People who do not return to work will lose unemployment benefits

30 million Americans filed for unemployment due to Covid19 shutdown, but now that some states are reopening, workers must risk infection or lose unemployment benefits.

For example, if you work at a restaurant or hair salon that recently reopened and you are called in, you are technically no longer unemployed. The way the system is set up, a person cannot refuse work and continue to collect unemployment.

According to the Department of Labor, concern about exposure to coronavirus is not an acceptable excuse to stay home. However, there are a few exceptions outlined in a special pandemic program Congress created to allow workers to remain eligible for unemployment benefits. The list includes anyone who is caring for kids whose school is closed and anyone who is ordered to self-quarantine.

We are still on lockdown here in New York, but keep this in mind, when your workplace finally reopens, the business will have to follow safety standards mandated by the state. If they don’t, you can quit and qualify for benefits.

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