For those who had a job, or even multiple part-time jobs that qualified you for unemployment, the government seems to be stepping up in order to prevent the economy from going into a death spiral.
It already has a couple of engines shut down.
As Chairman of my union at work, I’ve been fielding a lot of questions from employees wanting to know what to do, as our employer gave no guidance on Friday, following Governor Wolf’s announcement of schools being closed.
I told them to file for unemployment. I expect this school closing to extend beyond its 2-week announcement.
I’ve received information that at least one school in Northampton County is seriously considering not having children return and using technology to complete the semester.
Now, Wolf wants non-essential businesses to close, but that announcement presented problems of its own.
But here’s what we do know if you were laid off, or sent home from work due to the COVID-19 pandemic (and qualify for unemployment).
You will be given unemployment compensation if your job was affected by the pandemic, either because your hours were reduced, or you were laid off.
The one-week “waiting period,” in which you would normally not be paid unemployment benefits, has been waived. You will collect for that first week.
The Unemployment Department’s computer servers are experiencing high volume, as applications flood in. There is downtime and interruptions in filing applications online, and online is the only means of filing.
If you experience problems, set your alarm clock for after midnight and try applying for unemployment then. You’ll have a better chance of submitting your initial claim.
Claims can be submitted through THIS LINK.
For many who live paycheck to paycheck, the reduced amount of income will be an additional hardship that isn’t needed, but more relief may be coming.
Hopefully, you didn’t use your savings to hoard toilet paper, sanitizer, milk, and bread.
Met-Ed has already announced it will not be issuing shut-off notices for unpaid bills.
I expect homeowners will be protected from foreclosure and other services will also waive shut-offs, as the legislature in Washington, DC work to agree on relief packages.
Hang in there, everyone.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
