Connecticut taking applications for essential worker premium pay

Online applications are currently being accepted for the Connecticut Premium Pay Program, which provides assistance for essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1, 2022. Program benefits are expected to be paid out in early 2023.

The program, which was included in the budget implementer bill passed earlier this year, offers $30 million in support. Essential workers are eligible for up to $1,000 each if they meet certain requirements.

An individual is eligible if they:

• were employed as an essential worker within Connecticut between March 10, 2020, and May 7, 2022;
• were not able to work from home;
• were not employed by a federal, state, or municipal agency; and
• earned $149,999 or less.

There is no minimum number of days the individual needed to have worked. “Essential worker” is as defined by the CDC.

All applications are given equal priority, the program website states. Depending on the number of eligible applicants the program receives, the benefits paid out per individual may be less than planned. The current payout program would award part-time employees $500, and full-time workers on a graduated scale: For example, workers who earned less than $100,000 would be awarded $1,000, and workers who earned between $130,000 and $149,999 would be awarded $200.

For the application, additional information on benefits and eligibility, and frequently asked questions, visit the program website.

_{Any advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues. Nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. This has been prepared for information purposes and general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice specific to, among other things, your individual facts, circumstances and jurisdiction. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and CohnReznick LLP, its partners, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.}