Resources for Economic Support

Mar 30, 2020

This page will be updated as additional resources and funding become available.

Introduction

The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a great strain on the nation's healthcare system, but it's not come without it's economic difficulties as well. State leaders are working to ensure resources are readily available to Ohio businesses and workers to ensure we all weather this difficult time, remembering we are all in this together.

The links here will connect you with local, state and federal resources and funds for the following impacted categories:

• Individuals and families: unemployment resources, health insurance relief, school meals and more.
• Small businesses and non-profits: economic disaster loan program, bar and restaurant relief, daycare ratio updates and more.

Individuals and Families

• In demand jobs during the pandemic
  Many parts of our society are experiencing high demand during this pandemic and are seeking more employees; find available jobs now:
  https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/Account/UCClaimantsOverview.aspx

• Unemployment
  Questions and answers regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact on unemployment benefits can be found here:
  http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

• Food, cash and medical assistance
  The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides food, cash and medical assistance to individuals and families in need. To review eligibility requirements and apply for assistance, please visit: https://benefits.ohio.gov.

• School meals
  Decisions on how free breakfast and lunches are distributed to students is being made by each district. Contact your local district. You may find additional information here:
  http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Coronavirus

• Keep Ohio Connected (internet service availability)
  Learn what Internet Service providers are doing to keep Ohioans connected, including keeping service turned on during the pandemic and waiving late fees:
  https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/dewine-husted-praise-internet-providers-for-commitment-to-keep-americans-connected-pledge

• Existing DSA Programs
  Access existing programs to find local non-profit resources available for those in need, to help maintain your small business, and reduce energy costs to your home.
  https://development.ohio.gov/indvservices.htm

  • Find a Community Action Agency: locally controlled private nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to reduce poverty and to help low-income people become self-sufficient: https://development.ohio.gov/cs/cs_caa.htm

  • Access Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance Centers: resources for starting or maintaining a small business in Ohio: https://development.ohio.gov/bs/bs_entrepreneurship.htm

  • Learn about Energy Assistance Programs: Learn how to manage your home energy costs: https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_energyassist.htm

• Injured worker temporary telehealth policy
  Learn how the BWC is initiating temporary policy changes that will allow flexibility in the provision of care to injured workers:
  https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/PolicyAlert-TempTeleHealthCOVID-19.pdf

• Medicaid provisions for uninsured
  Learn about how to qualify for Medicaid coverage:
  https://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOR-OHIOANS/Who-Qualifie

• Maintaining Healthcare Coverage for Your Family
  Health insurers must allow employers to continue covering employees, even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible because of a decrease in hours worked per week. We know employees may be working a significantly reduced schedule right now, through no fault of their own, and we want to make sure they continue to have access to their health insurance if it's feasible for the employer at this time.
  https://iop-odi-content.s3.amazonaws.com/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-03.pdf

• Assistance for Lost Insurance Coverage
  Those who do lose insurance coverage, are eligible for a special enrollment period to gain new coverage. Premium subsidies may be available for those who qualify by purchasing plans on the federal exchange.
  https://iop-odi-content.s3.amazonaws.com/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-03.pdf

• Utility Assistance
  Ohio has received an extension of the Winter Crisis Program through May 1, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through June 1. The Winter Crisis Program helps income-eligible Ohioans maintain their utility service, while HEAP provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills through a one-time benefit applied directly to their bill. You can now also apply for these programs over the phone, instead of needing to appear in person. Visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov for more information or call 1 (800) 282-0880 to begin your application.

Businesses & Nonprofits

• Small Business Administration's (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
  Ohio small businesses and nonprofits are now eligible to apply for up to a $2 million, low-interest loan through the SBA. Apply online at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance, which is recommended, or call (800) 659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.

• Liquor buyback
  The Ohio Department of Commerce will immediately begin offering a liquor buyback option to support bars and restaurants. This is intended to aid those establishments that have stocked up on high proof liquor, but now are facing closure to in-house patrons. Bars and restaurants can return unopened, high proof liquor products (obtained within the past 30 days) to the agency where they purchased the product. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020. Questions about this program should be directed to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center at 1-877-812-0013 or OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.gov.

• Publicly-Funded Daycares
  An executive order issued last week increased the number of children allowed to be supervised by child care staff, depending on the type of program and ages of the children. The order also increased from 10 to 20 the number of paid absent days for providers serving children in the Publicly Funded Child Care program, and it provides child care programs with 21 paid pandemic days if they must close their programs because of the pandemic. Read the Executive Order: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHOOD/2020/03/13/file_attachments/1400790/Executive%20Order%202020-02D.pdf

• The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
  The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is modifying the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods. Generally, Ohio requires haulers with loads classified as "oversized" to seek advanced permission from ODOT before they are legally allowed to travel in the state. Haulers carrying these essential goods can download and print the permit at transportation.ohio.gov.

