The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its list of coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms to include: Chills Repeated shaking with chills Muscle pain Headache Sore throat New loss of taste or smell Previously, symptoms were limited to fever,…

On April 28, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury (Departments) issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan service providers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. A final rule extends the timeframes for health…

On April 23, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how employers should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while also observing all applicable emergency workplace safety guidelines during…

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on and passed the newest coronavirus aid bill, which includes funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. It is expected be signed by the president to become a…

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the U.S. Senate voted on and passed the newest coronavirus aid bill, which includes funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. While the bill has passed in the Senate, it needs to pass in…

Refer to the attached table to determine which benefits apply to different COVID-19 scenarios. COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Available Table

IRS Notice 2020-23 extends the Form 5500 filing deadline for ERISA-covered retirement and welfare plans that have an original or extended filing deadline on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020. These plans have until July 15,…

On April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for discontinuing home isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The CDC also issued guidance on April 8, 2020, for what essential workers should do following exposure to…

The CARES Act allows employers to make some changes to their retirement plans to assist participants impacted by COVID-19. Employers may allow participants who have been impacted by COVID-19 to take in-service distributions of up to $100,000, without paying the…

What are furloughs? Furloughs are periods where employees are not working nor getting paid. Essentially, workers are placed on temporary unpaid leave until the business reopens. Often times, furloughed employees retain their “employed” status and continue to receive their benefits.…

On April 8, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released corrections to regulations published under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The regulations, published April 6, 2020, clarify and explain the employee leave provisions under the FFRCA’s Emergency…

The CARES Act allows individuals who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic to receive temporary UI benefits called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Eligible individuals include workers who would not otherwise qualify for UI benefits under their applicable state (or…