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Where Are Your Jobless Benefits? Where Are Your Jobless Benefits?
(about 13 hours later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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This is California’s seventh week of being under stay-at-home orders. Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that more than four million Californians have filed for unemployment since mid-March and that the state has paid out more than $10 billion.This is California’s seventh week of being under stay-at-home orders. Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that more than four million Californians have filed for unemployment since mid-March and that the state has paid out more than $10 billion.
In his daily briefings, the governor has also addressed frustrations with the Employment Development Department, and asked for patience.In his daily briefings, the governor has also addressed frustrations with the Employment Development Department, and asked for patience.
“We’ve never experienced anything like this in our lifetime,” he said on Wednesday. “These numbers are jaw-dropping.”“We’ve never experienced anything like this in our lifetime,” he said on Wednesday. “These numbers are jaw-dropping.”
A report released last week suggested that millions of unemployed across the country have been stymied from seeking benefits because of application backlogs, technical glitches and confusing guidelines.A report released last week suggested that millions of unemployed across the country have been stymied from seeking benefits because of application backlogs, technical glitches and confusing guidelines.
In March, we asked an expert with the nonprofit Legal Aid at Work about how to apply for unemployment insurance. But things have changed so much since then, so we asked Carole Vigne, the director of Legal Aid’s Wage Protection Program and senior staff attorney, for an update.In March, we asked an expert with the nonprofit Legal Aid at Work about how to apply for unemployment insurance. But things have changed so much since then, so we asked Carole Vigne, the director of Legal Aid’s Wage Protection Program and senior staff attorney, for an update.
[Read more about how to apply for unemployment benefits in the state.][Read more about how to apply for unemployment benefits in the state.]
How long does it typically take for the Employment Development Department to disburse unemployment funds?How long does it typically take for the Employment Development Department to disburse unemployment funds?
Typically, it takes three weeks to process a claim for unemployment insurance benefits and issue payment to eligible workers.Typically, it takes three weeks to process a claim for unemployment insurance benefits and issue payment to eligible workers.
Under the crush of millions of applications, we were expecting to see significant delays, but given temporary directives to streamline the processing of applications and not require ongoing certification, many workers are still seeing their payments within this timeline.Under the crush of millions of applications, we were expecting to see significant delays, but given temporary directives to streamline the processing of applications and not require ongoing certification, many workers are still seeing their payments within this timeline.
The one exception we have heard about is for workers whose employers had misclassified them as independent contractors and had not reported their earnings to the E.D.D., which is doing a wage audit. For example, we heard from several misclassified employees who applied in mid-March and waited six weeks for their benefits to be approved.The one exception we have heard about is for workers whose employers had misclassified them as independent contractors and had not reported their earnings to the E.D.D., which is doing a wage audit. For example, we heard from several misclassified employees who applied in mid-March and waited six weeks for their benefits to be approved.
[Read about why California sued Uber and Lyft.][Read about why California sued Uber and Lyft.]
The stated timeline for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is significantly faster. Money can be issued as quickly as within two days, but there might be a delay of several more days because debit cards have to be mailed. Californians were able to first apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance on April 28.The stated timeline for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is significantly faster. Money can be issued as quickly as within two days, but there might be a delay of several more days because debit cards have to be mailed. Californians were able to first apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance on April 28.
How do I check the status of my unemployment claim?How do I check the status of my unemployment claim?
The best way to check on the status of your claim is to log in to UI Online.The best way to check on the status of your claim is to log in to UI Online.
You can also check on the status of your payment through an automated, self-service telephone system at 1-866-333-4606. This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English and Spanish.You can also check on the status of your payment through an automated, self-service telephone system at 1-866-333-4606. This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English and Spanish.
For technical assistance while applying, you can call 1-833-978-2511. This line is open 12 hours a day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, only in English.For technical assistance while applying, you can call 1-833-978-2511. This line is open 12 hours a day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, only in English.
There are also phone lines available in Spanish (1-800-326-8937), Chinese (1-800-547-3506 for Cantonese and 1-866-303-0706 for Mandarin), and Vietnamese (1-800-547-2058). These lines are open four hours a day, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday.There are also phone lines available in Spanish (1-800-326-8937), Chinese (1-800-547-3506 for Cantonese and 1-866-303-0706 for Mandarin), and Vietnamese (1-800-547-2058). These lines are open four hours a day, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What is the difference between Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and regular unemployment insurance?What is the difference between Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and regular unemployment insurance?
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a benefit of last resort for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. For example, small business owners/true independent contractors and employees who do not have sufficient earnings in their base period.Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a benefit of last resort for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance. For example, small business owners/true independent contractors and employees who do not have sufficient earnings in their base period.
When is the extra $600 in benefits provided by the federal government set to expire?When is the extra $600 in benefits provided by the federal government set to expire?
The additional $600 in benefits provided by the federal government (known as Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, in the CARES Act) will be in effect until July 31 for those who are eligible to receive unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.The additional $600 in benefits provided by the federal government (known as Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, in the CARES Act) will be in effect until July 31 for those who are eligible to receive unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
What are the options for self-employed people or independent contractors affected by the pandemic?What are the options for self-employed people or independent contractors affected by the pandemic?
