Serving Workforce System Customers in the Time of Coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic gripped Maryland with breathtaking speed.
In three short weeks in March of 2020, our state progressed from the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus to the closure of all non-essential businesses. Employers were compelled to temporarily shut their doors. Many workers suddenly lost their incomes. And the ongoing need to maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the virus radically reframed unemployment and reemployment solutions. There has never been a greater need for the partner programs in Maryland’s workforce system to work collaboratively, think creatively, and act quickly to support the state’s businesses and workers.
This special edition of the Benchmarks of Success newsletter is dedicated to lifting up examples of how workforce system partners, both state and local, have rapidly adapted to changing conditions to meet customer needs in these extraordinary times.
Supporting Maryland Businesses
The critically important actions taken by Governor Hogan to contain the spread of COVID-19 unfortunately also disrupted normal business operations across the state. Many small business hard hit by the crisis were faced with the harsh reality that they would be forced to lay off their workers. To help small businesses mitigate potential layoffs or facility closures and promote social distancing, the Maryland Department of Labor’s (Labor’s) Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL) developed the COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund (no longer accepting applications) to provide small businesses with grants of up to $50,000. DWDAL received over 100 applications in the first hour following the announcement of the new fund. As of April 22, over $10 million was obligated to over 430 employers across the State, resulting in over 9,000 Maryland employees avoiding layoffs. Nearly 50 staff from the division came together to quickly mobilize and implement this initiative to provide immediate relief--what a true team effort. Employers awarded funds through the Layoff Aversion Fund are using the money to do things such as:
- Purchase new equipment, such as reliable headphones and laptops that will allow employees to continue to work remotely;
- Reimburse employees for extra data usage on their personal phones;
- Purchase software and computer applications that facilitate remote work;
- Cover the cost of deep cleaning of work sites to maintain a safe work environment; and
- Pay for staff to participate in professional development activities.
On another front, Governor Hogan authorized the Maryland Department of Commerce to distribute $130 million in loan and grant funds to small businesses and manufacturers through three different funding opportunities:
To assist businesses with the increased vulnerabilities of cybersecurity attacks as companies transition to remote work, the Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) has promoted a free cybersecurity breach incident hotline for Maryland businesses.This service is provided by the Cybersecurity Association of Maryland (CAMI). The GWDB also promoted information regarding Baltimore Robotics Center as they are providing free refurbished laptops, tablets, and high-speed internet access to students in underserved areas of Baltimore for remote learning. Additionally, the GWDB is also starting to assist the Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) with various communication and outreach support.
Supporting Maryland Jobseekers
The 30 American Job Centers (AJCs) located throughout Maryland may be physically closed, but our AJC staff are continuing to provide customers with many customized services via phone, email, video conferencing, and through virtual resources and tools. For example, the professional career counselors delivering services through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment are combining real-time webinars and one-on-one counseling sessions with customers to assist them in developing actionable reemployment plans.
Supporting Unemployed Marylanders
Since Governor Hogan’s declaration of a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 400 hardworking professionals in Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) have stepped up to meet the nearly inconceivable challenge of serving over 300,000 newly unemployed Marylanders in a six-week timespan. Labor quickly acted to expand the capacity of the staff and systems to handle the exponentially increased demand:
- Call center hours were extended to run from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday hours became available beginning April 18, 2020.
- Staff capacity was expanded. Two-hundred new call and claim takers were added, and more than 150 current state employees were brought in to provide support. In addition, Labor is hiring over 100 new DUI employees.
- Systems capacity was expanded. A new one-stop unemployment insurance application went live on April 24, 2020 that allows all newly eligible Marylanders to file all types of claims entirely online, including individuals who were previously required to file by phone, such as those who are federal employees, members of the military, have worked in multiple states, and have worked for more than three employers in the last 18 months.
DUI is the primary Maryland administrator of the new federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act expands UI benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19 through three programs: 1) the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program, 2) the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, and 3) the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program.
- The FPUC program launched on April 17, 2020. It provides UI benefit recipients with an additional $600 per week payment on top of their current regular benefits. Current and future claimants who are eligible for benefits the week ending April 4 will see this additional $600 per week payment on the day of their next regularly scheduled payment by 5 p.m. Marylanders will receive benefits retroactive to their earliest date of eligibility, so many individuals may see $1,200 deposited on their debit card to cover this payment for the past two weeks.
- The PUA program launched on April 24, 2020. PUA provides benefits for those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers, have insufficient work history, or have exhausted their benefits since July 1, 2019 and are eligible for benefits. They will now be able to submit their applications online and receive their benefits retroactive to their earliest date of eligibility.
- The PEUC program, also launched on April 24, 2020, automatically provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to eligible new claimants and those already receiving benefits under the CARES Act. Current eligible claimants do not need to take any additional steps to receive these extended benefits. Labor will be directly contacting Marylanders who have recently exhausted their benefits, so they can use the new online application to reapply and receive the additional 13 weeks to which they are entitled.
