Senator Schaffer Issues Updated Guidance on COVID-19
March 20, 2020
Tim Schaffer News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) today issued the following statement and guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic:
As we continue to press forward through this crisis, it is important to remain positive and hopeful. My staff and I are working hard every day to provide assistance to our constituents and to assist them through this difficult time.
I want to thank our outstanding counterparts at the federal level, U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Congressman Troy Balderson, Congressman Bill Johnson, and Congressman Steve Stivers, for voting for H.R. 6201 or the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which will allow for federal funding and resources to help Americans financially through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this week I issued a statement with resources and guidance for individuals, families, and businesses who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a constantly changing situation and environment and new resources have become available as we move forward. Below is an updated list of measures and resources available to assist Ohioans during this difficult time.
Newly-Announced Benefits:
- SharedWork Ohio is a program though ODJFS to provide employers with an alternative to layoffs. This program allows for workers to stay employed while working at reduced hours and receiving unemployment insurance benefits for eligible workers.
- With the recent closure of businesses throughout the State of Ohio, many individuals will be laid off. To help speed up the process of your unemployment claim use the lay-off number: 2000180
- With the recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act at the federal Level, an eligible self-employed individual is allowed a tax credit against the individual's self-employment income taxes if both of the following apply:
- The individual regularly carries on any trade or business within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code;
- The individual would be entitled to the paid leave offered to employees under the Act if the individual were an employee of an employer (other than himself or herself).
- For unemployment benefits for affected workers, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohio/Coronavirus.
- Additionally, Ohioans can apply for unemployment online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It’s also possible to file by phone at (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
- For information on one-time liquor buy backs for restaurants and bars, visit OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.gov or call (877)-812-0013.
- To apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to affected businesses, visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
- The Small Business Administration Disaster Relief has set a three-step process for funding/loan assistance, learn more here. For additional help call (800)-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
- For help and resources from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, visit https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addiction-Treatment/Emergency-Preparedness/Coronavirus.
- For the latest COVID-19 information, prevention information and other resources please visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website https://coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).