CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Accepting Applications for Benefits

December 10, 2021


 
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Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and yours well. 

Last week I hosted a virtual forum on domestic violence and the resources available in our community for those who may be experiencing it. 

 
Domestic violence can affect anyone, anywhere, and oftentimes we miss the warning signs that it's happening. By understanding what domestic violence is and the resources available in our community, we can help empower those impacted to plan a path forward. Thank you to everyone who attended my virtual forum on domestic violence on Tuesday and the panelists for sharing information and resources to support those who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic violence. If you missed it, you can watch the recording above. 

If you need help, there are resources in our community:

  • CT Safe Connect – You can confidentially call or text the 24/7 helpline at 888-774-2900. 
  • The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence – To reach staff or schedule an appointment, call 203-780-2037, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email UCDVS@bhcare.org
  • Ansonia PD Emergency Line – Call or text to 9-1-1 if you are experiencing an emergency. For non-emergencies, call 203-735-1885
  • Team, Inc. – Call 203-736-5420, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. if you need assistance with utility expenses, accessing emergency housing, child care, and more. Learn more about Team’s services and programs on their website here
 
CT PAID LEAVE PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

I am pleased to announce that Connecticut's landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave Program applications are now being accepted for Connecticut residents who want to participate in the state’s program. Claims are being accepted for qualifying events that are happening on or after January 1, 2022.

Under the program, which the legislature passed in 2019, eligible workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of time off work for certain qualifying events without losing income.

Connecticut joins 158 countries around the world and eight other states in America in providing a paid family/medical leave program. Currently, only 13% of private-sector workers in the United States have access to paid family and medical leave. I am proud to have supported the effort to pass this bill during my first term and to see it starting now!

The program is administered by the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority. Applications can be submitted starting in January 2022 through the website at ctpaidleave.org or via email, fax, phone, or mail. The toll-free application hotline is 877-499-8606. 

Qualifying reasons to submit a claim include:

  • Medical leave for a serious health condition including pregnancy, or serving as a bone marrow or organ donor
  • Caregiver leave to care for a family member experiencing a serious health condition
  • Bonding leave for a newborn child through birth, adoption, or foster care
  • Family violence leave to get medical or psychological care
  • Workers caring for injured military family members or a spouse’s military deployment

The amount of income replacement varies based on a worker’s earnings and is capped at 60 times the state minimum wage up to $780 per week. The combination of employer-provided benefits and benefits received under the paid leave program cannot exceed 100% of a worker’s normal weekly earnings.
 
For more information about the program, please visit ctpaidleave.org.

 
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
From now until December 15, small businesses in Connecticut can obtain group health insurance regardless of the number of employees who enroll thanks to Access Health CT's Employee Participation Waiver Period. Any local small business with 50 employees or less that is not currently enrolled through Access Health CT Small Business can participate.
 
By waiving the minimum number of employees typically required to enroll in a small group health insurance plan, Access Health CT is offering some relief for local small businesses, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and peace of mind for their employees.

From furloughing employees to laying off non-essential staff, many small businesses in our community were forced to make tough decisions to offset the economic impact of the pandemic and may no longer qualify for the group health insurance plans outside of the waiver period because they don’t have enough employees who elect to participate. The Employment Participation Waiver Period can provide some relief for small businesses that may be struggling to provide healthcare coverage to their employees.
 
To learn more about how to make health insurance possible for your small business employees, visit AccessHealthCTSmallBiz.com.

 
WHAT HAS YOUR STATE REP BEEN UP TO?
Last week I was happy to attend the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Economic Summit to hear from economic experts, business owners, entrepreneurs, and developers about their perspectives and experiences in Connecticut. As the Vice Chair of the legislature's Commerce Committee, I'm proud to be a strong partner and advocate for businesses, jobs, economic development and expanded prosperity for all in our state. 
 
WINTER HEATING ASSISTANCE
With winter weather approaching and heating costs rising, Connecticut residents can access energy assistance services if they need some support keeping their homes and families warm during these difficult times.
 
