Frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are finally getting a bit of reward: The Department of Labor and Industry is giving them what’s being called “Hero Pay.”
Here’s Five Fast Facts About Hero Pay:
- 🏥Who Gets It? - Workers in health care, long-term care and home care, the courts, child care, public schools, food service, public transit and manufacturing among many others who worked in person for at least 120 hours between March 15, 2020 and June 30, 2021. You cannot have drawn unemployment benefits for more than 20 weeks.
- 🧢Is There a Cap? - You’re eligible if you made less than $85,000 a year and did not work directly with COVID patients. If you DID work with them, you’re eligible if you made up to $175,000 a year.
- ❓ So How Much Are We Talking? - It depends on how many people apply. Lawmakers estimated it could be $750 each if all eligible applicants applied. Key word: “estimated.” Don’t go lighting cigars with cash just yet.
- 🌐 Where Do I Apply? - DLI has set up a website. You can apply through July 22. It is NOT based on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 📅When Do I Get My Money? - After the application window closes and the state verifies all applicants are eligible for a check.
🔥Bottom line: It’s about time frontline workers got something other than a Starbucks gift card, yard signs or pizza parties. It’s clear they’re ready for it, too: the website crashed the first day because so many people tried to apply at once. That kind of suggests the DLI is unprepared for what a Charlie-Foxtrot this might turn into if they’re not careful. Regardless, this is a good start to getting them what they truly deserve.
What do you think of Hero Pay? Let us know by connecting with us on Social Media and be sure to share this newsletter with any friends & coworkers!
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