Dear Tenant:
California’s and Los Angeles County’s Stay-At-Home orders affect all residents. Here are a few of the many public resources that may help you:
Employer Paid Sick Leave
Under federal emergency legislation, if you cannot go to work or telecommute, your employer may be required to pay you for up to two (2) weeks paid sick leave. Coverage is up to ten (10) days lost work (80 hours if you work full-time, or two (2) weeks average weekly pay if you work part-time.) Contact your employer. Emergency legislation may also provide benefits in other situations. More guidance may be found at several web sites, including at www.irs.gov.
Unemployment Benefits
If you were laid off (or had your hours reduced), you may qualify for unemployment benefits. (Self-employed individuals may qualify too under programs to be announced shortly). Guidance may be found at http://dpss.lacounty.gov. Employees may apply online at https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/filing_a_claim.htm.
Workers’ Compensation
You may qualify to file a disability insurance (DI) claim if you cannot work due to being exposed to COVID-19 (medically certified); alternatively, you may request paid family leave (PEL) if you must leave work to care for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (medically certified). For guidance, see https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm.
CalFresh Benefits
CalFresh (SNAP) benefits provide up to $192 per month or $353 per household to purchase food. While for safety the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services offices is closed to the public, you may go to https://yourbenefits.laclrs.org/ybn/lndex.html to learn more. If you do qualify, you may request an application and submit it as follows:
- Online: www.yourbenefits.laclrs.org or www.getcalfresh.org
- By phone: Customer Service Center (CSC) at (866) 613-3777
- By mail: Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777and ask for a CalFresh application to be mailed to you.
- By fax: (310) 215-8220
Other Assistance
Los Angeles DPSS may offer other programs. There is no fee to ask for help. Go to https://yourbenefits.laclrs.org/ybn/Index.html to learn more.
