Missouri AFL-CIO Dislocated Worker Program providing assistance, resources for workers facing COVID-19 layoffs

Unemployment assistance for Missouri/Illinois workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many working families.

The Missouri AFL-CIO’s Dislocated Worker program partners with the state of Missouri to help connect dislocated workers across the state to the resources and assistance they need to re-enter the job market quickly following a layoff.

“Over the coming weeks, we expect the number of layoffs and applications for unemployment compensation to increase,” said program coordinator Jim Kolve. “As we prepare for the expected increase in layoffs, we have an action plan that ensures Missouri workers can access the resources they need so job loss is temporary and manageable.”

INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
For more information on the Missouri AFL-CIO Dislocated Worker Program and to learn about services and resources available, visit moaflcio.org/dislocated-worker-program-rapid-response-team, or Kolve at 314-540-0848 or email kolvej@gmail.com.

FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT
If you need to file for unemployment, visit uinteract.labor.mo.gov. or contact a regional claims representative. Regional Claims Center representatives are available by phone Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by email at labor.mo.gov/unemployed-workers. In Illinois, visit www2.illinois.gov/ides/individuals/UnemploymentInsurance.

• Jefferson City 573-751-9040
• Kansas City 816-889-3101
• Springfield 417-895-6851
• St. Louis 314-340-4950
• Outside Local Calling Area 800-320-2519
• Illinois – Contact the IDES Claimant Services Center at 800-244-5631.

For specific information about unemployment insurance, visit the Missouri Division of Employment Security website at labor.mo.gov/DES.

JOB CENTERS
If your layoff is not due to the coronavirus event and you will be looking for employment, Missouri Job Centers can help at no cost to you. Visit jobs.mo.gov to find a job center near you.

In Illinois, workers can find help through the Illinois workNet centers at Illinoisjoblink.com. Illinois job centers in the Dislocated Worker Program include:

• Belleville, 4519 W. Main St., 618-277-3090.
• Mount Vernon, 333 Potomac Blvd., 618-241-6720 or go online to siwib.org.
• Marion, 3000 W. DeYoung Suite 800B, 618-998-1291.
• Wood River, 101 E. Edwardsville Road, 618-296-4301.

HEALTH INSURANCE
If you have lost your health insurance as the result of a layoff, there are resources available to protect access to adequate coverage.

• COBRA coverage – Employers are required to offer dislocated workers and their families the opportunity to continue their job-based health insurance coverage, with the family responsible for paying the premium.

• Other group health coverage – If group coverage is available (for example, through a spouse’s employment-based plan), special enrollment in that plan should be considered.

• Subsidized coverage – A good starting point is to visit www.HealthCare.gov to learn more about comprehensive health coverage that may be available to you.

• Medicaid – To find out whether you qualify for Medicaid, visit mydss.mo.gov/healthcare or call 1-855-373-9994. Find additional updates from the Missouri Department of Social Services related to COVID-19 by visiting dss.mo.gov/covid-19.

• United Way – For referral to community social service resources, call 2-1-1. You can also visit 211helps.org for more information.