Many people are suffering financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Glendale residents are facing layoffs and furloughs because of shutdowns and downturns in business. Many individuals are facing repossessions and foreclosures because they are behind on their debt payments.
Our Glendale bankruptcy attorneys have put together a FAQ about Glendale COVID-19 layoffs to help individuals get answers to some of the most common questions about coronavirus unemployment issues.
What is the Difference Between Being Laid Off and Being Furloughed?
When a company lays off an employee, the company is terminating the person’s employment with the business. It is a permanent termination of salary and benefits. A furlough is a temporary, unpaid leave of absence. During a furlough, the employee retains his or her position with the company. At the end of the furlough, the employee returns to work in the same position and earning the same salary as before the furlough.
How Does the CARES Act Help Me If I Am Unemployed Because of the Coronavirus?
The CARES Act expanded unemployment benefits and increased the amount of unemployment benefits for many workers across the nation. Some of the key unemployment provisions of the CARES Act include:
- Extending unemployment benefits an additional 13 weeks;
- Paying an additional $600 per week on top of the state’s unemployment compensation;
- Shared work benefits for employees who are retained on a part-time basis by their employers. These employees are entitled to receive partial unemployment benefits; and,
- Extending unemployment benefits to individuals who might not qualify for unemployment benefits, such as gig workers, part-time workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals.
How Do I File Unemployment in Glendale, AZ?
Arizona residents apply for unemployment benefits through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The DES has an online portal for workers to use to apply for benefits.
It also has information about unemployment benefits, mortgage assistance, childcare assistance, nutritional assistance, and other benefits residents may qualify for to help during the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
States determine who is eligible for unemployment benefits. Some workers are being told that they do not qualify for unemployment benefits even though they lost their job because of COVID-19. Workers must meet all eligibility requirements under normal circumstances to qualify for unemployment compensation. If you receive a wage garnishment notice, do not ignore the notice. Contact a Glendale wage garnishment attorney that can offer specialized help.
Furthermore, the groups of workers in the expanded category must meet specific COVID-19 requirements to be eligible for the special expansion of benefits. It is best to apply for benefits as soon as possible. If you are denied, ask for a detailed, written explanation of the denial and appeal the denial immediately. Talk to an attorney if you have questions about a denial of unemployment benefits.
How Can I Pay My Bills If I Am Laid Off or Unemployed?
While you are waiting for unemployment benefits, there are other ways you can reduce your bills. Most federal student loans are in an automatic forbearance period through September 2020. If your student loans are not included in this forbearance, contact the student loan company to request a forbearance.
You can also contact creditors and service providers to request extensions to pay amounts due. Many creditors are working with their customers to waive late payment fees, reduce monthly payments, or extend the terms of the loan to lower payments.
The Arizona Department of Housing has information regarding rental eviction protection and mortgage assistance on its website. Most federally backed mortgage lenders have suspended evictions and foreclosures temporarily, so contact your lender to find out if your mortgage is included. In the event of a foreclosure,
Should I Contact a Glendale Bankruptcy Lawyer?
You may not qualify for unemployment benefits or you may have trouble getting another job after being laid off. For some individuals, the financial hardship caused by COVID-19 is overwhelming, even though they may go back to work soon.
Our Glendale bankruptcy attorneys are available to discuss options for filing bankruptcy. Many individuals who may not have qualified for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case because they earned too much income may now qualify after being out of work for several months. You may be able to get rid of your debts in just a few months through a Chapter 7 case.
Contact Our Glendale COVID-19 Layoffs Attorneys Today
The legal team of Phoenix bankruptcy attorneys 602 Law Group is here to help you as you try to stay above water financially during the pandemic. Call 602-562-5000 now to schedule your free consultation with a Glendale bankruptcy lawyer.