From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Labor announced on Monday that workers unable to work due to the coronavirus will be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced the modification of the existing unemployment compensations rules to allow workers to file a claim for unemployment compensation benefits who are affected in any of the following ways:
- Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency,
- Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns,
- Those who are diagnosed with COVID-19,
- Or, those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.
According to a release put out by the department, “The requirement that a laid-off worker be ‘able and available’ to work while receiving unemployment compensation benefits has been modified for claimants who are affected by COVID-19 in any of the situations listed above.”
In addition, individuals will not have to search for work as along as they are willing and able to go back to work following the lifting of the quarantine or the illness subsides. The waiting week, which is typically the first week of the benefits, will also be waived.
“Many changes are happening quickly with regards to Alabama’s workforce, and it’s important to ensure that we are offering as many available options to those who find themselves in different employment situations,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “As always, we stand ready to assist Alabama’s workers in any way we possibly can.”
Certain criteria and exceptions might apply.
Workers can file for benefits online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382.
People who are being paid to work from home, or those receiving paid sick or vacation leave, are not eligible for unemployment compensation benefits, regardless if they experience any or all of the situations listed above.
Claimants can begin filing these claims on Monday, March 23, 2020.
“We understand that we are entering a difficult time for workers and employers,” Washington said. “We want to help those who may be temporarily financially impacted by helping them to replace some of their lost income while being unable to work. We are working with both federal and state government to ensure that we are doing all that we can to help ease the burden during a potentially trying time.”