Resources for COVID-19 National Emergency

Attention Employers – Struggling to get your workforce to return to the job? 

If you have called back an employee who failed to return, follow the steps below.

On your company letterhead include:

1. Employee name
2. Employee Social Security number
3. Scheduled return date
4. Date they refused the job
5. Company’s name address telephone number and their UI tax ID number

This can be faxed to the Department of Labor merit rating unit at 860-263-6723

This will result in the immediate stop the payment of unemployment benefits. Then both the employer and the employee will receive a packet of information from the Department of Labor regarding their rights to a hearing and to give a statement ( written) and a hearing will be set once the document is received.

DEMHS Region V Regional Coordination Center

Surgical Masks for Essential Small Businesses

Over the weekend, the State of Connecticut and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) announced a program where businesses listed by the state as essential and with less than 50 employees are eligible to receive surgical masks to help ensure the safety and continuity of their operations.  You do not need to be a member of CBIA to place an order.  If your business is eligible and in need please follow the link and fill out the form.  Any masks that are ordered will be distributed to your local municipality/EMD office this Thursday afternoon.  Delivery or pickup will then be determined by the municipality.  We suggest you place your order immediately to ensure you are included in the program.

The link to the form is: https://www.ctcovidresponse.org/request-masks-for-ct-small-business

For more details to determine eligibility visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Business-Exemptions-for-Coronavirus

CAREER RESOURCES INC. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD PRESENTS:

MAY 7, 2020 10AM TO 2PM

Due to COVID-19, many have lost their jobs and there is a need for employment. We are confident it will be a beneficial first time experience for both employers and jobseekers.

Here is how to access our Virtual Career Fair

Click link below: (Register in advance for this meeting:

https://careerresources.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvc- 6rqzgrE9fQ_bfYcGzDzH4SgOh_MMWm
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.)

For more information contact: Ismary Szegedi Job Developer at 203-574-6971
OR SZEGEDI@CAREERRESOURCES.ORG

LABOR DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES NEW SYSTEM TODAY FOR SELF-EMPLOYED TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

April 30, 2020
WETHERSFIELD– Today, the Connecticut Department of Labor began accepting claim applications for the self-employed, many who are eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

“Our agency is proud of the work it has accomplished in order to serve the self-employed – individuals who have not been eligible to apply for unemployment benefits in the past, but are now facing workplace situations never seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said State Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby. “The new online ReEmployCT system meets mandated integrity requirements while providing a federally-required two-step application process.”

Federal guidelines require that self-employed individuals, including independent contractors and “gig” workers, first apply through the Connecticut unemployment system located on filectui.com. Applicants must receive a determination notice in the mail from the Connecticut Department of Labor before they can apply on the newly-designed Pandemic Unemployment Assistance online system that will also be located at www.filect.com.

Self-employed individuals will follow this two-step application process:

Step 1). Beginning April 30:

· File a regular state claim application with the Connecticut Department of Labor at filectui.com, using the BLUE button to file.

· NOTE: Self-employed individuals who already filed a claim application through this system SHOULD NOT file again. The agency has these original claims and a duplicate is not needed.

· After completing and submitting your application, look for an email from CTDOL:

· “Thank you for submitting your online application for unemployment compensation benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor. … Please look for a CONFIRMATION EMAIL notifying you that your claim has been processed. This email will include your NEXT STEPS information including instructions for when to start filing your weekly claims.

· Look for a second email from CTDOL:

“Your claim for benefits has been processed if this is a new claim then we are sending information regarding your claim via US mail.”
· Look for your eligibility determination (Form UC-58 Monetary Determination) that must be sent through the US mail service.

If the UC-58 Monetary Determination shows that you have a “zero” weekly benefit rate (which means you do not have wage earnings in the state system) you are not eligible for state benefits and are eligible to file in the ReEmployCT system for self-employed individuals.
· If the UC-58 Monetary Determination shows a weekly benefit rate, you have wage earnings in the state system and are entitled to collect state unemployment benefits.

Step 2). Once You Receive Your UC-58 in the Mail:

· Go to CTDOL filectui.com for the link to PUA button.

· The PUA system will have a record of your state benefit ineligibility status.

Complete the PUA application
· Applicants will need 2019 IRS forms, 1099, 2019 W-2s, and Schedule C. Applicants will be asked to provide earnings for 2019, broken down by quarters. Those without tax records for 2019 can self-attest their earnings, but will be subject to audit.

· Applicants will be asked the date when COVID-19 impacted their employment. Federal guidelines allow this to go back to Feb. 2, 2020. If an unemployed status goes back to retroactive weeks, the system asks the claimant for weekly earnings through the current week filing.

· Once the PUA application is completed, if applicants did not select a payment method when filing under the state unemployment system, they will select their method of payment (direct deposit or debit card – the agency recommends direct deposit for much faster payment). Payment selection is made by returning to www.filectui.comand selecting the “method of payment” green button.

FAQs located on the agency’s homepage are being updated to include a section on the PUA application process, guidelines and additional details.

