Comprehensive Relief for Small Business and Self-Employed Clients
In an attempt to summarize the ever-changing and complex world of COVID-19, we are noting the relief already available and hopefully, shedding additional light on some of the provisions starting with the Families First Act.
Your official Department of Labor source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave
This is effective today, April 1st.
Applies to private employers with less than 500 employees
Eligible employees with a qualifying need related to the COVID-19 pandemic will be entitled to paid leave if they cannot work or telework. Note: employees that are under “shelter-in-place” orders are not considered subject to government quarantine. This provision is for specific individuals that have been ordered to quarantine themselves. Therefore, these employees would not qualify for mandated employer sick leave for this reason alone.
Employers must disseminate this labor poster to their staff.
Covered employers will be entitled to off-setting or partially-offsetting tax credits for these payments.
Most major payroll companies have new payroll codes for employees that fall into either the higher, two-week emergency sick leave or the lower up-to-twelve week expanded family medical leave act.
Our Advice
If you are paying a full salary to staff that qualifies, start tracking your eligible employees’ time now. The DOL has clarified that workers whose ability to work has been diminished, would still qualify.
Also, pay attention to your payroll company’s email alerts and read the Department of Labor FAQs here.
If you have any questions about COVID-19 comprehensive relief for small business and self-employed, please get in touch.