Employment and Financial Resources During COVID-19
Employment Resources
If you have been impacted by efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida, you can file your Reemployment Assistance Claim through CONNECT, Florida’s online Reemployment Assistance System at https://connect.myflorida.com/ . If you are unable to file online, you can call 1-800-681-8102. Your claim can be filed by phone Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM EST, and Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM.
United Way COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund can help you find assistance for bills, rent and food. Call 866-211-9966 for the list of local agencies that can help you or go to http://www.211.org/services/covid19.
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund- created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have demonstrated being financially impacted by COVID-19, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. These grants will be made on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability of funds. Click here for more information.
Business Resources
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has a Short Time Compensation program available to help small businesses continue to pay workers even with reduced work hours. Application information is available at here, and the DEO’s Help Center is here for any questions you have.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is now open for small business owners that are experiencing economic damage as a result of COVID-19. It’s a short-term, interest-free working capital loan that can help your business “bridge the gap” before a return to normal business or before a longer-term financial loan is acquired. Learn more here.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Businesses can apply for loans online through a 3-step loan process here.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. These loans provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. More information here.
The Corona Virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (Cares Act) is a paycheck protection loan program designed to provide relief to small businesses so they can retain workers and maintain payroll and other debt obligations. This loan program is implemented and processed by consumer and commercial lenders. You may apply through your bank, credit union or other approved financial institutions. Contact your banker for more information.
IF YOU FEEL SICK: The Florida Department of Health has opened a 24-hour COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.