California Resources for Workers Affected by COVID-19

We are living in unprecedented times and have all been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Workers throughout the State of California have lost their jobs, have had their hours drastically cut, and are worried about the future. Some of us may be vulnerable to illness, or some of us are caring for loved-ones who are ill. Every day comes with new changes, and many may be unsure how to proceed.

We are here to help.

If you are a worker in California, the resources outlined below may be available to you.

Stay safe and healthy,

HRS

I Lost My Job or My Hours Got Cut Have you been laid off?
Have your hours been cut?
Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits may be available to people who have totally or partially lost their jobs and are ready and willing to work.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Unemployment Insurance benefits range from $40-$450 per week, depending on your eligibility. Get an estimate, HERE.
File a Claim Visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to file a claim, HERE. (The Governor waived the 1-week waiting period for people unemployed because of COVID-19.)

I Am Sick and Cannot Work Do you have an illness related to COVID-19 that prevents you from working? Have you been exposed to COVID-19?
Eligibility for Disability Insurance Benefits may be available to people who cannot work for 8+ days because of illness/disability, and have medical certification from a health care provider. Age-Defined vulnerabilities may be elegible, but it is not certain at this time. Visit HERE for more information.
Disability Insurance Benefits Disability insurance benefits may confer between 60% to 70% of your wages, depending on your eligibility, for up to 52 weeks.
File a Claim Visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to file a claim, HERE. (The Governor waived the 1-week waiting period for people diabled or ill because of COVID-19.)

I Am Caring for An Ill Family Member and Cannot Work Are you caring for a family member who is sick or quarantined?
Eligibility for Paid Family Leave Benefits Benefits may be available to people who have are caring for a family member with serious illness and whose payroll deductions contributed to State Disability Insurance.
Paid Family Leave Benefits Paid Family Leave benefits range from $50 to $1,300 per week (60% to 70% of your wages), depending on your eligibility, for up to 6 weeks.
File a Claim Visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to file a claim, HERE.

I Am Caring for a Child because Schools are Closed and Cannot Work Are you unable to work because you must care for a child, whose school or daycare closed because of COVID-19?
Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance Benefits may be available to people who have totally or partially lost their jobs and are ready and willing to work. Claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Unemployment Insurance benefits range from $40-$450 per week, depending on your eligibility. Get an estimate, HERE.
File a Claim Visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to file a claim, HERE.

I Have a Condition that Compromises My Immune System and am Vulnerable to COVID-19 Are you a member of a population that is more vulnerable to COVID-19? Do you have an medical condition that weakens your immune system? Are you concerned that age makes you more vulnerable to COVID-19?
You Can Request A Reasonable Accommodation from Your Employer Employers with 5+ employees must consider reasonable accommodations, such as working from home or medical leaves of absences, for employees with disabilities and/or medical conditions that affect major life activities (e.g. working and immune system functions)
How To Request A Reasonable Accommodation. Ask your employer to make a reasonable accommodation for your disability because it limits your major life activities, in writing if possible. You may be asked to provide a doctor’s note, but you do not need to disclose your diagnoses or release your medical records.
Further Information Visit Legal Aid At Work for more information, HERE.

I am Being Discriminated Against Because of My Race Are you being discriminated against or harassed because of your race or national origin? Are you being told by someone at work that your race or national origin relates to COVID-19?
It is Unlawful to Discriminate/Harass Employees Because of Race or National Origin The law prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race/national origin – an employer cannot make work-related decisions based on race (e.g. hiring, assigning shifts, sending employees home). It is unlawful to harass an employee because of race/national origin.

Making a Complaint to Your Employer. Inform your employer that you believe you are being discriminated and/or harassed because of your race and/or national origin, in writing if possible.