Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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RESOURCES & UPDATES
Things are changing rapidly. Updates are occurring by the hour. At the Chamber, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our community. In our ongoing pursuit to keep you informed, we will regularly update this section of our web site with consolidated information of value for area businesses and residents of Shelby County.
US & GLOBAL UPDATES
Those interested in tracking the developments of COVID-19 can do so using the interactive map/dashboard below:
Johns Hopkins University Interactive Map
Avi Schiffmann Dashboard
STATE OF OHIO UPDATES
For those seeking more information, a State call center to answer questions regarding COVID-19 is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634) and up-to-date information is also available 24/7 at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Daily updates from Governor DeWine - The Ohio Channel on YouTube
STAY AT HOME ORDER EFFECTIVE MONDAY NIGHT MARCH 23 thru 11:59 p.m. APRIL 6
STAY AT HOME FAQ
ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Statement from Ohio Lieutenant Governor Husted:
• Business leaders should read the order in its plain language along with the guidance from homeland security. Use your good judgment on the intent.
• Businesses do not need a letter or a certification to show compliance.
• Be prepared to have a rationale/justification on how the order applies to your business if questioned by an employee, local health dept. official, etc.
• Do not call law enforcement or local health department to interpret the order for your business
• If your business is clearly not qualified, someone will eventually call you on it.
• If your business qualifies and is open, they must comply with all safety and health precautions the Administration has discussed, and is included in the order.
Businesses uncertain as to whether they meet the definition of “essential” should contact their legal counsel. They can also check with the local health department.
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE: The Ohio Department of Insurance issued an order that will allow employers to take care of employees with a grace period for insurance premiums. Employers can defer their premium payments for health insurance for up to 2 months.
BUSINESS TOOLKIT
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a toolkit of resources for chambers and businesses on how they can prepare and address the impacts of the ongoing outbreak.
The U.S. Chamber has also developed a resource page that includes links to Resilience in a Box and Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Quick Guides.
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION & PRECAUTIONS
Now is a good time to communicate with your employees. CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement.
For employers interested in offering guidance to their employee group about the best practices and precautions they can take during this period, the Shelby County Health Department has offered this flyer suitable for posting throughout your establishment.
The Shelby County Health Department offers this advice for employers who have staff working at their places of business.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines
PANDEMIC GUIDANCE
CLICK HERE to view an outline of how to prepare for and respond during a pandemic according to official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, & SERVICES: How to Help
WILSON HEALTH GUIDANCE
Wilson Health is emphasizing that people need to continue to use the phone to call their medical provider or use Wilson Health Virtual Care as a first step.
Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms of Coronavirus can ask questions by calling the Ohio Department of Health Hotline at 833-427-5634 or call the Sidney-Shelby County Health Dept. at 937-498-7249 or visit www.wilsonhealth.org/coronavirus for up-to-date information.
EMPLOYERS: Dr. Scott Short, Director of Occupational Health, has arranged a tele-health tool that can be accessed using a persons’ cell phone, tablet, or computer with web cameras. This is an excellent resource for those that have concerns over possible symptoms to help keep employees and companies isolated from areas shared by the community.
For questions about services or to schedule a tele-medicine assessment for your employee, please contact Wilson Occupational Health at (937) 492-7296.
LOCAL CHILD CARE
Wilma Valentine Childcare in Sidney just received approval from the Department of Job and Family Services to be a Temporary Pandemic Childcare Center. A temporary center can only provide services to children whose parents are employed providing health, safety, and other essential services as determined by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The center is approved to serve children aged 2 ½-grade 3.
The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA opened a Pandemic Child Care Center for Essential Workers on Wednesday, March 25. Interested families can call 492-9134.
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Child Care Application During a Pandemic
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Child Care Enrollment Addendum
SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING
This federal program enables small businesses and non-profits throughout the state impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 to apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million in assistance that can provide vital economic support to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and non-profits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
To keep payments affordable, these loans are long-term, with up to a maximum of 30 years for repayment. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
The SBA Administrator has approved Ohio’s request for Economic Injury Disaster Loans related to COVID-19 . Please note that 501(c)3 not for profits are also eligible.
FACT SHEET - Economic Injury Disaster Loans
US Chamber Guide to Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Loan Application Overview & Instructional VIDEO
Businesses can begin the application process here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html
ECONOMIC INJURY GRANTS
These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans. You access these grants when you apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and request the advance on the application. $10,000 will be made available to you within three (3) days of your completed application. This advance is a grant and does not need to be repaid, however it will be deducted from your approved loan amount. These funds can be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, pay business obligations or other impacted operational issues created by the COVID-19 outbreak.
