What the CARE Act Covers for People who are Self-Employed

April 3, 2020

Payroll Protection Program:

The Paycheck Protection Program is a U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. For more information or to apply for the Payroll Protection Program, visit our Payroll Protection blog.

Unemployment Insurance:

Generally, a person’s benefits replace about 1/3 to 1/2 of their wages. In Washington state, the minimum one can receive on unemployment is $188 and the maximum is $790. The CARES Act provides an additional $600 per week on top of whatever a person would normally receive – limited to the next 4 months (expires July 31, 2020). This will end up providing a higher than average wage replacement rate for low-wage workers. Washington provides access to unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. The CARES Act provides federal funding for an additional 13 weeks for those who need it. Funding for this expires December 31, 2020.

For more information and to see if you’re eligible or how to apply for unemployment in Washington state, click here.

SBA Emergency Grant:

Under the Economic Injury Disaster Assistance program, employers are eligible for $10,000 in immediate funds to assist with operating expenses, like payroll. This loan is forgiven by the SBA. You do need to apply for SBA assistance, which also includes larger loans with no payments for 12 months at a rate of 3.75% for business owners. The agency has streamlined the application process and you are eligible for the $10,000 regardless if you’ve been denied a loan in the past. For more information or to apply, click here.

For additional COVID-19 resources, visit BIAW’s website or contact Communications and Public Relations Director Jennifer Spall at (360) 352-7800 ext. 152 or jennifers@biaw.com.