Self-employed people who did not have any regular employment — or did not earn sufficient earnings as an employee — during the 2019 calendar year will be eligible to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which is intended to be a benefit of last recourse for those who are not eligible to receive unemployment.Self-employed people who did not have any regular employment — or did not earn sufficient earnings as an employee — during the 2019 calendar year will be eligible to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which is intended to be a benefit of last recourse for those who are not eligible to receive unemployment.
What is being done for workers who were mostly paid in cash for the past few years? Can they collect unemployment?What is being done for workers who were mostly paid in cash for the past few years? Can they collect unemployment?
Workers who were paid in cash may face additional barriers when applying for unemployment if their employer did not report their earnings to the Employment Development Department. They should still be eligible for unemployment benefits, but they will likely need to undergo a wage audit, and may be asked to submit an Affidavit of Wages.Workers who were paid in cash may face additional barriers when applying for unemployment if their employer did not report their earnings to the Employment Development Department. They should still be eligible for unemployment benefits, but they will likely need to undergo a wage audit, and may be asked to submit an Affidavit of Wages.
[See our map of coronavirus cases in California by county.][See our map of coronavirus cases in California by county.]
How is the Employment Development Department currently certifying ongoing eligibility for benefits?How is the Employment Development Department currently certifying ongoing eligibility for benefits?
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Generally, workers need to certify ongoing eligibility to receive their benefits every two weeks. However, certification is not required at this time for benefits for weeks ending March 14 through May 9. E.D.D. should automatically pay workers who are found eligible for benefits during this time. The one exception is if you return to work and earn wages; you should contact E.D.D. to notify them of your earnings.Generally, workers need to certify ongoing eligibility to receive their benefits every two weeks. However, certification is not required at this time for benefits for weeks ending March 14 through May 9. E.D.D. should automatically pay workers who are found eligible for benefits during this time. The one exception is if you return to work and earn wages; you should contact E.D.D. to notify them of your earnings.
At a later date, the E.D.D. will contact workers to certify for these weeks. Workers should consider keeping the answers to the following questions so that when E.D.D. asks workers to certify, that information is readily available and makes certification easier:At a later date, the E.D.D. will contact workers to certify for these weeks. Workers should consider keeping the answers to the following questions so that when E.D.D. asks workers to certify, that information is readily available and makes certification easier:
Are you physically able to work? (Note exact dates that you are NOT able.)Are you physically able to work? (Note exact dates that you are NOT able.)
Are you available for work? (Note exact dates that you are NOT available.)Are you available for work? (Note exact dates that you are NOT available.)
Are you ready and willing to accept work immediately?Are you ready and willing to accept work immediately?
Did you refuse work?Did you refuse work?
Did you work and earn wages? (For regular unemployment insurance, wages are to be reported when worked, and NOT when paid.)Did you work and earn wages? (For regular unemployment insurance, wages are to be reported when worked, and NOT when paid.)
Note that workers are not being asked whether they searched for work, because that requirement has been suspended. Also, if workers are unintentionally overpaid, they should consider filing an appeal when they receive a Notice of Overpayment.Note that workers are not being asked whether they searched for work, because that requirement has been suspended. Also, if workers are unintentionally overpaid, they should consider filing an appeal when they receive a Notice of Overpayment.
We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.
You can now find a Covid-19 testing site near you, with information about how to make appointments. [State of California]You can now find a Covid-19 testing site near you, with information about how to make appointments. [State of California]
And face coverings will be required for all travelers at Los Angeles International Airport starting Monday. [Mayor of Los Angeles]And face coverings will be required for all travelers at Los Angeles International Airport starting Monday. [Mayor of Los Angeles]
Essential workers who are infected with Covid-19 will be able to more easily get workers’ compensation by making it an employer’s — not an employee’s — responsibility to prove that a worker did not get infected on the job. [The Los Angeles Times]Essential workers who are infected with Covid-19 will be able to more easily get workers’ compensation by making it an employer’s — not an employee’s — responsibility to prove that a worker did not get infected on the job. [The Los Angeles Times]
A bitter battle for the congressional seat vacated by Katie Hill is shaping up to be a preview for November. [The New York Times]A bitter battle for the congressional seat vacated by Katie Hill is shaping up to be a preview for November. [The New York Times]
If you missed it, here’s more about how California is preparing for elections during the pandemic. [The New York Times]If you missed it, here’s more about how California is preparing for elections during the pandemic. [The New York Times]
If you missed it, the pandemic may be the end of open-floor-plan offices. [The New York Times]If you missed it, the pandemic may be the end of open-floor-plan offices. [The New York Times]
Welcome to the world, X Æ A-12. Your birth instantly rippled across the internet. Your father, Elon Musk, publicly corrected your mother, Grimes, about where your name came from. [People]Welcome to the world, X Æ A-12. Your birth instantly rippled across the internet. Your father, Elon Musk, publicly corrected your mother, Grimes, about where your name came from. [People]
Help us understand the pandemic: If you are a Californian who traveled to Las Vegas in February or March and later tested positive for Covid-19, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.Help us understand the pandemic: If you are a Californian who traveled to Las Vegas in February or March and later tested positive for Covid-19, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.
California Today goes live at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time weekdays. Tell us what you want to see: CAtoday@nytimes.com. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for California Today here and read every edition online here.California Today goes live at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time weekdays. Tell us what you want to see: CAtoday@nytimes.com. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for California Today here and read every edition online here.
Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, went to school at U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, went to school at U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.
California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.