As we continue to share pertinent information and periodic updates on the Covid-19 outbreak, please feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions, comments or need direction concerning a specific issue. My cell is as follows: Julie (714) 889-9472.
Update as of March 18, 2020:
We are fielding many questions concerning temporary unemployment. In Washington State there are three options for unemployment coverage: Shared work, partial employment and standby. See Q&A below.
In light of the COVID virus situation, ESD has adopted emergency rules that primarily affect the standby category of unemployment benefits.
Standby is typically four weeks, but can be extended to eight weeks at the request of the employer. Workers do not have to look for work while on standby, but must be ready to return to their employer when notified. If an employer’s business has a COVID infection, the Commissioner can extend the time period beyond eight weeks.
Partial employment has more conditions that most contractor businesses won’t meet.
Furloughs are a type of temporary benefits and can consist of a complete stoppage or reduced hours. A reduction in hours may not qualify employees for UI benefits depending on their remaining weekly pay.
Workers who are laid off can file immediately. Once a claim is approved, payment is paid weekly although the first payment might take longer. Workers have to re-file on their account every week to continue receiving benefits. The requirement to look for work is modified with the standby option.
Question and Answers from Washington State Employment Security website:
Q. What programs are offered to assist businesses to keep workers during COVID-19?
A. We have expanded programs to help support businesses and workers whose financial stability is affected by COVID-19.
SharedWork: This program allows employers to reduce the hours of permanent and hourly-paid employees by as much as 50 percent, and the employees can collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. While on the SharedWork program, employees are not required to make an active search for work. You must apply to participate in the program. The application and instructions can be found here.
Partial employment (for reduction in hours): If you are temporarily reducing hours of work for your full-time employees, they may be able to receive unemployment benefits without needing to look for work.
Standby: In certain circumstances, your employees may be eligible for standby. Standby means they do not have to look for other work but need to be available for any work you offer that they can do if quarantined or isolated. Generally, standby is only allowed for up to eight weeks during a claim year. We may grant an extension of standby for more than eight weeks if you make your request in writing and can show extraordinary circumstances. Under the new emergency rules, temporary shutdowns related to COVID-19 infection at the place of business that cause you to close or severely reduce operations are considered extraordinary circumstances.
Q. If I need to temporarily shut down my business due to a possible COVID-19 contamination or quarantine at the worksite, can I receive a relief of benefit charges?
A. If you are a taxable employer, you may request a relief of benefit charges due to a business closure which is directly related to possible contamination at the business site. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Q. What if I need to temporarily lay off employees due to a slowdown of business which is not directly linked to COVID-19?
A. You may request to place an employee on standby for up to eight weeks and your employee can collect unemployment benefits without having to look for other work. While on standby, workers must accept any work you offer that they can do without breaking isolation or quarantine. Relief of benefit charges cannot be granted in this situation.
For workers:
Q. What if I am temporarily laid off work because business has slowed down as a result of COVID-19?
A. If you are laid off work temporarily or if your hours are reduced due to a business slowdown or a lack of demand as a result of COVID-19, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits. Eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Standby means you do not have to look for another job while you collect unemployment benefits, so long as you stay in contact with your regular employer. You must accept any work you can do without breaking isolation or quarantine that is offered by your employer, such as telework. When you file your claim, you can request up to four weeks of standby. If needed, your employer can request up to an additional four weeks of standby (for a total of eight) as long as you will be returning to work full-time when business picks up again.
Partial Employment or Shared Work: Under certain circumstances, you may work part-time while collecting unemployment benefits.
Update from Washington State Governor:
The Governor just tweeted the following: Today, I’m waiving the one week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance.
As the regulations develop and change, we will keep you updated.
Julie Muller, Esq.
Executive Vice President
SMACNA - Western Washington