Workers Impacted By Coronavirus Can Apply For Unemployment In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania workers impacted by the ongoing coronavirus crisis may be eligible for unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits, state officials announced Monday.

According to an announcement from Secretary of Labor & Industry Jerry Oleksiak, residents may be eligible if their employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19.

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“As Pennsylvania and the nation implement mitigation efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is important to relieve some of the financial pressures our workers are facing so they can focus on remaining healthy and safe,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “The best option is for employers to offer their employees paid time off. If leave is not available and your job has been impacted by this new virus, you may be eligible for benefits either through unemployment or workers’ compensation. If you work in a job or industry that likely will be affected, prepare now by knowing what you need and how to file so your application can be processed quickly.”

Unemployment compensation claims should be submitted online.

You may be eligible for unemployment compensation if:

• Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19;
• Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19;
• You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19; or
• You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts.
• Online is the fastest and easiest way to get started. You can find call center hours and other vital info at www.uc.pa.gov; learn all UC benefit requirements by visiting the self-service guide; or use UC LiveChat.

Workers compensation may be available for those who believe they've been exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace. You'll be required to provide medical evidence that you were exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace. More information on workers compensation is here.

As of Sunday, there were 63 cases of the virus in Pennsylvania with more announced daily. Figures for Monday have not yet been released.

On Sunday, Gov. Tom Wolf mandated that all bars and restaurants in five counties close due to the spread. Schools statewide were shut down Friday, and will remain closed for two weeks.

Non-essential businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties have also been closed for two weeks, as well as state parks and liquor stores.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday officially declared the outbreak a pandemic.

>>>More coronavirus in Pennsylvania coverage.