportunity to participate in the Connecticut Against Gun Violence Lunch-In. Two of the statistics that were shared and really hit home were:
  • Every day 8 children and teens in the US are injured or killed due to unlocked or unsupervised guns
  • Guns are up to 11 times more likely to be used in a suicide than for self defense

The featured speaker, Dr. Marcie Molloy, Chief Medical Officer of the Norwalk Community Health Center, shared, “Prevention is better than a cure, especially when there is no cure to a life lost to gun violence.” Last year the legislature passed more robust safe storage requirements. Please remember to store your firearms safely, including unloaded weapons. As Dr. Molloy noted, “Quarantine is necessary, but the side effects are severe – increasing the risk of child abuse, domestic abuse and making the safe storage of firearms even more important.” This important step could save the life of someone you love.
How You Can Help
 
The How We Feel app is an initiative to anonymously provide scientists with critical health information needed to understand the spread of COVID-19. Users self-report basic health information into the app once per day, and the data is anonymously provided to leading medical institutions so scientists and public health officials can better spot emerging outbreaks early, identify new populations who are at risk, and measure the efficacy of public health measures such as social distancing.
 
The app is available to download for free on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Users can also self-report their health information on the web.
 
For more information about how the app works, read the press release.

Supporting our Healthcare Workers

Fellow Stratfeilder, Charlotte Hommel, is coordinating an effort to support our healthcare s/heroes. She sent me the following message and I am passing it along to all of you. There are so many ways to reach out to support one another and I thank Charlotte and all of you who are doing so much to provide support to those who need it.

“Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundations have joined forces to launch a fundraiser to support our hospital healthcare workers on the frontlines caring for COVID-19 patients. Johnson & Johnson, my employer, will match dollar for dollar up to $300 per donor per project once the minimum goal is met.  The good news about the minimum goal… the match is included in the minimum goal total which will support 2000 of our healthcare heroes. Click here for more information and to donate.

I am thrilled to be able to coordinate this effort with Lyla Steenberger, Gift Advancement Officer at Bridgeport Hospital Foundation and  Lyn McCarthy, Director of Philanthropy at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.  I am so grateful to Johnson & Johnson for this generous resource that gives us all the opportunity to support the healthcare heroes in our community.”