August 2021 | Issue 7
Paid Leave: New legislation in effect
New legislation gives more Washington workers access to Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. The changes, which are now in effect, expand the definition of family member and the qualifying period for Paid Leave.
-
The definition of family member now permanently includes anyone who might expect to rely on your employee for care. In addition to a list of specific family members, they can also take care of their chosen family members. They don’t have to live with or be related to the person who needs their care.
-
A temporary change to Paid Leave adds new qualifying periods to determine eligibility for people whose work was affected by COVID-19. We can now look at more quarters in a worker's employment history to see if they qualify. The new law applies to leave that starts January 2021 through March 2022, or until funds run out.
Unemployment Insurance: Federal pandemic benefits expire soon
Federal pandemic unemployment benefits expire on the week ending Sept. 4, 2021. As a result, you might see more benefit charges starting with your third-quarter statement.
Reimbursable employers might see:
-
Higher benefit charges. After Sept. 4, the federal government will no longer pay any benefit charges for former employees receiving regular unemployment benefits or SharedWork benefits. Currently, the federal government is paying 75 percent of regular benefits and 100 percent of SharedWork benefits.
-
More former employees listed. As federal pandemic unemployment programs expire, some claimants will transfer to regular unemployment benefits.
Taxable employers might see:
-
More former employees listed. As federal pandemic unemployment programs expire, some claimants will transfer to regular unemployment benefits. These additional benefit charges might affect your future tax rate.
-
More benefit charges for SharedWork, if you’re enrolled in the program. Benefits paid to your SharedWork employees will again affect your experience rating after the week ending Sept. 4. That’s when the federal government will stop funding those benefits.
The unpaid waiting week is coming back
Claimants will once again have an unpaid waiting week starting with weekly claims filed for the week ending Sept. 11. This change won’t affect your benefit charges. Find out more about the waiting week.
WA Cares: Age confidently in Washington
Washington is the first state in the nation to make long-term care more affordable for workers. As many of us watch our parents and grandparents age, we start to wonder, “Who will take care of me when I get older and how will I afford it?” WA Cares Fund gives members access to a lifetime benefit amount they can use on a wide range of long-term services and supports—should they need it.
How WA Cares benefits Washington workers
-
It’s affordable. The WA Cares Fund is an affordable long-term care insurance program for all working Washingtonians.
-
It offers choice. WA Cares empowers us to control how and where we receive long-term care.
-
It provides peace of mind. We no longer have to worry about how we will afford long-term care as we age.
The benefit is flexible
People who have a need for long-term services and supports may begin applying for benefits in January 2025. At that time, vested individuals can use their WA Cares benefits for a range of services and supports, such as:
- Professional personal care in your home, an assisted living facility, an adult family home or a nursing home.
- Adaptive equipment and technology like hearing devices and medication reminder devices.
- Home safety evaluations.
- Training and support for paid and unpaid family members who provide care.
- Home-delivered meals.
- Care transition coordination.
- Memory care.
- Environmental modifications like wheelchair ramps.
- Personal emergency response system.
- Respite for family caregivers.
- Transportation.
- Dementia support.
- Education and consultation.
Learn more
We’ve got your back. There’s plenty to know about WA Cares, and we’re committed to making your experience as easy as possible by providing the tools and information you need. Take a look:
- Visit wacaresfund.wa.gov to learn about the benefit and what to expect. Your workers may look to you when they have questions about WA Cares, and we invite you to share our website as a resource. Our contact info is available if they need assistance.
- Check out our Employer page for helpful program information relating to your business. You can also find more resources in our Employer Toolkit, including a multi-language flyer that can help workers understand the benefit.
- Read our Learn more page to read our frequently asked questions, including specific questions for employers.
Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment: Submit your nominations for Employer Awards by Sept. 10
The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE) is now seeking nominations for the 2021 Washington State Governor’s Employer Awards, recognizing excellence in recruiting, hiring and advancing employees with disabilities.
The GCDE presents these annual awards as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion. The awards will be presented during a virtual event on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to – 1 p.m.
We need your help to recognize the best organizations, the best people, and the best leaders who support employees with disabilities! Nominate yourself, other businesses or leaders in the community today. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Sept. 10, 2021.
Please submit your nomination(s) electronically.
If you need the nomination packet in an alternate format or have any questions, please contact GCDE Awards Program staff at gcdeawards@esd.wa.gov.
Share and subscribe
Know someone who might be interested in this content? Share this email and ask them to join our mailing list.
|
