Dear friends and neighbors, 

There are a lot of questions about those unable to work during the current crisis. I want to thank State Senator Matt Hansen and his staff on the Business and Labor Committee who have taken the lead on gathering the below information to help businesses and workers. Senator Hansen has been available around the clock to me personally as I have relayed many constituent questions through his office via phone and text. I also want to thank the Nebraska Department of Labor and the Governor for their quick response to the pandemic.

Below are resources available for those unable to work or working reduced hours.

Many thanks,
Meg 

Short-Time Compensation
https://dol.nebraska.gov/stc

• Employers can apply for this program.
• For those still working but limited hours during the pandemic period.
• The Short-Time Compensation program allows employers to uniformly reduce affected employees’ hours by 10 to 60 percent while permitting the employees to receive a prorated unemployment benefit.

Unemployment Insurance
https://dol.nebraska.gov/uibenefits

• For those who are not able to work and not receiving a paycheck during the pandemic period. (If you are working from home or using sick or vacation leave then this does not apply to you)
• Under the executive order signed by Governor Ricketts, starting March 22 through May 2 the following will be in place for unemployment insurance:
  • The waiting week for benefits has been waived
  • Benefits will begin immediately and not with the usual first week unpaid.
  • The work search requirements will be waived.
  • Individuals will not have to apply to jobs in order to receive benefits. It will be assumed that they will be able to return to their jobs after the crisis is over.
  • Benefits will not be charged against individual employers accounts.
• Money will be paid out of the general Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund as the job losses are not the fault of individual employers.
• Nebraska’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is well-funded and is expected to be able handle the increased number of applications.

Nebraskans, you should expect long wait times when calling the Department of Labor. This is due both to the increased demand and due to the fact that the Department is internally dealing with the same issues as all employers. If you cannot get through to speak to someone, it is best to leave a message. You will be called back.

Currently these programs do not apply to contractors or self-employed individuals, as they do not participate in the unemployment system. There may be coming Federal action to help these individuals. Please contact your Federal representatives at this time, and be looking for possible future guidance from the Governor.

We are aware that the situation is changing rapidly. The Department of Labor, and the Governor with his emergency powers, can respond quickly as needed. We have been in close contact with the Department of Labor and will keep you updated.

For questions about *this* issue, contact: Tom Green
Legal Counsel Business and Labor Committee
Cell: 402-580-3341
Email: tgreen@leg.ne.gov