With the rapid spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), life as we have known it has been greatly impacted. This unprecedented pandemic has forced non-life-sustaining businesses to temporarily – or in some cases, permanently – close, and NC Governor Cooper has issued a statewide “Stay at Home” order, leaving millions without income to feed their families and pay their bills. It is extremely overwhelming. But while it may feel hopeless, there are multiple resources that have been made available to help those who need them.
Child Care for First Responders and Critical Workers
For those who are working on the front lines, childcare options are imperative. People must know that their kids are being protected, in order for them to care for others.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in partnership with the North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network, has launched a hotline providing childcare options for the children of critical care workers.
For more information, call 1-888-600-1685 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Unemployment Benefits
Millions of people have lost their jobs, are temporarily out of work, or have experienced a reduction in work hours due to the coronavirus. If this has happened to you, you can now file for unemployment benefits by creating an online account. Be sure to use ‘coronavirus’ as the reason for separation when you file your claim.
Your overall eligibility, the amount of benefits that you are entitled to and the duration for which you will receive benefits cannot be established until you file. Once you file, your last employer will be given 10 days to respond to your claim. If they report no issues with your claim, you will generally receive your first payment within about two weeks (14 days) of your filing.
While people usually do not receive a payment for the first week of their unemployment, this waiting period for those filing due to COVID-19 is being waived. Once you are granted unemployment benefits, you are obligated to complete a Weekly Certification in order to receive them. You can do so online.
Meals for Kids in NC During School Closures
If you are in need of free, healthy meals for children aged 18 years old or younger, you have multiple ways to obtain it. You can:
- Text FOODNC to 877-877 in order to receive a text with information on the three closest pick up sites near you
- Visit NoKidHungryNC for updates and other information on delivery meals by bus
- Check the website of your local school district
- Find your nearest location on this map.
If possible, it is best to contact the location before you go in person in order to confirm information.
For additional resources or to learn more about the response to coronavirus in North Carolina, you can visit the NCDHHS’s website.
Daggett Shuler is Here for You
During this challenging time, our team at Daggett Shuler remains fully committed to and available for our clients. We welcome any questions you may have; please do not hesitate to give us a call if we can help in any way. We are always available at 336-724-1234. We hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy.