5 things to know about CT’s bonus for essential workers
Essential workers employed during the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for up to $1,000 in pandemic relief thanks to the $30 million Premium Pay Program funded in the state's $24.2 billion budget.
The $30 million comes in below the $750 million the legislature's Labor and Public Employees Committee asked for. In June, Democratic Sen. Cathy Osten, co-chair of the legislative Appropriations Committee, said the money would help workers “who have really not seen anything relative to an increase in pay or an increase in support for what they did during COVID.”
Here's what you need to know about the program and how to apply.
Who is eligible?
The program is open to anyone employed as an essential worker between March 10, 2020 and May 7, 2022, who could not work from home, worked in the private sector and earned less than $150,000.
According to the program's initial plan under the budget, the bonus will apply to occupations listed in categories “1A” or “1B” of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccination priority lists. Some of those jobs include health care workers in doctor's offices care facilities, pharmacies, blood and organ banks and cemeteries and crematoriums. It also includes nonhealth related fields like first responders; food manufacturers; grocery store workers; transportation and logistics workers; educators and school faculty; postal workers and more.
How much will I get?
Qualifying workers could get up to $1,000, but that's only if they made less than $100,000. Workers making between $100,000 and $150,000 are eligible for a bonus on a sliding scale dropping to $200. Part-time workers can apply for a bonus of up to $500. Exact amounts, however, won't be determined until October when the applications close because of the $30 million program budget.
Nearby Massachusetts launched its own program with a flat-rate payout of $500 and a $500 million budget. The Commonwealth has paid out bonuses to more than 810,000 workers. If Connecticut matches Massachusetts' $500 payout, the $30 million would cover about $57,000 workers.
When will checks go out?
Connecticut Comptroller Natalie Braswell's office launched the Premium Pay portal on its website Friday, but the official launch —along with open applications — is set to come this week.
Applications will remain open until Oct. 1 when Braswell will determine the award amounts based on how many people apply and available funds. Braswell's office said the goal is to get payments out within 60 days.
How do I apply?
Essential workers who worked in one of the qualifying occupations can apply for the grants at ctessentialworkerrelief.org. The website is live now, but applications are expected to open this week. The application period ends Oct. 1.
What if I have more questions?
Workers with more questions on the Premium Pay Program can call 833-6602503, email contactus@CTEssentialWorkerRelief.org between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.