As Illinois faces new restrictions put in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some of resources available to workers and businesses.
1) Illinois Expands Access to Unemployment Insurance
Governor JB Pritzker has expanded opportunities for employees to seek unemployment insurance if they are not able to work because they are sick, caring for an ill family member, or due to quarantine. The most up to date guidance from the State of Illinois is here.
2) SBA Loans
Federally, the Small Business Administration has expanded low interest loans under the national emergency declaration. A fact sheet on the new declaration is here. You can apply for a loan here (please note the SBA is experiencing increased web traffic, they are recommending using the website between 7pm-7am when web traffic is lower). In addition, in Illinois business owners are being asked to report impacts of COVID-19 so we get access to increased federal aid for small businesses. Please report any impacts on your business here. Please contact the IL SBA here if you have any questions about resources for small businesses.
3) Restaurant & Bar Tax Deferral
In Illinois, restaurants and bars that have a 2019 tax bill of less than $75,000 are eligible for a no interest deferral of taxes for February, March, and April. Qualifying restaurants and bars should be automatically enrolled, however more information on deferral and payment process can be found here.
4) Cook County & City of Chicago Paid Sick Leave
While increased federal guidelines around paid sick leave are forthcoming, Cook County already has paid sick leave benefits for employees in the county. A summary of the ordinance is here and FAQs are here.
Please review our most up to date announcement about COVID-19 here.