Friend,
With more than three million members nationwide, Working America is focused on slowing the rapid spread of coronavirus through education and awareness and on sharing resources to help you and your family during the global pandemic and the resulting economic fallout.
Right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) project that the virus’s spread will get worse before it gets better. That means following CDC guidelines by staying home, only going out for groceries once a week and practicing social distancing are critical -- and only work when we all do them. Are you doing your part?
Here are helpful resources that you can access:
EMPLOYMENT
If you are seeking information about filing for unemployment benefits, find state-specific information here. It’s important to note that federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.
Select your state to find details on their Unemployment Insurance program, including additional flexibility offered to those impacted by coronavirus. All states have a high volume of claims and it may be fastest to apply for unemployment benefits online where available (note that in Ohio, specific days are reserved for applicants based on the first initial of their last name). Some states provide toll-free numbers or other ways to obtain assistance in filing.
The AFL-CIO has also pulled together state resources and benefits available for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19.
HEALTH
If you need help getting health insurance because you've lost your employer-sponsored coverage or for any other reason, there are resources that may be available to you.
Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with a low income. To see if you are eligible, visit this site and select your state. Not all states participate in an expanded Medicaid program as part of the Affordable Care Act. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers health coverage to children whose parents are low income, but make too much to qualify for Medicaid. To see if your children are eligible, visit this site.
SOCIAL SERVICES
211 provides the most comprehensive source of local social services information in the U.S. Call 2-1-1 from any cellphone or landline to speak with a community resource specialist in your area who will help you find services and resources that are available to you. Need help? Call 2-1-1.
We’re in the thick of things right now as a country and as a movement. The health of our communities depends on all of us. We also need and deserve a robust public response to the crisis. We all rely on government leadership and action to keep our communities safe, healthy and prosperous. Our leaders must take immediate action to slow the spread of the coronavirus and mobilize the medical equipment and supplies needed to keep us all safe. And they must lead us all through the economic problems that lie ahead to do what’s right for working people, not just corporations, CEOs and shareholders.
Working America will continue to provide you with good information and ways we can speak with one voice to push for a healthier, more equitable democracy. Hit REPLY and let us know what policies you think we need right now to help keep our states, cities and communities safe and healthy.
Thank you for your help and stay safe.
In solidarity,
Sydney Roberts
815 16th St. NW | Washington, D.C. 20006 | (202) 637-5137