• Ohio's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)
  Ohio's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) system is the exclusive provider of workers' compensation insurance in Ohio and serves 249,000 public and private employers. To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio BWC is announcing the deferment of insurance premium installment payments for March, April and May until June 1, 2020. For more information, visit bwc.ohio.gov.

• Grace Period for Health Insurance Premiums
  All health insurers are required to provide the option of deferring premium payments, interest free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date. This means that employers can defer their premium payments up to two months, giving them some relief on costs, while keeping their employees insured.
  https://iop-odi-content.s3.amazonaws.com/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-03.pdf

• Keeping Essential Goods Moving
  The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has modified the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods. Generally, the state requires haulers with loads classified as "oversized" to seek advanced permission from ODOT before they are permitted to travel in and through the state. Haulers carrying essential goods can download and print the permit at Transportation.Ohio.gov. The federal government has also cut red tape around obtaining or renewing Commercial Drivers' Licenses (CDLs) and other licenses to prevent interruption of essential shipping. The Ohio Departments of Public Safety (ODPS) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) have adjusted their enforcement practices to avoid confusion.

• Learn new tech skills TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a tech-infused economy. Many of these trainings can be completed online. For more information:
  https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/about

Layoff Alternatives

Is your company facing decisions about layoffs? Consider these options first.

• Businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for assistance to keep employees on their payroll through the end of June. Through the federal CARES Act, small businesses are eligible for a variety of assistance options through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), including (SBA.Gov)

• Forgivable Payroll Loans - SBA will offer full guarantees on forgivable payroll loans to employers with fewer than 500 employees, up to $10 million per business. Loans will be offered through the lending community but backed by SBA. Any portion of the loan used to maintain payroll (including paid sick, medical, or family leave, and costs related to the continuation of group healthcare benefits during those periods of leave), pay rent, or pay mortgage interest and utility payments will be forgiven, provided workers stay employed and wages are not reduced more than 25% through the end of June. Further details are forthcoming.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loan - SBA offers loans for small businesses up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue during a declared disaster.

• Businesses of all sizes that are closed or distressed are eligible for a fully refundable tax credit to help them keep workers on the payroll. The credit covers 50 percent of payroll on the first $10,000 of compensation, including health benefits, for each employee. Different requirements apply depending on business size. For companies with more than 100 employees, only wages paid to employees when they are not providing services due to COVID-19 qualify. For companies with less than 100 employees, all employee wages qualify for the credit. For the latest information about SBA incentives, refer to sba.gov. Further details are forthcoming.

• Ohio's premier layoff aversion program, SharedWork Ohio, helps employers retain trained staff during times of business downturn. Under a SharedWork plan, the employer reduces the employees' hours in a uniform manner and JFS supplements eligible employees' income with a proportionate share of unemployment. Right now, the federal government is fully funding these benefits paid to employees. Learn more at jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/SharedWorkOhio/.

• Rapid Response resources are available to assist companies proactively with talent needs or to minimize negative impacts of layoffs. Rapid Response teams will work with your company to quickly maximize public and private resources to minimize the disruptions that are associated with job losses on your business, your workers, and the communities in which you do business and live. Rapid Response can provide customized services on-site at an affected your company, accommodate any work schedules, and assist company leadership and affected workers through the painful transitions associated with job loss. If you are looking to access skilled workers, are expecting a layoff or plant closing, or want to learn more, contact Ohio's rapid response manager, Breeyn Handberg, at 614-466-9897 or breeyn.handberg@jfs.ohio.gov.

• After reviewing the alternatives above, any employer still considering layoffs (full separation from their company) or a furlough (mandatory, temporary, unpaid leave) must carefully consider:

  • All state and local laws.
  • The state emergency declarations and laws issued under the pandemic.
  • Federal law, including any relief package.
  • Notice obligations under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

Banking Updates

The DeWine-Husted Administration has worked with representatives from Ohio's banking community. These companies recognize the hardships that many Ohioans are facing, and they have committed to working through creative ways to help. Ohioans can be confident that banks, both big and small, will be there for them as we move through the crisis and are offering a number of measures to help customers.

• Banks across the state are taking steps to offer loan payment deferrals, fee waivers or refunds and extend credit lines to both businesses and individuals. Many banks are also suspending foreclosures where possible. Recent federal guidelines give financial institutions more tools to help Ohioans and the banking industry has welcomed these changes.

• Banks are also showing customers how to protect themselves from coronavirus-related scams and encouraging Ohioans to use digital banking features like mobile apps, online banking or banking by phone. If you need help, please reach out to your bank for assistance.

• Banks and credit unions across the state are taking steps to offer loan payment deferrals, fee waivers or refunds and extend credit lines to both businesses and individuals. Many financial institutions are also suspending foreclosures where possible. Recent federal guidelines give our financial institutions more tools to help Ohioans and the banking industry has welcomed these changes.

• Learn more at ohiobankersleague.com/customers and ohiocreditunions.org.

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/resources-for-economic-support/econ