Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance helps workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced recover lost wages. An employee impacted by COVID-19 does not necessarily need to be severed from their job to be eligible and coverage for this benefit has been expanded to include some workers who are not traditionally eligible, such as the self-employed and part-time workers affected by COVID-19. Here are some resources about unemployment insurance:
- How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- U.S. Dept. of Labor: How to File for Unemployment Insurance
- Information About Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have lost wages while recovering from a work-related illness or injury. If you are unable to work because you were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave
Many employers are required to provide paid leave for workers who are sick, caring for family members who are sick, or caring for children.
- U.S. Dept. of Labor: Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
- Understand Your Rights to Paid Leave and Paid Sick Time Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Food Assistance Programs
Individuals and families in need of emergency food assistance can find resources on food banks, school meal programs, meal delivery programs in their area, and information about federal nutrition assistance programs here:
- PA 211 Northeast: Find Food Assistance Services like Food Pantries, Meal Delivery Programs and Public Benefits like SNAP and WIC
- PA 211 Southwest: Find Food Assistance Services like Food Pantries, Meal Delivery Programs and Public Benefits like SNAP and WIC
- PA 211 Northwest: Find Food Assistance Services like Food Pantries, Meal Delivery Programs and Public Benefits like SNAP and WIC
- PA 211 Southeast: Find Food Assistance Services like Food Pantries, Meal Delivery Programs and Public Benefits like SNAP and WIC
- Find Local Food Banks and Get Assistance Applying for SNAP Benefits
- Information About SNAP and Apply for Benefits in Your State
State Federation and Central Labor Council Resources
Additional Resources
- Keep Yourself Safe at Work During a COVID-19 Pandemic
- HealthCare.gov
- Find a Medicaid Provider in Your State
- An Employee’s Guide to Health Benefits Under COBRA
For more information visit the AFL-CIO Resources for Workers Impacted by COVID-19 page.
