Connecticut Essential Worker COVID-19 Relief Fund

CLAIM BENEFITS

WHO CAN APPLY FOR BENEFITS?

Any essential worker who lived in Connecticut during the pandemic and was “affected” by COVID-19, or a family member or representative applying on behalf of an affected essential worker who is deceased.

WHAT DOES “AFFECTED” MEAN?

Any essential worker who died or was unable to work as a result of contracting COVID-19, or due to symptoms that were later diagnosed as COVID-19, during the public health and civil preparedness emergencies declared by the Governor between March 10, 2020 – July 20, 2021.

WHAT TIME FRAMES ARE COVERED?

Connecticut residency and a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis must have occurred between March 10, 2020 - July 20, 2021 to qualify for benefits.

WHAT IS AN “ESSENTIAL WORKER”?

Any Connecticut resident employed in an essential job role in Connecticut (or surrounding states) that had to report to work (on-site) during the pandemic and was not given the option to work remotely. Click HERE to view a CDC list of essential worker job categories based on immunization priority. This list is only a guideline and may not contain every job type, so if you are an essential worker that has been affected by COVID-19 you may apply.

HOW MANY BENEFITS CAN I APPLY FOR?

If qualified, you can apply for all three benefits.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE?

Click HERE to fill out a short pre-screening questionnaire.

HOW DO I APPLY?

If you pass the pre-screening questionnaire, you will receive a registration link to setup an account through PCG’s “MyAccount” portal to begin the application process.

Lost Wages

LOST WAGES:

This includes unpaid leave, wages, or salary lost by an “affected” person unable to work as a result of contracting COVID-19, or due to symptoms that were later diagnosed as COVID-19. Unpaid leave does not include any paid leave that the affected person has already received through an employer paid leave plan or pursuant to any state or federal law. If a workers’ compensation claim is “pending” and has not been paid, you are still eligible to apply.

IMPORTANT: Eligible unpaid leave starts after paid time off / paid sick time / voluntary short-term disability is exhausted.

Out-of-pocket Medical Expenses

OUT-OF-POCKET MEDICAL EXPENSES:

This includes costs for medical services related to contracting COVID-19, or related symptoms, that were not covered by medical insurance.

IMPORTANT: Direct Payments will NOT be made to healthcare providers for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The benefit will only be paid to the qualified applicant.

Burial Expenses

BURIAL EXPENSES:

This includes burial/funeral expenses of $3,000 for an eligible worker who died from COVID-19. This benefit may be applied for by a relative or family representative of the eligible worker.

IMPORTANT: Direct payments will NOT be made to a burial/funeral business. The benefit will only be paid directly to the applicant on behalf of the eligible worker.