“With hard work and determination, our agency has been able to process many of the 430,000 state applications received in the past six weeks, and we continue to work on responding to customers with questions about their claim or the unemployment process,” Westby noted. “We recognize the important role unemployment benefits play in helping our residents weather the pandemic, and we are committed to providing the best service possible during this crisis.”

Media Contact:
Nancy Steffens
Connecticut Department of Labor
nancy.steffens@ct.gov

Eversource COVID-19 Update: Financial Resources for your Business

To our business customers:

During this challenging time, Eversource is committed to providing programs and resources to lessen the financial hardship on small businesses – the backbone of our communities.

If you need support, Eversource can help:

• We’re offering a special, extended payment arrangement for any past-due amount, with $0 down payment, 12 months to pay and the first payment not due until June 1, 2020.
• We can also connect you with state and federal assistance programs for which your business may be eligible. With new federal funding just announced, if you have not reviewed these programs, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.

Visit Eversource.com for more information or contact us at 844-275-3301 for guidance specific to your business. In these uncertain times, we’re here when you need us.

Stephen Silver | Specialist

Community Relations & Economic Development | Eversource Energy
174 Franklin Street Torrington, CT 06790 | 860-496-5223 (office) | 203-446-7423 (cell)
* stephen.silver@eversource.com ˖

CT Protective Measures in the Workplace – Masks

Good morning,
Following the announcement last Monday that made masks or cloth face coverings mandatory in the workplace we received a number of inquiries about the availability of disposable masks. The TEAM at Resource Development Associates made introductions directly to A Custom Style LLC, a supplier we have worked with in the past, and helped to assure nearly 60,000 disposable masks were delivered to CT manufactures and businesses.

This weekend that supplier advised us that although more masks are expected to be inventoried in the coming weeks, their domestic supply designated for CT is down to 75,000 masks. Based on requests we expect that supply may be exhausted this week and as such we are suggesting if you need masks now or anticipate a need in the next ten days, consider placing your order with a proven supplier.

As you might imagine, demand for disposable masks is high. Employers calling RDA have shared concerns over extended delivery, authenticity of supply, quality of masks and the ability to source at all. If you need assistance, see the information below.

We hope this information is helpful. Stay well, stay productive and look to better days we will have ahead and please, never hesitate to ask the questions you have of us…

Sincerely,
Rich DuPont President
Resource Development Associates
860-417-2267

RDA – Disposable Surgical Masks (PDF)

DEMHS Region 5: PPE Rollout to Small Businesses

Dear Municipal EMDs and CEOs:

The State of Connecticut has partnered with CBIA-CONNSTEP to assist in the distribution of donated surgical masks to eligible, essential small businesses with 50 employees or less. This email is to inform you that a distribution of surgical masks to eligible, essential small businesses will occur within DEMHS Region 5 on Thursday, April 30, 2020 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. These eligible, essential small businesses and their employees located within your municipalities are the backbone of our economies and these masks will help to ensure their continuity.

Supplies for eligible, essential small businesses will be distributed to designated municipal representatives at the established Region 5 Point of Distribution located at the following addresses:

• Northern Site

Goshen Fairgrounds
116 Old Middle St
Goshen, CT 06756

• Southern Site

Waterbury-Oxford Airport
300 Christian Street
Oxford, CT 06478

Each municipality in Region 5 will pick up their “community pack” on Thursday, April 30, 2020. This “community pack” will contain masks for eligible, essential businesses that requested them through the CBIA-CONNSTEP portal. Businesses must not be directed to the Regional Points of Distribution, they will be turned away. It will be the responsibility of each municipality to determine how these masks will be distributed to the businesses within their community; a distribution roster will be included in each business pack to assist the municipalities with this distribution.

We thank you for your continued partnership as we support all of our communities and stakeholders during the COVID-19 response and recovery phases. Healthcare workers and first responders continue to be a priority with our distribution strategy for varying types of PPE.

Please direct all questions to your DEMHS Region 5 Coordinator, John Field.

————-
Frequently Asked Questions:

What are eligible, essential small businesses?
Eligible, essential small businesses must have 50 employees or less with a need for surgical masks.
The list of essential businesses is available here: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Business-Exemptions-for-Coronavirus
Should all eligible, essential small businesses request masks?

Eligible, essential small businesses and employees that have limited contact with the public are strongly urged to create their own facemasks following CDC guidelines. We must ensure the limited supply of surgical masks is available to eligible, essential businesses that need them the most.

How many times can surgical masks be used?

The CDC recommends the preservation of necessary PPE by instituting extended use policies. Additionally, FEMA, recommends preservation methods to reduce, reuse and repurpose PPE. Both FEMA and CDC guidelines can be found here.

Is there a limit to the number of Surgical Masks that can be requested?

Eligible, essential small businesses must limit their total request to 2 surgical masks per employee. The maximum request should not exceed 100 masks.

How do eligible, essential small businesses make a request?
Eligible, essential small businesses can make a request on the CBIA-CONNSTEP Portal at the following link: https://www.ctcovidresponse.org/ct-smb-surgical-mask-requests. At this time, only surgical masks are available to eligible, essential small businesses.

Are healthcare workers and first responders receiving PPE?
Yes, healthcare workers and first responders continue to receive priority distributions of varying types of PPE as they are made available. First responders should continue to make resource requests through the local Emergency Management Director.

