COVID19 Small Business Frequently Asked Questions

Nebraska Economic Developers

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 (updated 4/24/2020)

The information provided in this document is deemed to be the most accurate information available at the time.  However, information is constantly changing.  Do not make financial or business decisions based on the following information.  This is an information only document.

SBA LOANS

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

Are 501c(6) organizations eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program?

501c(6) are not eligible, only 501c(3).

- Sara Bennett, Nebraska Business Development Center

(Updated 4/14/2020)

Are banks distributing Paycheck Protection Program loans?

Yes – Received notice on Friday, April 10th at 1:00 from SBA telling us that we are okay to distribute funds. (EDC Note: Businesses are receiving PPP Funds from Nebraska banks.)

-James Friesen, President at Town & Country Bank

(Updated 4/14/2020)

ECONOMIC IMPACT DISASTER LOAN

Our local EDC directed businesses to apply for the SBA Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), but haven't heard back or received a confirmation email. Will they need to re-apply?

If a business applied for EIDL before March 30th using the original SBA portal or the PDF upload option, they are to re-apply using the portal here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/. Again, this is for businesses that applied for EIDL before the advance of up to $10,000 was made available. To qualify for the advance, they need to re-apply.

- Sara Bennett, Nebraska Business Development Center

(Updated 4/14/2020)

How is the EIDL advance being calculated? Assuming applicants were to enter their number of employees on the EIDL application. That number will likely be used to calculate the advance.

To ensure that the greatest number of applicants can receive assistance during this challenging time, the amount of the advance will be determined by the number of the small business’ pre-disaster (i.e., as of January 31, 2020) employees. The advance will provide $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000.

- Sara Bennett, Nebraska Business Development Center

(Updated 4/14/2020)

NDOL

UNEMPLOYMENT

If I filed for unemployment today how long before I receive my first payment?

At least 21 working days. Maybe longer if additional circumstances. Nebraska is still adjudicating claims on individuals for the last 20 months of employment. So employers may get notifications on separation issues of prior employees. In addition, individuals who have quit a job or been terminated in the last 20 months may have their current claims impacted which could cause a delay or disqualification from payments.

- Randy Kissinger, Regional Workforce Development Manager

(Updated 4/14/2020)

What conditions have been waived for unemployment?

Work search requirements in the Executive Order for claims filed March 22nd through May 2nd initially.

- Randy Kissinger, Regional Workforce Development Manager

(Updated 4/14/2020)

If I am still being paid by my employer, but I am not at work can I file for unemployment?

Individuals are not able to be paid by an employer on a regular unemployment claim and also file for unemployment. Individuals must report pay in the week that they earned the wages. Vacation, PTO, etc cannot be claimed while also filing for unemployment.

- Randy Kissinger, Regional Workforce Development Manager

(Updated 4/14/2020)

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS

Who is eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Unemployment benefits are for those who are laid off through no fault of their own.If a workplace is operating during COVID-19, workers should provide a doctor's note when filing for unemployment. The note should explain what work the employee can perform.

(Updated 4/14/2020)

Who is not eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

If workers quit a job without good cause, they are not eligible. Quitting a job due to fear of exposure to COVID-19, absent advice from your healthcare provider, is not considered good cause for quitting under the law. Quitting a job without good cause to obtain unemployment benefits may be considered fraud. Benefits obtained through fraud must be repaid. The individual is not eligible for future payment and may be subject to prosecution.If a worker is put in a temporary layoff status or furlough, then declines their employer's request to come back to work, the worker is not eligible for unemployment benefits.

SOURCE: Economic Development Council of Buffalo County