COVID Government Emergency Help
o The Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA) has requested all Ohio businesses complete this Economic Damage Assessment Survey, designed to help determine economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. State government leaders will use the feedback as they develop response plans.
o SharedWork Ohio is a program that provides employers with an alternative to layoffs. The program allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. The participating employee works the reduced hours each week, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides eligible individuals an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced hours.
o Ohio has submitted a request to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for access to Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million for small businesses. The SBA has published general guidance for employers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including information on the loan program. Entities impacted by the ongoing health crisis are encouraged to contact DSA at BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.Gov for assistance.
o ODJFS also has a page dedicated to the new unemployment compensation benefits available under the Governor’s recent order. Employers with questions are directed to contact the ODJFS Business Line at: (614) 466-2319, though state officials are strongly encouraging employers to reference the webpage before calling in order to keep call hold times down.
o ODJFS also asked Ohio employers planning layoffs or shutdowns as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to share the following mass lay-off number with their employees to speed the processing of unemployment benefits: 200018
