Josh Elliott

GOVERNOR LAMONT PROVIDES UPDATE ON CONNECTICUT’S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE EFFORTS (Latest Data as of 6:00PM on Thursday, April 16, 2020)

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

A county-by-county breakdown includes:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, click here.

Connecticut Department of Labor processed 60,000 unemployment claims last night utilizing new software improvements

The Connecticut Department of Labor successfully processed 60,000 unemployment claims overnight utilizing the new software improvements the agency deployed yesterday in response to the overwhelming surge in claim applications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional claims will continue to be processed through this new system, helping to expedite the process.

Emails containing next steps that claimants need to take to receive their benefits have been delivered to those whose applications were processed. In addition to checking inboxes, claimants are reminded to check any spam or junk folders for the email.

Since March 13, the department received more than 350,000 applications, nearly the same amount that it typically receives over a two-year period. Approximately 174,000 of those applications had already been manually processed prior to the deployment of yesterday’s software improvements. Paired with the continued manual processing, the originally anticipated six-week wait period is expected to be shortened to one week or less.

Reminder

• Anyone who enrolls during this extension period will receive coverage effective May 1
• The only way to sign up for this special enrollment period is by calling 1-855-365-2428
• Individuals who lose coverage due to unemployment, experience certain other qualifying life events, or qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can always enroll online
• What you need to enroll:
  • Social Security number
  • Citizenship / Immigration status
  • Recent tax returns (to estimate payment amount)
  • Employer information
  • Healthcare coverage information

For more information, read the press release by Access Health CT, or verify your eligibility here.

CHEFA announces FY 2021 COVID-19 grant program

The board of directors of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) voted at its April 15 meeting to replace their typical three grant cycles (client, nonprofit, and targeted) for FY 2021 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FY 20201 CHEFA COVID-19 Grant Program will focus on funding statewide efforts that are currently, or plan to be, launched by 501 (c)(3) Connecticut nonprofit entities within the next few months to respond to the crisis.

The efforts can be focused on statewide programs to support Connecticut communities and residents or can be sector specific statewide funds focused on one or more of CHEFA’s four core priority areas of health care, education, child care, and cultural.

Organizations seeking details may contact Betty Sugarman Weintraub, CHEFA Grant Program Manager, for more information at 860-761-8428 or email.