Dear Neighbor,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact all aspects of our lives and our economy, many Massachusetts residents are unfortunately finding themselves out of work and struggling to make ends meet. To help provide guidance to navigating the Commonwealth's network of supports, I have included a special section  in today's newsletter highlighting the different kinds of assistance available to individuals who may be unemployed or severely income-limited. This information is also available on my website.

Sincerely,

Unemployment Resources:

• Eligibility for State Unemployment Assistance
• If your employer, public or private, has been paying into unemployment insurance, you are eligible.
• In addition to becoming unemployed, you are also eligible for unemployment benefits if:
• You are quarantined due to an order by a civil authority or medical professional
• You leave employment due to reasonable risk of exposure or infection
• You leave employment to care for a family member
• No medical documentation is required to collect unemployment during this public health emergency, but you must be available for work as you are able, and be willing to work remotely.
• Self-employed and independent contract workers, and some employees of non-profits, are not eligible for unemployment benefits. They will become eligible if the President makes a disaster unemployment declaration, which the Governor has formally requested. If passed, the federal stimulus legislation may also include provisions that make benefits available to this population.
• Unemployment can be collected for up to 26 weeks in any 52-week period. If you are currently collecting unemployment, benefits cannot be extended beyond the 26-week period. If passed, the federal stimulus legislation may include provisions that extend this benefit period.
• Applying for State Unemployment Assistance
• It is recommended that you file your claim online at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits. If you have questions you can:
• Visit the department's COVID-19 website for up-to-date information. For a step-by-step tutorial for first time claimants, review this presentation.
• Participate in a virtual town hall to have your questions about the unemployment system addressed. There is also an opportunity to ask individual questions. To sign up for a virtual town hall, visit this page.
• Applicants needing additional help with filing or resolving claims can submit a contact request form online and a representative will be in touch with you.
• Representatives are available at (617) 626-6338 but given the high volume of claims that are being filed, response times are much longer than usual. Staffing is being increased to meet this need, but all filers are encouraged to use online resources when possible.
• Unemployment Changes in Response to COVID-19
• All requirements for attending seminars at the MassHire career centers have been suspended.
• Deadlines missed by employers and claimants due to impacts of COVID-19 may be excused under DUA's good cause provision.
• Employers whose businesses are severely impacted by COVID-19 can request extensions for filing and paying unemployment contributions.
• Worksearch requirements will be interpreted to allow claimants affected by COVID-19 to collect benefits.
• All appeal hearings will be held only by telephone.
• Once a claim is approved, the one-week waiting period for payments has been eliminated.

• SNAP benefits: Nutrition assistance is available to low-income individuals and families.  Generally speaking, the maximum net income for a family of 4 (after calculating deductions and exemptions) is $2,146/month. To check your eligibility use the DTA quick screening tool.
• Applicants should apply online. In-person applications were suspended on March 18th.
• During COVID-19, identify verification and termination of income determinations have been suspended and self-declarations are allowed in certain cases.
• Individuals who were due for recertification or renewal of benefits March-May are granted a 6-month extension.
• Temporary Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC): Low-income individuals with children (or pregnant with children) may be eligible for additional cash assistance.
• Eligibility is determined by income and assets and may be checked easily online. Generally speaking, maximum gross income for a family of 4 is $731/month.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply online if possible (preferred) or to contact their local DTA office.
• Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC): Those over 65 years old and not receiving Social Security, are disabled and unable to work, or caring for a person with a disability, may be eligible for additional cash assistance.
• Eligibility is determined by income, housing situation, and assets and may be checked easily online. Generally speaking, maximum gross income for a family of 4 that does not receive other assistance is $578 per month.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply online if possible (preferred) or to contact their local DTA office.
• For more information about any of these programs visit https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/.

• The Governor ordered the extension of the closure for all public and private schools, and all non-emergency childcare programs, until May 4 in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The orders apply to both K-12 and early education programs.
• As part of this effort, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released new guidance for schools and school districts on remote learning recommendations and best practices. This will assist educators and families develop a sustainable model for continuing remote learning at home throughout the duration of the crisis.

Small Business:

Other Items of Interest

Due to evolving spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, Governor Baker has directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay at home advisory. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities for two-week time period ending April 7 at noon. Residents over 70 years of age or with underlying health conditions, who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19, should limit social interactions with other people unless absolutely necessary.