Some of the energy assistance programs available in Connecticut include:
  • TEAM, Inc. Energy Assistance: TEAM in Derby is accepting applications for its energy assistance program, which helps families who are having difficulty paying home heating costs. Visit www.teaminc.org/home-heating-assistance to learn more about this program and to find out if you're eligible. 
  • Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: This program provides winter heating cost assistance to income-eligible households regardless of their heat source. Residents should contact their local Community Action Agency to apply. Application information is available online at www.ct.gov/staywarm or by calling 2-1-1. Both homeowners and renters can be eligible. 
  • Nonprofit heating assistance services – Operation Fuel: Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low-to-moderate-income households that don’t qualify for CEAP or who run out of CEAP benefits. Visit operationfuel.org to learn more. 
  • COVID-19 Payment Plans for Utility-Heated Customers: The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has directed all regulated electric, gas, and water utilities in the state to offer COVID-19 payment plans. Residential and non-residential customers are eligible to enroll in through the end of the public health emergency declaration. These plans require no initial or down payment or demonstration of financial need; can be up to 24 months in length; and waive any fees or interest in the calculation of the monthly payment amount. Customers can receive information on these payment plans by contacting their utility companies. 
  • Electric Utility Bill Assistance from UniteCT: This program provides rental and utility assistance for those financially impacted by COVID-19. UniteCT has become a model for other states by successfully delivering more than $18 million to electric customers to date to help pay down their back bills. Connecticut residents who rent their homes can apply through their electric utility company or municipal electric company. Click here to learn more.
  • Moratorium on Heating Source Shut-Offs – Winter Protection Program: From November 1 through May 1, there is a moratorium in Connecticut on heating source shut-offs for eligible households. Customers should contact their utility and inquire about the Winter Protection Program, as well as other programs for which they may be eligible. More information is available from 2-1-1 or click here.
  • Energy-Saving Solutions – Energize CT: This program can help customers save money on energy bills by providing advice, information, and financial incentives to make homes more energy efficient. For more information, visit energizect.com
  • Consumer Protections Regarding Third-Party Electricity Suppliers: Over the past decade, Connecticut has enacted a series of consumer protections for customers of electric suppliers, including prohibiting variable rates and giving PURA the discretion to prevent customers who were designated as “utility hardship” from being switched to electric suppliers. Just this year, Governor Lamont signed Public Act 21-117, which prohibits cancellation fees for residential customers who are under contract with an electric supplier and strengthens PURA’s oversight over electric suppliers.

For further guidance on energy assistance programs available in Connecticut, customers can call 2-1-1.

 
COVID-19 UPDATE
This past weekend, two cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant was detected in Connecticut. The World Health Organization classified Omicron as a "Variant of Concern" on November 26. Scientists are working to analyze the variant and understand how it compares to other variants. Right now, there is not enough information to determine whether Omicron is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than other variants. 

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against a severe infection, including against the Delta variant. If you were vaccinated over 6 months ago, public health and medical experts recommend getting boosted.

If you're looking to get your first COVID-19 shot or a booster, the state Department of Public Health Mobile Vaccination Team will host vaccination clinics in our community. You can find a full list of mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics here

Children ages 5 to 11 are also eligible for the pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccination location in your area, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 vaccine locator, here.

You can also text your zip code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish to instantly receive details about clinics in your area and assistance with transportation, childcare, and more.

If you would like assistance over the phone, dial 2-1-1 to get connected with a specialist.

Additional information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.

If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.

If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started.

 
JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Facing foreclosure or having trouble with your mortgage payments? Want to improve your job search?

The Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program helps Connecticut homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments become current by increasing their earning potential. The program is offered at NO COST. To be eligible, applicants must be 60 days or more past due on a mortgage for their primary residence in Connecticut and have an annual household income under $120,000 or demonstrate an imminent need for the program’s services. Call Toll-free 1-866-683-1682 or visit the WorkPlace website here for more information.

 
Do you want to start the new year with some new skills and a new career? Find out if a career in manufacturing is right for you during the virtual Skill up for Manufacturing webinar on Friday, December 10 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Click the button below to register for this great program.
Register Here
 
 
CT ESTABLISHES VETERANS BENEFITS REVIEW BOARD
During the 2021 legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that Governor Lamont signed into law to establish the Eligibility Qualifying Review Board (EQRB) to restore state veterans benefits to veterans who have an Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) discharge based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, or due to post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma.

To be eligible for state benefits, Veterans with an OTH discharge must apply and demonstrate to the EQRB that their discharge was the result of any of the above causes. Applicants who receive a favorable determination must submit all required documentation to relevant agencies. More information about the process is available on the EQRB website here

No member of our military should face unnecessary barriers to obtaining the benefits they've earned serving our country. 

 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
 
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.

All my Best,

Kara Rochelle
State Representative

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