COVID19: HR 748, the CARES Act: What the Bipartisan COVID-19 Stimulus Means for UA Members
Published on Monday, March 30, 2020
The UA has put together a one-page overview of the CARES Act and what the stimulus means for UA Members. Please click the following link to view in PDF format: UA Stimulus Guide.pdf.
The information is also listed below for your convenience if viewing by phone.
Expanded Unemployment Insurance
The CARES Act expands unemployment insurance (UI) in four key ways: (1) expanded access to UI benefits; (2) increased amount of UI payments; (3) extended duration of UI benefits; and (4) eliminated waiting periods.
For workers who qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance:
• All weekly benefits increased by $600 through July 31
• Mandated “waiting periods” are waived
• Benefits can be received additional 13 weeks beyond what is typically allowed
• Covers unemployment for any reason
For workers who would not qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance:
• Independent contractors, sole proprietors, those without wage history, and others are now eligible
• Up to 39 weeks of UI benefits available to individuals impacted by COVID-19
• All weekly benefits increased by $600 through July 31
• Mandated “waiting periods” waived
Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family Medical Leave
• Paid sick leave expanded to cover employers with less than 500 employees. All employees are eligible.
• If you are unable to work due to public isolation orders, self-quarantine, or COVID-19 symptoms and diagnosis, you are entitled to full sick pay.
• If you are caring for a family member subject to self-quarantine, or a child due to childcare closures, you are entitled to paid leave (2/3 of your regular wages).
Prevailing Wage on COVID-19 Related Construction Projects
• US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has confirmed that prevailing wage will be paid on federal contracts to construct temporary hospitals.
• The CARES Act provided $10 billion in funding to airports, with construction covered by prevailing wage provisions.
Individual Recovery Rebates
• Individuals with Adjusted Gross Income up to $75,000 ($150,000 married) will receive a $1,200 payment.
• Individuals are eligible for an additional $500 per child.
• Rebate amount is reduced on a scale for incomes up to $99,000 ($198,000 married).
• Amount is completely phased out above that threshold.
For more information please visit the UA Website.