COVID-19 Resources
Local Business and Worker Assistance
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DISASTER LOANS
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to California small business suffering economic injury as a result of COVID-19. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES & WORKERS – CA STATE & COUNTY
U.S Treasury Secretary Mnuchin has announced that individuals and businesses with an April 15th tax filing deadline will be given an additional 90 days to pay taxes. You will not be charged penalties or interest. California State Franchise Tax Board has issued a statement as of March 18th that 2019 filing deadline has also been moved 90 days to July 15th, 2020.
The State launched a new website with resources to help businesses impacted by COVID-19: covid19.ca.gov
The Los Angeles Economic Development Council (LAEDC) can work with businesses one-on-one to see if they qualify for other non-traditional loans, and to help access capital and tax incentives, and cost containment strategies so businesses can maintain operations and avoid layoffs. Send an email to: covid19response@laedc.org
California’s Work Sharing Program provides an alternative to layoffs for businesses with reduced work or production. More info is available at: https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Work_Sharing_Program.htm
The County provides Rapid Response services to businesses and workers impacted by layoffs and will work with businesses to avoid layoffs and closures, get workers connected to benefits, unemployment insurance and other services.
Email: Bizdev@wdacs.lacounty.gov
CA State Resources for workers
If you’ve been laid off or had your hours reduced, you can apply for Unemployment Insurance through the State Employment Development Department (EDD). https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/
If you’re unable to work because you have or were exposed to COVID-19, you can file a Disability Insurance Claim through the State EDD. More information available at: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
Employees who need leave to take care of children or family members can apply for Paid Family Leave (PFL) through the State EDD. More Information available at: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
Low Income Rental Assistance
LOS ANGELES COUNTY OFFERS LOW INCOME RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR UNINCORPORATED AREA RESIDENTS
If someone you know lives within unincorporated Los Angeles County and needs rental assistance, they may be eligible for the new COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. More information about the program can be found here.
Job Loss Support
Regardless of the circumstances related to your unemployment, reduction in hours or whether you think you may qualify for benefits, go online at edd.ca.gov and file an application. With so many different situations growing out of the COVID-19 pandemic, let the experts at EDD determine your eligibility.
Currently, it’s taking approximately 21 days for benefits to be received, once a complete filing is made for unemployment insurance. Unemployment insurance experts advise that if you file for unemployment, be sure to answer the questions completely and truthfully; thus ensuring that you will have the best opportunity at receiving benefits as quickly as possible.
Childcare Portal
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a new portal to help parents, including essential workers and vulnerable families, find safe, reliable and accessible child care options.
The new portal is available at covid19.ca.gov/childcare and enables parents to enter their location and the type of care they need, instantly receiving a list of local center-based and family child care programs. The list of open licensed child care programs will include health and safety information, age of children accepted, capacity, availability, hours, and contact information for the program and local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. The Child Care Resource and Referral agencies can answer general questions, including those about child care subsidies.
CDC Travel Advisory
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its international travel advisory. The advisory notes the status of COVID-19 in various countries. For those who may have need to travel internationally, information may be found here.