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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you all have been able to enjoy a moment or two in the sunshine and that you are staying healthy.
Many of you have contacted me about how frustrating and time-consuming it is to navigate the Unemployment Insurance System. Please continue to share your feedback, because you are helping the Employment Department identify sticking points. Based on questions we have received from you, I have compiled the following information to help you navigate the system. If anything is not clear or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Warmly,
 Andrea Salinas, State Representative
The COVID-19 crisis has led to an increased demand for unemployment insurance (UI). A record number of people are now eligible, which has left phone lines jammed, caused slow response times, and created many questions for Oregonians who need to access their benefits. I want to make sure you are equipped with the latest updates on UI in Oregon to help you receive the fastest response from the Oregon Employment Department (OED).
Updates from OED:
- More unemployment claims means that more OED workers are needed to process them. OED had 106 employees dedicated to processing claims on March 8th. They now have over 450, and they are continuing to hire more employees.
- Over half of the claims filed during the initial surge have been processed.
- Turnaround time for these claims is still around 2-3 weeks. But depending on the complexity of your claim, it could take longer.
Waiving the waiting period:
- Governor Brown announced today that Oregon would be waiving the one-week waiting period before recently laid off workers are eligible for unemployment benefits.
- The change will apply retroactively for workers who have already filed a claim.
- This could result in more than $100 million in additional benefits to Oregonians who have lost their jobs.
- Waiving the waiting period will require a massive overhaul of Oregon's antiquated computer system, which the Governor indicated could take thousands of hours to change.
- There is no timetable for when this waiver will be officially implemented, but I will be sure to provide an update once I learn more.
I have heard from constituents who have spent several hours on hold with OED trying to get answers about their specific claims:
- Even with additional staff, people are still experiencing long delays on the phone.
- OED has said the best way to receive a response to your questions is to send the department an email: OED_UI_Info@oregon.gov or OED_COVID19_Info@oregon.gov
- Sending an email to one of these accounts will put you into the queue, and the department will email or call you back within the week.
Accessing the increased federal unemployment benefits:
- The CARES Act gave an additional $600 in weekly benefits under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) to complement regular UI benefits.
- To receive the benefit, you must have an existing UI claim, continue claiming weekly benefits, and be eligible to receive benefits.
- You do not need to reapply or submit further paperwork in addition to your regular UI claim to receive the $600 payment.
- Oregonians who are already eligible for regular unemployment insurance and also eligible for FPUC will receive two weekly payments: one for their regular UI benefits and an additional $600 payment.
- The payment will be distributed by OED the same way you receive regular UI benefits.
- FPUC payments will be paid for each week you are eligible from March 29, 2020 through the week ending July 25, 2020. These payments will be retroactive for those eligible.
- The first payments were distributed late last week.
- More information on the CARES Act unemployment benefits can be found here: https://govstatus.egov.com/ui-benefits/CARES
For some claims that were submitted during the week of April 5 and again on April 12, filers received a re-start error message:
- This was an issue in the computer system that has since been resolved. Nearly all of those who were affected should be able to continue filing weekly claims online.
- For those who have completed their initial claim and continued to file weekly claims, your re-start error has been identified and fixed.
- If you tried to file on Sunday the 12th, and you got the re-start error for the first time, you can re-try now and it should work.
- If you receive a message from the OED that doesn’t make sense, email: OED_UI_Info@oregon.gov or OED_COVID19_Info@oregon.gov
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- You will not lose out on benefits that you were eligible to receive because of a difficulty either getting through on the phone or because of an online error.
- Due to the high volume of applications being submitted, your claim may not be processed right away. You can continue to make your weekly claim reports as early as the Sunday after you submit your application. Once you are approved, your benefits will catch up to you.
Options available for independent contractors:
- Unfortunately, the Oregon Employment Department technology system is not yet equipped to handle claims submitted by independent contractors, the self-employed, or workers in the gig economy.
- OED is currently working on installing the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for these categories of workers who aren’t usually eligible for UI benefits.
- It is unclear how long installation of the program and processing of these workers’ claims will take.
- Many are concerned that the delayed implementation will cause them to lose access to benefits. However, once the application is approved by the employment department, claims will be paid retroactively for the weeks for which you waited in limbo.
- Benefits will be retroactive to February 2, 2020.
- I recognize that this unfortunately does not give many people the immediate help they need, but you will still receive your payment.
- I will certainly provide further updates as we receive them.
Staying up to date:
I know that many of you are experiencing delays and challenges accessing the Employment Department system. I want to help as much as I can. If you experience difficulties, please let my office know. You can call (503) 986-1438 or email rep.andreasalinas@oregonlegislature. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Schools
Last week, the Governor announced that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year, and school districts will transition to distance learning instead. Protecting the health and safety of our students and teachers is a top priority for all of us, and the Governor’s decision reflects that. So, while I know this is the right public health choice, I also know this was hardly the news any of us wanted to hear. For the senior class, this is exceptionally difficult and hardly the ending they imagined. The teachers and principal of Lakeridge High School sum it up best in this must-watch video letter created by a Lakeridge Pacer student: “Dear Lakeridge Class of 2020.”