For more information about UI in Maryland during COVID-19, please visit MDunemployment.com.
Supporting Marylanders Struggling with Low Incomes
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) has secured more than $66 million through a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotment from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will benefit 319,000 SNAP households across the state during April and May of 2020. The USDA has also agreed to extend certification periods and adjust reporting requirements for six months.
DHS has also waived work requirements across all eligibility programs and extended the redetermination requirements for Marylanders receiving cash benefits for an additional six months (such as Temporary Cash Assistance and Temporary Disability Assistance).
Applicants and participants without access to computers can submit hard copy documents related to obtaining or updating benefits and services at secure drop boxes at local Department of Social Services (DSS) office locations across Maryland.
DSS offices across the state are closed, but DSS staff are continuing to provide services and resources remotely. Marylanders can get information, apply for programs, and check the status of applications online at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home. Residents may also call the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY 1-800-735-2258), available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Community Action Agencies (CAA) across Maryland have continued to serve low-income individuals. For example, the Harford CAA (HCAA) is continuing to operate their Continua of Care and Homelessness Solutions Program operations. HCAA has turned its food pantry into a drive-through-only food pantry and has created a mobile food pantry to distribute food in partnership with Harford County Public Schools feeder sites.
Supporting Marylanders Learning
All Maryland adult education programs have quickly risen to the challenges of closures created by COVID-19 and have adjusted programming to providing instruction via distance learning. Distance learning methods have been tailored to specific student populations, program capabilities, and instructional knowledge. Some programs are using educational technology programs exclusively, most are using collaborative tools to ensure ongoing communication between staff, instructors, and students, and some are incorporating textbook use and live online classes.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) has provided guidance to all Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors to aid in their modification of delivery methods for Related Instruction. This has allowed Sponsors to administer Related Instruction online or in other formats so that apprentices continue to receive necessary education to advance in their training. As a result of these alterations, employers benefit from having a highly educated and skilled workforce available during these challenging times.
The Montgomery Community College and the Montgomery Community College Foundation partnered to award $352,000 to students to help them continue their education despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Some students are using the funds to purchase laptops so they can succeed in courses that have been moved to an online format. Others are using funds to pay for rent and food.
Hagerstown Community College is partnering with Antietam Broadband to assist eligible students with access to high-speed internet so they can complete course work from home while the college is operating remotely.
To help students facing similar connections challenges in Carroll County, the Carroll County Community College has developed an agreement with Xfinity/Comcast to offer free access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots in the community at no charge for 60 days.
Supporting Maryland Jobseekers with Disabilities
The regional offices of the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offices are now closed. However, counselors and supervisors working in the DORS Office of Field Services (OFS) and Office for Blindness & Vision Services (OBVS), as well as much of DORS administrative staff, were already accustomed to mobile work and were equipped to respond to the new demands created by the COVID-19 crisis. OFS and OBVS are providing many virtual services, including job placement, résumé development, job coaching, and virtual interviewing. OBVS is preparing to offer virtual Pre-employment Transition Services, mentoring, and distant learning programs.
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) staff responsible for evaluating the eligibility of Marylanders who apply for Social Security disability programs and benefits are working remotely to process applications and claims.
Maryland Business Enterprise for the Blind vendors operating in state buildings that are closed due to COVID-19 will each get $1,000 to help defray their business losses.
EARN Maryland (EARN) Programs - Supporting Marylanders
EARN is a highly successful state-funded, competitive workforce development grant program that is industry-led, regional in focus, and a proven strategy for helping businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete. Here are some stellar examples of EARN grantees stepping up to support their state:
- The Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) is an EARN grantee involved in many activities to help their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. AACF's Community Health Workers (CHWs) are making masks, conducting a food drop project for at-risk populations, and are delivering packages with diapers and other items to vulnerable families with babies. AACF is encouraged by the community impact of CHWs under the EARN grant and will continue developing sustainable partnerships to further enhance capacity and improve health equity in Maryland.
- The BioTechnical Institute of Maryland (BTI), has shifted the classroom portion of their training to an online format so as not to delay preparing their students for employment. This training is critical as BTI is preparing students for entry-level opportunities in BioTech, and the trainees could eventually be on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 from a lab perspective. Since students are working remotely and are no longer physically in labs, BTI was able to donate excess personal protective equipment to support COVID-19 prevention and treatment efforts. This equipment, including gloves, cotton swabs, and surgical masks was donated to a Chase Brexton Health Services, an organization that serves regions throughout the state.
- The Maryland Food Bank (MFB), is distributing boxed meals at select sites that typically host MFB Summer Clubs in locations across central Maryland. These “Grab & Go” meals will be available to children and families for pick up. Implementing the Summer Club Program early will help food-insecure Marylanders during this heightened time of need amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, five culinary students from the EARN funded training program volunteer on a daily basis to help with packing Grab and Go boxes.
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