Benefits Cafe COVID-19 Crisis Update

Breaking News

Update on EAPs, the PPP and Governor Cuomo’s Metaphors

April 24, 2020

A request for assistance: We’d like to ask our employer group clients to send me information about your experience with obtaining a PPP loan:

• did you apply;
• which bank did you apply to, and
• did you get funded.

We’ll keep things confidential but your experience may help others. Please send me an email (Bruce Jugan at BenefitsCafe.com) or call me ((800)746-0045).

Help During the Corona Virus Crisis

We’ve received many requests from our employer clients about information on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).  Some insurance companies offer EAP programs, others don’t.  We’ve updated the insurance company links on this page to include info on EAP programs.  Note that UnitedHealth Care offers assistance to members and non-members, so if your company doesn’t offer a program, you should consider UHC’s program.

Round 2 of PPP Funding

Today,  April 24, 2020 President Trump signed the law to provide $320 billion of additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  This article by California Rep. Gil Cisneros describes:

• where the first round of funding went;
• a lawsuit against the biggest banks for favoring certain clients; and
• has many hyperlinks to detailed articles by various news organizations about who received the money.

According to this AP story on the first round of PPP funding, The US Department of the Treasury “said in written materials that 74% of the loans were for less than $150,000, demonstrating “the accessibility of this program to even the smallest of small businesses.””

Below are links to the PPP pages for the largest banks in California.  Of all the bank websites, in my opinion, the one with the most helpful information is Bank of the West’s PPP web page . The info includes videos and Q & A’s.  Compare that to US Banks’ PPP page (link below) which hasn’t been updated since April 9^th… ancient history in the fast moving world of PPP applications.   Full disclosure, I have a business account with Bank of the West.  You can follow the links below and let me know if you find another bank with better info on the PPP. I’ve heard that smaller banks did much better and received more funding. Please let me know.

Bank information – Below are links to bank Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) webpages.

• Bank of the West has a lot of information and a candid video message on how they have handled PPP applications. Even if you don’t bank with Bank of the West (BOTW), you may find the information helpful… spoiler alert: BOTW only accepted PPP application from businesses with current checking accounts and said that they will use applications from the first round to allocate second round funding.  BOTW says that only businesses that applied before April 9^th will likely receive funding.
• Wells Fargo: this is the Wells Fargo SBA PPP page and includes some FAQs but not much info.
• Chase: this Chase Bank COVID-19 PPP page acknowledges second round PPP funding and has a few FAQ responses.
• Bank of America: this B of A COVID-19 Small Business page says “clients who have already submitted an application do not need to re-file a new application with us [for the second round of PPP funds.]”
• Union Bank: Union Bank COVID-19 page has a link to info on the PPP loans.  It says “For those of you who have already applied for a PPP loan with Union Bank but did not receive funding in the first wave, you do not need to reapply. We will contact you if we need any additional information.” Union Banks says that they stopped accepting applications on April 16^th.
• Citi Bank: this Citi Bank COVID-19 PPP page says “In order for PPP applications to be processed, the Small Business Administration (SBA) must reopen its E-Tran system. When it does, Citi will be able to begin submitting applications for SBA approval.”  Interestingly, the Citi Bank page says that round 2 of the PPP will have an additional $310 billion.  The White House’s press release said $320 billion… I wonder where the extra $10 billion went?
• U.S. Bank: Their U.S. Bank PPP Inquiry form says that they are no longer accepting applications.

Another resource is the U.S. Treasury Assistance for Small Business webpage, which as of 4PM, 4/24/2020 did not have information on round 2 of PPP funding.

NY Gov. Cuomo’s Press Conference and Use of Metaphor

NY Gov. Cuomo’s April 24, 2020 press conference (starts around minute 23:30) talks about the projections for the decline of infection.  I find his explanations to be very informative and helpful and you may also.  I especially like his use of metaphors like,

• we can control the beast;
• the beast will not destroy us;
• it could spread like fire in grass;
• we’re going up the mountain;
• we’re at red line;
• sometimes you get knocked on your rear end (he then talks about basketball great Michael Jordan not making the varsity team and trying harder);
• we’re in uncharted water and we have to study the water ahead;
• it’s not out of the ballpark of possibility;
• I don’t want to point fingers in the middle of the game;
• I wouldn’t bet the farm and I don’t have a farm;
• we’re on the other side of the mountain;
• we have to watch the dial (relating to the spread of the disease from 0.9 to 1.2 persons infected from each infected person);
• this is cause and effect on steroids;
• How do you get through the swamp? Stone by stone;
• the Federal government is painting a room with a roller. You can’t do trim with a roller. States have brushes and can paint the corners;
• The horse had already left the barn.

I’m thinking of putting together a video montage of Governor Cuomo’s metaphors… let me know your thoughts: Bruce Jugan at BenefitsCafe.com

Reminder – remember that this website has HR resource information for COVID-19 issues. It is part of the HR 360 program that we provide for our clients.  No login is necessary to view the in on the COVID-19 resource page.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.  Stay Safe!

Bruce Jugan

Update on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program Applications

April 6, 2020

Note: We know that most of our clients are experiencing significant disruption due to the government COVID-19 stay-at-home orders (see California stay-at-home order) (see stay-at-home orders for all states.)  Our hope is that the information we report on this page may help you during this difficult time.  Please send us an email or call us (800)746-0045 if you have any information that you feel would help other small businesses, or, if we’ve reported something inaccurately.  We’re all in this together and I appreciate the information that others have already shared.

Update on SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) –  Many banks now have online application forms for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP gives businesses with fewer than 500 employees forgivable loans when used to pay employees wages and employee benefits during the COVID-19 crisis.

Below are links to the PPP webpages of the largest bank.  It seems that many of the banks have included limitations that the SBA did not include, such as:

• Some banks will only lend to clients with previously established business checking accounts (Bank of the West);
• Some banks require that a small business have an existing line of credit or business credit card (Bank of America);
• The strangest seems to be Wells Fargo which did not have an online application, yet informed customers that “Given the exceptionally high volume of requests we have already received, we will not be able to accept any additional requests for a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program.”  It’s unclear how Wells Fargo could have maxed out their $10 billion lending threshold (as described in this press release) without having an online application for clients, but that’s what they say.

See more detail below.

Bank information – Below is a list of links to bank Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) webpages.  Many links include the online PPP application.

• Bank of the West: has a PPP application which is limited to current business checking account customers.
• Wells Fargo: this is the Wells Fargo SBA PPP page. This Wells Fargo PPP Press release says that they will limit their loans to “nonprofits and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees” They also say that “fees generated through the program will be distributed (by Wells Fargo) as charitable grants to nonprofits that support small businesses.”
• Chase: this Chase Bank COVID-19 PPP page includes a link to begin the PPP application – which is a login to the Chase Banking app.  The PPP page states that to apply for their PPP loan that one must have an existing Chase Business account.  It also says that you can’t have applied for a PPP loan through a different financial institution and that “if your Paycheck Protection Program loan is approved, Chase will deposit your funds into your oldest Chase Business Banking checking account.”
• Bank of America: this is the B of A COVID-19 Small Business page. It says “to be eligible, you must have a Small Business lending and Small Business checking relationship with Bank of America as of February 15, 2020 or a Small Business checking account opened no later than February 15, 2020 and do not have a business credit or borrowing relationship with another bank.”  This is the B of A PPP application page which instructs applications to log into their B of A small business account to begin the application process.
• Union Bank: this is the Union Bank COVID-19 page that doesn’t have info on the PPP loans.  On 4/3/2020 we reported that this Union Bank PPP webpage had information on the PPP.  As of 4:30PM PST, 4/6/2020, that page doesn’t load…
• Citi Bank: this Citi Bank COVID-19 PPP page says “While we are working as quickly as we can, Citi is not yet able to accept the loan applications for the new Paycheck Protection Program. We appreciate your patience.”
• U.S. Bank: At this time it says that bank customers should complete the U.S. Bank PPP Inquiry form and wait for additional information

Another resource is the U.S. Treasury Assistance for Small Business webpage.

Reminder – remember that this website has HR resource information for COVID-19 issues. It is part of the HR 360 program that we provide for our clients.  No login is necessary to view the in on the COVID-19 resource page.

NY Gov. Cuomo’s April 6, 2020 press conference reports that New York may be at they may be at the peak period, which is hopeful.  I find his explanations to be very informative and helpful and you may also.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Info on DOL order for Paid Leave;  Update on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program Applications; and a Chance for EEs who Waived Medical Insurance Coverage to Enroll Now

April 3, 2020

US DOL Requires Paid Leave under the Families First Corona Virus Response Act – On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a new action that requires employers to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave to employees who need to take leave from work for certain specified reasons related to COVID-19. The temporary rule is effective from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This DOL webpage has information about the new rule, including posters which employers must display.

Also, remember that this website has HR resource information for COVID-19 issues. It is part of the HR 360 program that we provide for our clients.  The COVID-19 resource page does not require one to login.

Forgivable SBA Loans Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)-  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided more information on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Today’s sample SBA PPP application gives an indication of the questions you’ll need to answer, which include two requirements that weren’t in the previous sample application:

• (The applicant) understands that loan forgiveness will be provided for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments, covered rent payments, and covered utilities, and not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
• During the period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020, the Applicant has not and will not receive another loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.

So, while the assistance can pay for payroll, rent, employee medical insurance premium and other expenses – you must use 75% of the loan amount for payroll.  Also, it seems that a small business won’t be able to apply for another loan after this one.

Our April 1, 2020 post below has hyperlinks to many banks and you should check your bank’s website (note that we’ve updated a few links to include pages that banks have recently created for PPP loans.)  It seems that all banks require that a small business have an existing banking relationship with it to process PPP loan applications.  As of 2:00PM PST, the only bank that I found which had a PPP loan application available was Bank of America .

Also, a client who applied for a PPP loan through Bank of America shared this information:

“…if a business does not have a line of credit with Bank of America they cannot apply for the PPP loan through them. It’s not enough to have a business checking and or savings account. You must have a credit card or a line of credit in order to apply through Bank of America.”

Another resource is the U.S. Treasury Assistance for Small Business webpage.

Special enrollment for employees and dependents who previously waived group medical insurance coverage- Many of the medical insurance companies will allow employees (EEs) who previously waived medical insurance coverage to enroll now.  Some insurance companies will allow dependents who previously waived coverage to also enroll now.  The criteria vary by insurance company.  If you have an employee or dependent who wants to get coverage now, please contact our office (800)746-0045 and we will help.  You should act quickly (today) if you want to take advantage of this limited opportunity.

NY Gov. Cuomo’s April 3, 2020 press conference gives helpful info on the progression of COVID-19 pandemic.  He describes his new order taking ventilators and PPE from upstate hospitals to sending them to New York City hospitals that have immediate need.  I find his explanations to be very helpful and you may also.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Advice on April Medical Insurance Premium and More info on the SBA Paycheck Protection Program – Documents You Should Gather

April 1, 2020 [with 3/3/2020 updates to new bank websites]

Advice on paying group medical insurance premium– Many small businesses have stopped operations while employees follow stay-at-home orders.  Paying medical insurance premiums for employees may be difficult.  Our advice is to pay your April premium now, then your coverage will continue throughout the month and financial relief may be available in a few weeks (see info on the PPP below.)  Insurance companies must pay doctors and hospitals, so they can’t enable small businesses to postpone, or skip a payment.  Still, with that said, under normal circumstances, you have a grace period through the last business day of the month for your medical premium to post to your account. So, if you pay your April premium now, your coverage will continue through May 31^st as long as you pay the May premium by 5PM Friday, May 29th.

Employees don’t need to be actively at work – Most small businesses have sent their employees home and many are not actively working at home.  During these highly unusual times, the insurance companies are not enforcing the “actively at work” provisions of their contracts.  This means that you can keep your employees on the group medical insurance plan – during a time when they need it the most – and you can pay for their coverage.  Hopefully, you’ll be able to obtain financial assistance through the SBA Paycheck Protection Program.  Info below.

Forgivable SBA Loans – Documents to Gather: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will provide forgivable loans to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.  The assistance can pay for payroll, rent, employee medical insurance premium and other expenses.  According to the SBA, small businesses will apply for the loan through their local bank, possibly as soon as this Friday, April 3rd.  The SBA has a sample PPP application that gives you an indication of the questions you’ll need to answer.

Some banks have information on the PPP loans and you should check your bank’s website (see links below.)  The best information I found was on Bank of the West’s page, which says:

We are waiting for the SBA to provide program guidelines…In the meantime, below is a list of documents we recommend you gather in preparation to apply for the program:

• Monthly Payroll records from February 2019 through 2020 that might be required, such as:
  • Payroll tax filings reported to IRS
  • Payroll Summary Report
  • Breakdown of payroll benefits (vacation, allowance for dismissal, group healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, etc.)
  • 1099 MISC
• Either: 2019 tax return or year-end financials.

Bank information – Below is a list of banks and their pages either on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or their COVID-19 info.  Each bank has different levels of detail related to interruptions from the stay-at-home orders and the SBA PPP.

• Bank of the West has the most helpful info on the SBA PPP of any that we found.
• Wells Fargo: this Wells Fargo Bank COVID-19 page has general info. This is the Wells Fargo SBA PPP page.
• Chase: this Chase Bank COVID-19 resource page includes info on a variety of items that may be helpful during the stay at home order, such as how to pay people through Zelle.  This business page has a link to register for a Chase bank webinar about the SBA PPP program.
• Bank of America: this is the Bank of America COVID-19 page.  Here is the BofA COVID-19 Small Business page.
• Union Bank: this Union Bank COVID-19 page has info on a variety of banking resources.  [4/3/2020 update: Union Bank PPP webpage.]
• Citi Bank: this Citi Bank COVID-19 page has general banking info.
• U.S. Bank: U.S. Bank PPP Inquiry form.

If you feel that you’ll need an SBA PPP loan and you have a relationship with a banker, you should probably reach out to that person now and ask for assistance and guidance on how to obtain a PPP loan.

In the April 1, 2020 press briefing NY Gov. Cuomo (which starts around minute 35 of the video) gives helpful info on the progression of COVID-19 pandemic.  As he says, “facts are empowering” and he gived the facts, rather than opinion. I find his explanations to be very helpful and you may also.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

CORRECTION: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Has Not Yet Launched the Application for Paycheck Protection Program

March 31, 2020

CORRECTION: We previously stated that the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications were available.  This is not correct.  Currently the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application  available – this is a different program from the PPP.  The Economic Injury Disaster Loan has a maximum loan of $2 million and an immediate advance of $10,000.  We are very sorry for this error.  We will continue to update this page when information is available.

In this interview, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin says that the PPP funds will become available by this Friday, April, 3, 2020.

Local banks will issue the loans.  You should go to the SBA website (link above) and complete the form if your company needs financial assistance.

In today’s press briefing NY Gov. Cuomo explains the progress of the disease in the state at the epicenter.  His explanations describe why we’re physically distancing and shutting down the U.S. economy.  I find his explanations to be very helpful and you may also.

Also, today UnitedHealth Care (UHC), the largest medical insurance company in the United States, announced a toll free help line that is available to members and non-members.  People can call 866-342-6892 and speak with a specially trained mental health specialist and also obtain referrals to community resources for financial and legal matters.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Federal Government to give Forgivable Loans to Pay Employees and Group Medical Insurance

March 30, 2020

Last Friday afternoon President Trump Signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which will provide immediate assistance to businesses and employees impacted by COVID-19.  The Paycheck Protection Program portion of CARES gives forgivable loans to employers with fewer than 500 employees to pay employee wages and employee benefits while unable to work due to the pandemic physical distancing period. Here is helpful info:

• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist – this provides specific information and seems to have the most detail on the program.
• Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act – These are questions and answers from the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship and explains which employers, including 501(c)3 non-profits, are eligible for loans.
• Text of the CARES Act, SB 3548 – you can see the specific wording of the new law.

Local banks will issue the loans.  You should contact your bank for assistance.  We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

NY Gov. Cuomo provides Insight and Inspiration in the Battle against COVID-19

March 29, 2020

New York is the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis and Governor’s press conferences are helpful.  View Gov. Cuomo’s March 29th update for insight and inspiration.

Update from the front lines of fighting COVID-19 from NY Gov. Cuomo

March 25, 2020

New York has 15 times the number of COVID-19 cases as California and is at the forefront of the battle against this disease.  Governor Cuomo’s press conference March 25, 2020 press conference on Corona Virus has useful information.

Guidance on when to get a test for COVID-19

March 24, 2020

Many people wonder whether they should get tested for the COVID-19 virus.  You may find this guidance from the City of Los Angeles about who can get tested to be helpful:

Individuals eligible for testing at this time include:

• Those with symptoms who are 65 and older
• Those with symptoms who have underlying chronic health conditions
• Those who are subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine period due to a confirmed COVID-19 exposure (with more than 7 days of quarantine remaining)

Media has reported a shortage of test kits, so it may be helpful to consider this advice before seeking a test.  At the same time, the City of Los Angeles also advises: If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, contact your physician. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

Medical Insurance Companies to Offer Special Enrollment Period for EEs who Waived Coverage

March 23, 2020

Medical insurance companies have issued guidance for coverage during these unusual times, including:

• allowing coverage for employees who aren’t actively at work;
• allowing employees who previously waived coverage to enroll now through next week;
• allowing flexibility for late premium payment on a case-by-case basis.

See updates for each insurance company below, or contact our office and we’ll get you the info.

U.S. Senate considers granting 250% of payroll to small employers

March 22, 2020

See the first part of this interview with Sen. Rubio, Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, who describes a proposal to enable small businesses (500 and fewer employees) to obtain forgivable loans (grants) of 250% of payroll to continue paying employees and to pay for employee benefits such as medical insurance. While the Senate didn’t pass the legislation Sunday night (March 22^nd); they continue to work.  Many small employers are making critical decisions about employees during this highly unusual time.  Know that help may be on the way.

VIDEO: Senator Rubio discusses small-business bailout »

Paid Leave

March 20, 2020, 5:00 p.m.

Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave

California Grace Period

March 18, 2020

California Insurance Commissioner Requests 60-Day Grace Period for Insurance Premium Payments Due to the Disruption Caused by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Employer Guidance – General

COVID-19 Resource Center – This site has compliance, HR and employee information. The site includes downloadable documents that may assist you with establishing and communicating policies with your employees. The site is developed and maintained by the company that owns HR360, the HR library which we provide to our clients as an extra value. You don’t need to log in to access the material on the COVID-19 Resource Center.