UPDATED APRIL 1, 2020: The SBA has provided additional guidance regarding the $10,000 Forgivable Loan Advance. To be eligible, businesses must complete the new application that launched March 30. The new web site address is https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ .
Even if you have already competed an earlier version of the application or have already been turned down for a loan, you must reapply. Questions? Please call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Small business owners are urged to visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus and follow @SBA_Columbus on Twitter or sign up for their newsletter for more updates.
The Miami Valley Small Business Development Center is a valuable and effecrtive local resource for information and assistance with SBA loans, grants, and programs. For help, call the Center at 937-281-0118.
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT
Paycheck Protection Program
Passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, this Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
The details of the Paycheck Protection Program were released 3/31/2020. Here they are in brief:
If you plan to apply, you should gather the following information to submit with the loan package:
Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help your small business through the process.
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act - A comprehensive guide published by the U.S. House of Representatives
FAQ - The US Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Paycheck Protection Program Application Form
US Chamber Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit
Additional Paycheck Protection Program Information for Borrowers
CONGRESS PASSES LAW REQUIRING PAID EMPLOYEE LEAVE
Emergency Paid Sick Leave
The Act requires two weeks of paid sick leave for government workers and employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees. Leave must be made available immediately to workers who are symptomatic or are under an order or advice to quarantine or self-isolate, who have to care for a family member under such an order or advice, or who have a child whose school or child care facility has closed (or whose child care provider is unavailable) due to the Coronavirus.
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act
The Act provides FMLA rights for some employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees, requiring partially paid leave after 10 days when an employee is unable to work or telework due to school or child care closures related to the Coronavirus.
Other Provisions
The Act provides funding for economic assistance and requires health plans to cover COVID-19 testing at no charge. A refundable tax credit for employers that provide paid leave benefits as required by the Act is also included. The U.S. Treasury is expected to use its regulatory authority to advance funds to some small businesses to cover the cost of providing paid sick leave.
MARCH 30, 2020: Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
WHD guidance:
APRIL 1, 2020:
Temporary Rule - Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Internal /Revenue Service Guidelines on Paid Leave Tax Credits
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
Employers Can Provide Tax-Free Payments to Their Employees as a Result of COVID-19
No Penalty for Early Withdrawal of 401k's
The Care Act will allow Coronavirus related withdrawals from 401(k) and IRA accounts up to $100,000 during 2020 and avoid the normal 10% penalty for those not of the required minimum age of 59.5.
Reasons for Coronavirus related withdrawals include:
(1) An account owner diagnosed with COVID-19, or
(2) A spouse or dependent is diagnosed with COVID-19, or
(3) An individual who experiences adverse financial consequences because of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, being unable to work due to lack of child care due to the Coronavirus, or
(4) Closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual due to Coronavirus, or
(5) Other factors as determined by the Treasury Secretary.
Employees will still be required to pay income taxes, but do not have to pay the full amount in one year. Tax obligations can be spread over three years. Another option is to redeposit the withdrawn amounts back within three years.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
Unfortunately many organizations have or will have to reduce the size of their workforce as a result of COVID-19. The information below will benefit both the employee and the employer.
FAQ: Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Workers Guide to Unemployment Insurance
Top 10 Need-To-Know List for Workers
How To Videos
Instructions for using Ohio’s online unemployment benefit system and Ohio’s online career and employment center.
Employer’s Guide to Ohio Unemployment Insurance
Employer Rapid Response Services - Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
All Ohio employers planning a mass layoff or shutdown due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic should provide the following mass-layoff number – 2000180 – and this Instructional Sheet to their employees.
Ohio has two ways to file an application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
Online
Telephone
To apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you will need:
COVID-19-affected claimants with otherwise valid applications for unemployment will be awarded benefits. While claimants must still meet the weekly requirements that they be able and available for work, the requirement that they actively search for work while receiving benefits has been waived.
WORKFORCE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Now may be an ideal time to up-skill yourself or your workforce. The State of Ohio offers a number of resources both online and at a local training center. CLICK HERE to learn more.
