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Solano EDC – Weekly Update on Support Programs for those Effected by Covid-19

March 19 2020

Employers:

  1. SBA Disaster Recovery loans have been authorized by Congress. Contact the Solano SBDC for details and support in applying. 
  2. If in danger of closing, Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avoid layoffs where possible, and support your workers through the process. Services can include upgrades to current worker skills, customized training, career counseling, job search assistance, help with filing unemployment insurance claims, and information about education and training opportunities. For more information, please contact April Ziomek-Portillo, Sr. Manager of Business Services with the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County at 707-863-3569 or aziomek@solanowdb.org. 
  3. If payroll taxes cannot be paid on time: With the Governor’s emergency declaration, if your business is directly affected by COVID-19, you can request up to a 60-day extension to file your state payroll reports and deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. The written request for extension, noting the impact of COVID19, must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. For the address to send the request, along with other information, please see the State of Emergency or Disaster Fact Sheet (DE 231SED) (PDF). You can also call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center with any questions you may have about your payroll tax responsibilities at 1-888-745-3886 or (TTY) 1-800-547-9565. Assistance also provided by https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/covid19.htm
  4. Forbes recently listed national banks providing relief to customers. https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/12/list-of-banks-offering-relief-to-customers-affected-by-coronavirus/#230fb5ab3ee3
  5. For difficulty in getting business financing the CALCAP loan loss reserve program  https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp
  6. Other loan resources from California iBank.  https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp
  7. Protection of workers from Covid-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Business and Employers includes basic precautions like proper handwashing and cleaning, as well as making sure your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance. Visit Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus to learn more about workplace requirements.

 

Employees:

  1. Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing Program. This program allows you to retain your workers by reducing their hours and wages no more than 60 percent and partially offsetting the wage loss with UI benefits. This helps you avoid the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new workers and helps your workers keep their jobs and receive some financial support with UI benefits. 
  2. For temporary layoffs, workers can file for unemployment benefits as long as they are unemployed and otherwise eligible. Workers who expect to return to work for you within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work as long as they are able and available to return to work and meet all other eligibility criteria. The EDD will explain the requirements to your workers during application.

 

On the horizon:           

  1. Potential for postponement of due date for tax returns for individuals of 90 days.
  2. Direct Federal stimulus payments to individuals in need.
  3. Support injection of funds to key industries such as travel and transportation to mitigate layoffs and closure.
  4. CALED is about to release a summary of State programs available to support businesses.
  5. Many business service companies are stating that they will grant flexibility in payments during this next two months. 
  6. Several jurisdictions and possibly the State will approve a moratorium on Covid-19 related evictions. 

 

General Trends:

  1. There are opportunities as well as potential losses. Much of the demand for food and supplies has been shifted away from retail to delivery very quickly.  Major grocers, fulfillment centers, delivery industries and app-based delivery services are in desperate need of employees.  These jobs might help to mitigate income loss in the short term.
  2. Businesses are finding ways to still reach their customer base but provide a safe exchange.  Restaurants setting up ordering and pick up windows, coffee shops moving their registers to a front window or door, and no contact delivery services.