From our State Senator, Norm Needleman.
I hope you and your family are staying safe. Once again, I want to share an update on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and available resources.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office Needleman@senatedems.ct.gov or 860-240-0428.
Life Insurance For Front-Line Health Care Workers
The Connecticut Insurance Department has expedited approval of HealthBridge, a life insurance plan from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance (or MassMutual), for front-line health care workers fighting COVID-19. The coverage allows these workers to directly enroll for no-premium payment three-year term life insurance policies with death benefits of $25,000 for workers between the ages of 18 and 50 and $10,000 for workers ages 51 to 60. Recipients must be employed at licensed hospitals, urgent care centers or emergency medical services providers who are exposed to COVID-19 patients.
Doctors, nurses, lab technicians, custodial staff, maintenance crews, cafeteria workers and security personnel will be considered for coverage. More details and enrollment information is available here.Restaurant
Strong Furloughed Worker Grants
The Restaurant Strong movement, founded by The Greg Hill Foundation and Samuel Adams, is releasing grants to assist restaurant workers who have been laid off or furloughed. Any full-time employee working at least 30 hours total per week (workers who received 30 hours per week at multiple restaurants are eligible), were employed for at least three months at the same location and who complete an application form are eligible to qualify for grant assistance. Not every applicant will receive grants.
U.S. Chamber Starts $5,000 Grant For Small Businesses
The U.S. Chamber has launched a new small grant program to assist small businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Though it is not clear if the program is specifically for for-profit companies, all employers are recommended to apply. Applications will be online and open on April 20 at https://savesmallbusiness.com. Companies with between 3 and 20 employees are eligible, and they must be located in economically distressed communities, which include Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford and Willimantic.
The grants, valued at $5,000, will be awarded on a weekly basis until the money runs out. The grant funding can be used for any expenses including rent, operations and payroll. Applicants will need a W9 to complete the form.
Federal Unemployment Stimulus Benefits To Begin April 24
Processing for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which adds $600 in federal stimulus funds to every weekly state benefit, is scheduled to begin April 24, with additional funds to be included in Connecticut benefit payments the following week. Claim applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which provides benefits for self-employed and independent contractors, are expected to be accepted starting April 30.