COVID-19 AND WORKERS COMPENSATION
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is initiating temporary policy changes that will allow flexibility in the provision of care to injured workers.These changes will be effective until the state of emergency related to COVID-19 is lifted within the state where the injured resides. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Answers to Ohio BWC most Frequently Asked Questions
EMPLOYERS: The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced that insurance premium installment payments due for March, April and May for the current policy will be deferred until June 1, 2020, at which time the matter will be reconsidered. This is for public and private employers. BWC will not lapse (cancel) coverage or assess penalties for amounts not paid because of the coronavirus pandemic.
FACEBOOK SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM
Facebook is offering $100,000,000 in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. CLICK HERE to learn more.
2020 SHELBY COUNTY RECOVERY FUND
The Community Foundation of Shelby County and the Shelby County United Way have established the 2020 Recovery Fund to provide grants to charities and governmental entities serving local residents in the areas of food, shelter, healthcare and other needs related to the economic downturn.
To give or to apply for a grant, go to the Community Foundation website at https://commfoun.com/giving/2020-recovery/
IN CLOSING
At the Chamber, we know this issue is likely to impact many businesses in our membership. We stand ready to assist as your advocate with federal, state and local officials regarding regulations, economic stimulus, and/or the government response to the virus. Please reach out to us if you think we can be of help.
US & GLOBAL UPDATES
Those interested in tracking the developments of COVID-19 can do so using the interactive map/dashboard below:
Johns Hopkins University Interactive Map
Avi Schiffmann Dashboard
STATE OF OHIO UPDATES
For those seeking more information, a State call center to answer questions regarding COVID-19 is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634) and up-to-date information is also available 24/7 at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Daily updates from Governor DeWine - The Ohio Channel on YouTube
STAY AT HOME ORDER EFFECTIVE MONDAY NIGHT MARCH 23 thru 11:59 p.m. APRIL 6
STAY AT HOME FAQ
ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Statement from Ohio Lieutenant Governor Husted:
• Business leaders should read the order in its plain language along with the guidance from homeland security. Use your good judgment on the intent.
• Businesses do not need a letter or a certification to show compliance.
• Be prepared to have a rationale/justification on how the order applies to your business if questioned by an employee, local health dept. official, etc.
• Do not call law enforcement or local health department to interpret the order for your business
• If your business is clearly not qualified, someone will eventually call you on it.
• If your business qualifies and is open, they must comply with all safety and health precautions the Administration has discussed, and is included in the order.
Businesses uncertain as to whether they meet the definition of “essential” should contact their legal counsel. They can also check with the local health department.
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE: The Ohio Department of Insurance issued an order that will allow employers to take care of employees with a grace period for insurance premiums. Employers can defer their premium payments for health insurance for up to 2 months.
BUSINESS TOOLKIT
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a toolkit of resources for chambers and businesses on how they can prepare and address the impacts of the ongoing outbreak.
The U.S. Chamber has also developed a resource page that includes links to Resilience in a Box and Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Quick Guides.
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION & PRECAUTIONS
Now is a good time to communicate with your employees. CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement.
For employers interested in offering guidance to their employee group about the best practices and precautions they can take during this period, the Shelby County Health Department has offered this flyer suitable for posting throughout your establishment.
The Shelby County Health Department offers this advice for employers who have staff working at their places of business.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines
PANDEMIC GUIDANCE
CLICK HERE to view an outline of how to prepare for and respond during a pandemic according to official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, & SERVICES: How to Help
- To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please email specifics to covidsupplies@fema.dhs.gov.
- If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide us details on what you are offering.
- If you are a private company that wants to produce a product related to the COVID response – email nbeoc@max.gov.
- If you are a hospital and other companies in need of medical supplies, contact your state Department of Public Health and/or Emergency Management
- For non-medical supplies, services or equipment, if you are interested in doing business with FEMA, visit our Industry Liaison Program.
WILSON HEALTH GUIDANCE
Wilson Health is emphasizing that people need to continue to use the phone to call their medical provider or use Wilson Health Virtual Care as a first step.
Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms of Coronavirus can ask questions by calling the Ohio Department of Health Hotline at 833-427-5634 or call the Sidney-Shelby County Health Dept. at 937-498-7249 or visit www.wilsonhealth.org/coronavirus for up-to-date information.
EMPLOYERS: Dr. Scott Short, Director of Occupational Health, has arranged a tele-health tool that can be accessed using a persons’ cell phone, tablet, or computer with web cameras. This is an excellent resource for those that have concerns over possible symptoms to help keep employees and companies isolated from areas shared by the community.