You can find more information about the updated graduation guidance from the Oregon Department of Education here. Plus, on Wednesday, the Department released credit guidance for grades 9-11, which is very similar to their recommendations for seniors. You can read an article about this from the Oregon School Board Association here, and the department’s guidance here.
Food Access
Governor Brown announced this week that the state will be providing $8 million in funding to the Oregon Food Bank (OFB) over the next eight weeks. Oregon is expected to be reimbursed by FEMA for 75% of the total cost. This funding gives the Oregon Food Bank Network the necessary resources to meet the increased demand.
I know many of you are concerned, as am I, about how seniors are receiving food. Fortunately, Meals on Wheels Portland is a partner agency with the Oregon Food Bank. So, Meals on Wheels will receive a portion of the $8 million from OFB to help ensure they can continue their critical work. I also know our local fire and police departments have been helping deliver food boxes and prescriptions, and I am grateful for their service during this time.
OFB has a “Food Finder” webpage to help you find the closest food distribution site, which you can access here. If you need assistance, you can email OFB directly at gethelp@oregonfoodbank.org or call (503) 505-7061. Their team of navigators is available between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Human Services issued emergency SNAP supplements to many SNAP households to help increase food access. If your monthly SNAP benefit is less than the maximum amount for your household, you will get a supplemental benefit up to the maximum SNAP amount for your household size. No additional action is needed from Oregonians already enrolled in SNAP. You can read more about this change here.
There are a variety of ways to find out if you are eligible for food assistance:
- Visit the 211info website
- If you are a senior or person with disabilities, you may also contact the Oregon ADRC by calling the ADRC at 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372) or visit the ADRC website
- If you are at least a half-time student, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible for food benefits
Scams
In a previous newsletter, I mentioned some of the scams that the Attorney General had flagged. It is important to remain cautious, so here are some additional resources to be aware of during this time.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has created a webpage of consumer warnings and safety tips. The FCC has received reports of scam and hoax text message campaigns and scam robocalls offering free home testing kits, promoting bogus cures, selling health insurance, and preying on virus-related fears.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also has compiled information you should know about regarding the current scams. Remember, the IRS does NOT initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up a rumor control page that can be found here.
- Finally, you can report scams or fraud to the Oregon Department of Justice here.
Payment Tracker Tool from the IRS
Some Americans began receiving their economic impact payments from the federal government as part of the CARES Act. If the IRS already has your account information on file, the money will be directly deposited into your bank account. If the IRS does not have your account information, or if you did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019, you can enter your information here to ensure that you receive your payment.
To learn the status of your payment, how you will receive it (direct deposit or check), and to find out if the IRS needs additional information from you, the IRS has launched a helpful tool which you can find here.
Reopening the Economy
It’s been three weeks since Governor Brown issued an executive order directing Oregonians to stay home, and many are wondering when we will start to return to a form of normalcy. On March 13th, the Governor held a press conference where she unveiled a public health framework to guide the reopening of Oregon’s economy. She stated that they will be evaluating five key metrics:
 It’s a positive sign that the success of our social distancing measures has put Oregon in a position to look towards the future, but it’s important to remember that there is no set timetable for loosening restrictions. We still need more PPE for our frontline workers and additional laboratory supplies to increase our weekly testing capacity. With nationwide shortages in both, it’s unclear when that might occur. The Governor’s number one priority is keeping Oregonians healthy and safe. I know that many people are eager to get back to their pre-coronavirus routine, but for the safety of our communities, we must ensure that the proper infrastructure is in place first.
Upcoming AARP Webinars
April 22: Home Alone: Combating Social Isolation, Anxiety, and Depression during COVID-19
The COVID-19 quarantine poses mental health risks from social isolation and fear. Hear from nationally renowned speakers about strategies for maintaining mental wellness and safely supporting vulnerable neighbors of all ages at this no-cost live stream event jointly hosted by the AARP and the Oregon Health Forum.
Moderator: Carlos Crespo, PhD, Professor, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Panelists: Emily Allen, Senior Vice President, AARP Foundation Programs Dr. Derenda Schubert, Ph. D., Clinical Psychologist, Executive Director, Bridge Meadows Dr. Keren Brown Wilson, Ph. D., President, Jessie F. Richardson Foundation and Founder of Age+
Event Details: Wednesday, April 22
10:00-11:00 am Live Stream
Register here through Zoom
April 28: Join AARP Oregon for a Free Webinar: Unpacking the Cares Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act addresses help for seven main groups: individuals, small businesses, big corporations, hospitals and public health, federal safety net, state and local governments, and education. There is still a lot we don’t know about how this going to impact Oregonians, Oregon business and state government. We will unpack the legislation and answer your questions.
Presenters
Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President Government Affairs, AARP
Elaine Ryan, Vice President State Advocacy, Strategy and Integration, AARP
Event Details:
Tuesday, April 28
3:00 p.m. Live Webinar
Register here
email: Rep.AndreaSalinas@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1438
address: 900 Court St NE, H-485, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/salinas
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