Families with Children and Essential Workers Get Relief Funds

At a time of great need, Connecticut families with children and essential workers are in line to receive relief benefits from American Rescue Plan funds. “Thank you to Connecticut's federal delegation for voting for President Biden's American Rescue Plan!” was the message from Democratic legislators, even as state Republicans dismissed the relief as a “systemic failure” and “one-time gimmicks “.

Over 15,000 Connecticut families, including 27,000 children, will receive a one-time, back-to-school, COVID-19 relief benefit of $257 from the Department of Social Services (DSS) just in time for the new school year.

Known as the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF), this special benefit comes from a $7 million federal grant DSS received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“Premium Pay” relief for essential workers is also available through ARPA funds. When State Comptroller Natalie Braswell opened applications, thousands of workers responded immediately and the computer system temporarily crashed. The program will provide $1,000 per essential worker, including healthcare, grocery store, transit, manufacturing, teachers and child care workers. . Applications are due by October 1 at www.ctessentialworkerrelief.org.

The legislature and Governor allocated $30 million for “Premium Pay.” As is clearly the case, labor leaders warned much more would be needed. If applications exceed the $30 million, everyone's share will be reduced proportionately.

Reducing the benefit is unacceptable said Ed Hawthorne, president of the CT AFL-CIO. He called for increased funding now. “There was an invisible virus that was killing people, and these people went into work,” he said. “One thousand dollars is the least we can do for them.” During the legislative session the labor federation had proposed $2,000 per essential worker.

Democratic candidate for Comptroller Sean Scanlon also called for an increase in funding to assure that all eligible essential workers receive the full $1,000.

“The Premium Pay program will work in tandem with the existing COVID-19 Relief Fund,” said Comptroller Braswell. “Applicants can apply for both funds if they qualify.

 

The COVID-19 Relief Funds are available to any essential worker who lost wages due to COVID-19 infections while on the job between March 2020 and July 2021. Additional benefits include out-of-pocket medical expenses and burial costs for family members who died as a result of COVID-19. Apply at: www.ctessentialworkerrelief.org.