For questions about services or to schedule a tele-medicine assessment for your employee, please contact Wilson Occupational Health at (937) 492-7296.
LOCAL CHILD CARE
Wilma Valentine Childcare in Sidney just received approval from the Department of Job and Family Services to be a Temporary Pandemic Childcare Center. A temporary center can only provide services to children whose parents are employed providing health, safety, and other essential services as determined by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The center is approved to serve children aged 2 ½-grade 3.
The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA opened a Pandemic Child Care Center for Essential Workers on Wednesday, March 25. Interested families can call 492-9134.
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Child Care Application During a Pandemic
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Child Care Enrollment Addendum
SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING
This federal program enables small businesses and non-profits throughout the state impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 to apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million in assistance that can provide vital economic support to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and non-profits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
To keep payments affordable, these loans are long-term, with up to a maximum of 30 years for repayment. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
The SBA Administrator has approved Ohio’s request for Economic Injury Disaster Loans related to COVID-19 . Please note that 501(c)3 not for profits are also eligible.
FACT SHEET - Economic Injury Disaster Loans
US Chamber Guide to Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Loan Application Overview & Instructional VIDEO
Businesses can begin the application process here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html
ECONOMIC INJURY GRANTS
These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans. You access these grants when you apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and request the advance on the application. $10,000 will be made available to you within three (3) days of your completed application. This advance is a grant and does not need to be repaid, however it will be deducted from your approved loan amount. These funds can be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, pay business obligations or other impacted operational issues created by the COVID-19 outbreak.
UPDATED APRIL 1, 2020: The SBA has provided additional guidance regarding the $10,000 Forgivable Loan Advance. To be eligible, businesses must complete the new application that launched March 30. The new web site address is https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ .
Even if you have already competed an earlier version of the application or have already been turned down for a loan, you must reapply. Questions? Please call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- Disaster Preparedness Factsheet (English | Spanish)
- Disaster Mitigation Factsheet (English | Spanish)
- Disaster Assistance Loans: Businesses & Nonprofits (English | Spanish)
- Disaster Assistance Loans: Homeowners & Renters (English | Spanish)
- Disaster Assistance Loans: Community Impact (English | Spanish)
Small business owners are urged to visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus and follow @SBA_Columbus on Twitter or sign up for their newsletter for more updates.
The Miami Valley Small Business Development Center is a valuable and effecrtive local resource for information and assistance with SBA loans, grants, and programs. For help, call the Center at 937-281-0118.
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT
Paycheck Protection Program
Passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, this Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
The details of the Paycheck Protection Program were released 3/31/2020. Here they are in brief:
- Program will provide small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs, including benefits.
- Funds may also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
- Full forgiveness is available based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employee and maintaining salary levels
- Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time head count declines or if salaries and wages decrease
- Small businesses and sole proprietors' application period begins April 3
- Independent contractors and self-employed individuals' application period begins April 10
- Application will be submitted through approved SBA Lenders
- Interest rate on these loans will be 0.5%
- Loan maturity is 2 years
If you plan to apply, you should gather the following information to submit with the loan package:
- Employee wages and salary information for the past 12 months (including owner's)
- include paid time off, vacation, sick pay, family medical pay etc.
- Withholding for state and local taxes on employee compensation
- 1099s paid to independent contractors
- Documentation showing how much the employer paid in employee group health insurance premiums for the past 12 months
- Documentation showing the amount of retirement plan funding the employer made for employees over the past 12 months
- includes profit sharing 401(k) plans, cash balance plans, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs
Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help your small business through the process.
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act - A comprehensive guide published by the U.S. House of Representatives
FAQ - The US Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Paycheck Protection Program Application Form
US Chamber Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit
Additional Paycheck Protection Program Information for Borrowers
CONGRESS PASSES LAW REQUIRING PAID EMPLOYEE LEAVE
Emergency Paid Sick Leave
The Act requires two weeks of paid sick leave for government workers and employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees. Leave must be made available immediately to workers who are symptomatic or are under an order or advice to quarantine or self-isolate, who have to care for a family member under such an order or advice, or who have a child whose school or child care facility has closed (or whose child care provider is unavailable) due to the Coronavirus.
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act
The Act provides FMLA rights for some employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees, requiring partially paid leave after 10 days when an employee is unable to work or telework due to school or child care closures related to the Coronavirus.