How often will this distribution to small businesses be occurring?
At this time, this is a one-time distribution of masks to eligible, essential small businesses in Connecticut.

Will every requestor receive masks?

Supplies are limited at this time; therefore, it is possible that not all requestors will receive the masks they request.

The U.S. Congress has now passed a $480B spending bill that expands funding to critical COVID-19 relief programs.

$370B has been set aside for small businesses.

I encourage you to act quickly to secure funding for your business as demand for these programs has been extraordinarily high.

• $310B for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgivable loans to small businesses with less than 500 employees; apply through SBA-approved banks, credit unions or fintechs
• $60B for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Grants (EIDL); Low-interest loans and grants up to $10,000 for small businesses and non-profits; apply for these directly through the SBA

Program details, eligibility requirements and application information can be found on the SBA’s coronavirus relief options website.

We will continue to provide updates on important state and federal programs as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,
David Lehman, Commissioner
david.lehman@ct.gov, (860) 500-2310

Resource Development Associates – Update from RDA on COVID-19

Covid-19 Update
CT Protective Measures in the Workplace
Good morning,

As you likely know, the State Department of Economic and Community Development made significant revisions to mandatory rules outlining additional protective measures that every workplace deemed essential – and any other business or nonprofit allowed to remain open – must follow and that took effect as of 8 pm on Monday, April 21st.

The new revisions state that “all employees must wear a face mask or face cloth covering at all times in the workplace”.

Employers are required to issue masks or cloth face coverings to employees. If that is not possible because of shortages or supply chain difficulties, employers must provide materials – or compensate employees for the cost – to make their own and share the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for making cloth face coverings.

Masks or face coverings are not requited if wearing one compromises the health or safety of an employee because of a medical condition. An employee is not required to produce medical documentation in such a case.

Customers must also wear cloth face coverings while on premises. Businesses may provide face coverings to customers and visitors. The medical exemption applies for customers, with additional guidance for children.

Resource Development Associates is providing you with this update in an effort to expedite the procurement of Surgical Masks for your workplace. Due to the very high demand for this product and the Covid-19 workplace rules for CT, the TEAM at RDA will be assisting in the processing of orders for these Surgical Masks as Follows:

Simply complete the ORDER FORM below and email back to either Rich@RDAnow.com or Chris@RDAnow.com (or both). We will connect you directly with the supplier who will confirm your order and provide an invoice payable by credit card, check or wire transfer.

PLEASE NOTE: Delivery has been averaging 5-7 business days given the high demand for masks. Although we do expect to announce a greatly improved delivery soon, please plan accordingly for your delivery requirements.

We are hopeful this information is helpful in these trying times and remind you to never hesitate to ask the questions you have of Resource Development Associates.

RDA – Mask Order Form (PDF)

COVID-19 Eversource Update – 4-23-2020

Eversource Provides Updates to Customers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Energy company has suspended customer disconnections, waived all late fees and takes additional social distancing steps

BERLIN, Conn. (March 19, 2020) – With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve, Eversource is reassuring customers that the energy company is well prepared to continue providing safe, reliable energy while also safeguarding the health and well-being of employees and the communities it serves. The energy company has taken the following steps:

• Suspended all customer disconnections for non-payment
• Waived late payment charges
• Began offering a special, flexible payment plan for any past due bills
• Offered additional energy-saving tips to help reduce energy use while people are spending more time at home.

“As a member of the communities we serve across New England, we’re here to support our customers through this unprecedented time, while also safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees,” said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Jim Judge. “Whether it’s our hospitals providing critical care to patients, students learning remotely, or people working from home, we’re taking every possible step to ensure that our customers have the energy they need during this challenging period.”

While as many Eversource employees as possible are working from home, for those jobs that can’t be done remotely the energy company has taken a wide variety of steps to ensure their safety. Eversource has reconfigured desk arrangements to create appropriate social space for employees and has enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures at all facilities and in all vehicles.

Eversource field crews will continue working on projects to ensure continued reliability for all customers including hospitals, nursing homes and grocery stores. Energy company field employees will report directly to job sites whenever possible, ensuring fast response to emergencies while limiting group interactions at company work centers. All work and appointments that require a technician to enter a home or come in close contact with others have been suspended, except for critical work to ensure the safety and reliability of the system.

Nationally recognized as the #1 utility for its leadership on the environment and corporate responsibility, Eversource is working every day to advance clean energy for its customers in New England. The energy company has set an industry-leading goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, offers award-winning energy efficiency solutions as the #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, and is a leader in successfully integrating new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage into the electric system.

For more information on Eversource’s preparedness efforts and response to COVID-19, including FAQs for customers, ways to save, and more please visit  Eversource.com.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2020 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies and the top utility by Forbes and JUST Capital. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.25 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 237,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 198,000 customers in 51 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 8,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@EversourceCT) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceCT). For more information on our water services, visit www.aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:

Tricia Taskey Modifica
860-665-4605
tricia.modifica@eversource.com

Mitch Gross
860-665-5221
mitch.gross@eversource.com