COVID-19 resources for workers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) project that the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus will get worse before it gets better. That means following CDC guidelines by staying home, only going out for groceries once a week and practicing social distancing are critical – and only work when we all do them. 

Working America, the 3.2 million community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, is focusing on slowing the rapid spread of coronavirus through education and awareness and sharing resources to help workers and their families during the global pandemic and the resulting economic fallout.

Here are helpful resources that you can access:

UNEMPLOYMENT
If you are seeking information about filing for unemployment benefits, find state-specific information at careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits.

For Illinois, go to www2.illinois.gov/ides/individuals/UnemploymentInsurance.
For Missouri, go to labor.mo.gov/unemployed-workers.

It’s important to note that federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.

Visit your state’s site to find details on its Unemployment Insurance program, including additional flexibility offered to those impacted by coronavirus. All states have a high volume of claims and it may be fastest to apply for unemployment benefits online.

The AFL-CIO has also pulled together state resources and benefits available for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19 at aflcio.org/covid-19/state-resources.

HEALTH COVERAGE
If you need help getting health insurance because you’ve lost your employer-sponsored coverage or for any other reason, there are resources that may be available to you.

• Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with a low income. To see if you are eligible, visit usa.gov/medicaid and select your state. Not all states participate in an expanded Medicaid program as part of the Affordable Care Act. Illinois does; Missouri, shamefully does not.
• The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers health coverage to children whose parents are low income, but make too much to qualify for Medicaid. To see if your children are eligible, visit usa.gov/Medicaid.

SOCIAL SERVICES
The United Way’s 2-1-1 line provides the most comprehensive source of local social services information in the U.S. Call 2-1-1 from any cellphone or landline to speak with a community resource specialist in your area who will help you find services and resources that are available to you.