Other Provisions
The Act provides funding for economic assistance and requires health plans to cover COVID-19 testing at no charge. A refundable tax credit for employers that provide paid leave benefits as required by the Act is also included. The U.S. Treasury is expected to use its regulatory authority to advance funds to some small businesses to cover the cost of providing paid sick leave.
MARCH 30, 2020: Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
WHD guidance:
- Fact Sheet for Employees
- Fact Sheet for Employers
- Questions and Answers
- Employer Posting Requirements
- Employee Notice Poster
APRIL 1, 2020:
Temporary Rule - Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Internal /Revenue Service Guidelines on Paid Leave Tax Credits
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
Employers Can Provide Tax-Free Payments to Their Employees as a Result of COVID-19
No Penalty for Early Withdrawal of 401k's
The Care Act will allow Coronavirus related withdrawals from 401(k) and IRA accounts up to $100,000 during 2020 and avoid the normal 10% penalty for those not of the required minimum age of 59.5.
Reasons for Coronavirus related withdrawals include:
(1) An account owner diagnosed with COVID-19, or
(2) A spouse or dependent is diagnosed with COVID-19, or
(3) An individual who experiences adverse financial consequences because of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, being unable to work due to lack of child care due to the Coronavirus, or
(4) Closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual due to Coronavirus, or
(5) Other factors as determined by the Treasury Secretary.
Employees will still be required to pay income taxes, but do not have to pay the full amount in one year. Tax obligations can be spread over three years. Another option is to redeposit the withdrawn amounts back within three years.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
Unfortunately many organizations have or will have to reduce the size of their workforce as a result of COVID-19. The information below will benefit both the employee and the employer.
FAQ: Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Workers Guide to Unemployment Insurance
Top 10 Need-To-Know List for Workers
How To Videos
Instructions for using Ohio’s online unemployment benefit system and Ohio’s online career and employment center.
Employer’s Guide to Ohio Unemployment Insurance
Employer Rapid Response Services - Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
All Ohio employers planning a mass layoff or shutdown due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic should provide the following mass-layoff number – 2000180 – and this Instructional Sheet to their employees.
Ohio has two ways to file an application for Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
Online
- File online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Service may be limited during nightly system updating. Check the website for available services. Please be sure to follow the instructions.
- If you do not have access to a computer, visit your local library or OhioMeansJobs Center where computers are available for public use. A list of OhioMeansJobs Centers can be found at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/wioa/map.stm.
Telephone
- Call toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408, (excluding holidays) Monday through Friday 8 AM - 5 PM.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your driver's license or state ID number
- Your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
- Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment with each employer you worked for during the past 6 weeks of employment
- The reason you became unemployed from each employer
- Dependents' names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth
- If claiming dependents, your spouse's name, Social Security number, and birth date
- If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, alien registration number and expiration date
- Your regular occupation and job skills
COVID-19-affected claimants with otherwise valid applications for unemployment will be awarded benefits. While claimants must still meet the weekly requirements that they be able and available for work, the requirement that they actively search for work while receiving benefits has been waived.
WORKFORCE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Now may be an ideal time to up-skill yourself or your workforce. The State of Ohio offers a number of resources both online and at a local training center. CLICK HERE to learn more.
COVID-19 AND WORKERS COMPENSATION
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is initiating temporary policy changes that will allow flexibility in the provision of care to injured workers.These changes will be effective until the state of emergency related to COVID-19 is lifted within the state where the injured resides. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Answers to Ohio BWC most Frequently Asked Questions
EMPLOYERS: The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced that insurance premium installment payments due for March, April and May for the current policy will be deferred until June 1, 2020, at which time the matter will be reconsidered. This is for public and private employers. BWC will not lapse (cancel) coverage or assess penalties for amounts not paid because of the coronavirus pandemic.
FACEBOOK SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM
Facebook is offering $100,000,000 in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. CLICK HERE to learn more.
2020 SHELBY COUNTY RECOVERY FUND
The Community Foundation of Shelby County and the Shelby County United Way have established the 2020 Recovery Fund to provide grants to charities and governmental entities serving local residents in the areas of food, shelter, healthcare and other needs related to the economic downturn.
To give or to apply for a grant, go to the Community Foundation website at https://commfoun.com/giving/2020-recovery/
IN CLOSING
At the Chamber, we know this issue is likely to impact many businesses in our membership. We stand ready to assist as your advocate with federal, state and local officials regarding regulations, economic stimulus, and/or the government response to the virus. Please reach out to us if you think we can be of help.
