Is your job affected by coronavirus? Here’s what you can do about it

The state Employment Development Department is providing an economic safety net for workers whose jobs are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state is working to ramp up efforts to help more people and some rules have been waived.

“(California) has waived the 1 week waiting period for those unemployed or disabled as a result of the coronavirus,” North Coast state Sen. Mike McGuire stated on Twitter on Wednesday. “If you’re out of work due to the coronavirus — please go to http://EDD.CA.GOV to apply for unemployment insurance.”

It’s unclear how many Humboldt County workers have filed claims and the agency appears to be receiving high numbers of applications for benefits.

“Our benefits processing branches are working hard to compile the most up-to-date application figures possible, but as the EDD is receiving a substantially large amount of claim applications on a daily basis, there will be lag in the data,” a statement from the communications branch said in an email to the Times-Standard.

Here’s some information to assist workers on what they might be eligible for:

Q: Who is eligible for unemployment insurance as a result of the coronavirus outbreak?

A: People who can file claims include: • Those who are sick or quarantined as a result of the virus

• Those who are taking care of a loved one who has contracted the virus

• People who have to stay home with a child who now is out of school

• People whose work has closed, restricted hours or laid off workers because of COVID-19

Q: How much can workers affected by the virus receive if unemployment claims are approved?

A: That depends on the situation. • Those who are sick, quarantined or care-giving are eligible for 60% to 70% (depending on income) of their wages and can receive from $50 to $1,300 per week.

• Those with reduced work hours can receive from $40 to $450 per week.

The governor’s executive order waives the one-week waiting period which means workers can collect benefits for the first week they are out of work.

The EDD has a FAQ on its website with details and links to help workers file unemployment insurance claims. Find it at https://www.edd.ca.gov/ about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm.