COVID Resources
BIAW’s Work to Restart Residential Construction
COVID, the disease caused by the coronavirus, continues to spread across the state. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease are at a higher risk for developing serious complications from the COVID illness. However, there is no need to panic. Just make sure you are taking precautionary measures to help prevent the virus from spreading. Here are some helpful resources to keep you clean in the office or at the jobsite:
How to protect yourself from COVID »
Previous Webinars:
- BIAW Membership Town Hall – Ask a Lawyer About Enforcement of the Governor’s Order »
- BIAW Membership Town Hall – COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Employees »
Resources for Employers
Financial assistance
New COVID-19 Relief Package
On Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. Read NAHB’s analysis of the package and its benefits for homebuilders, including:
Working Washington Small Business Grant program »
- December 8, 2020: Governor extends COVID-19 restrictions to Jan. 4, announces $50 million more in aid
- December 3, 2020: New small business relief grants available: Apply ASAP if eligible
Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA has created robust programs that include bridge loans, debt relief, Paycheck Protection, and economic injury disaster loans. Find out more »
The CARES Act, which contained $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses, including the following opportunities:
- Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program was a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA forgave loans if all employees were kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money was used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. This program closed on Aug. 8, 2020. Learn more »
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan: This loan advance, which does not have to be repaid, provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19. UPDATE 4/8/2020: SBA has decided to implement a $1,000 cap per employee on the advance, up to a maximum of $10,000. So, a business with 3 employees, would be eligible to receive only $3,000 upfront, as opposed to the originally stated $10,000. Learn more »
If you have any questions about SBA, check out FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program or email your questions here »
If you have any questions about PPP loan forgiveness, check out SBA’s latest FAQ »
The Washington State Department of Revenue: A helpful guide that outlines frequently asked questions about how to file and pay online, audits, and more. Learn more »
Tax Credits: COVID-19 IRS Payroll Tax Credits Available to Small & Midsized Employers »
B&O Tax penalty waiver: The Washington State Department of Revenue is allowing businesses to request a one-time, 24-month penalty waiver if you have not owed a late penalty in the last 24 months. Also, businesses can request a 30-day extension of B&O taxes without payment or 30+ days with deposit. Find out more »
IRS Extends 2020 Tax Filing Date: The tax-filing deadline remains July 15, 2020, but the IRS waived penalties and interest on tax payments for 90 days. Learn more »
Excise Tax Filing Assistance: The Washington State Department of Revenue will work with businesses that cannot file or pay their excise taxes on time due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Affected businesses may qualify for filing extensions or penalty waivers.
Learn more »
Personnel guidance
FAQs: Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act »
SharedWork Program: SharedWork is a voluntary business sustainability program that provides flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours. This is a little known but powerful program to help workers stay employed while drawing needed benefits. Learn more »
Unemployment: What happens if you are ready to bring employees back to work, but they turn you down?
FAQs: Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act »
The US Department of Labor (DOL): More information will be coming out with further guidance for granting small business exemptions from the Response Act that require employer-paid sick and medical leave. NAHB will be voicing our ideas for this guidance with the agency and will keep you in the loop as DOL develops and publicizes its criteria. Learn more »
NAHB Jobsite Safety and Recordkeeping Guidance for Coronavirus »
Resources for Employees
Washington State Unemployment: If you or an employee is affected by COVID-19, Employment Security has programs that may be able to help. The agency has adopted a series of emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and quarantine for workers and businesses. Learn more »
- When an employee applies for benefits, they should select “laid off” as the reason for separating from an employer. Choose “Company temporarily closed” from the secondary options.
- This does not apply to employees who are considered essential critical infrastructure workers, as outlined by the governor.
- Work search requirements are optional for all claimants until further notice.
- Employees can request a standby status for up to 12 weeks.
- The one-week waiting period to be eligible for unemployment benefits is waived.
Employment Security Department Employer, Employee, and CARE Act FAQ »
State – Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): If an employee is sick with COVID-19, as with any other illness, a healthcare provider must certify that they are unable to work in order to qualify for Paid Family and Medical Leave. Quarantine (and school closures) are not qualifying events under this program. Learn more »
Federal – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Giving all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. Learn more »
Health Insurance: Apply for or renewing a health insurance plan through the Washington Health Plan Finder (through April 8) »
Crisis Connection: Connects people with crisis services like applying for food, child care, cash, long-term care, and health care. Get help »
For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook »
Additional Resources:
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
Workers’ Compensation Coverage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions
NAHB Coronavirus Preparedness
Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic: A guide for businesses and organizations
Sample Office Procedure
Resources to Help Seattle’s Small Businesses Amid the COVID-19 Crisis
Evaluating Your Contracts in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses, Families, and Students