COVID-19

The Department of Workforce Services continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, under the direction of the Governor’s Office. Below you will find information and resources regarding our services and COVID-19. Please check back regularly as these resources will continually be updated.

Unemployment Insurance

NOTE: The federal stimulus package known as the CARES Act has passed. We received guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor for implementing some but not all of these programs and are now in the process of creating them. Please refer to the FAQ linked below for more information.

• COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance- FAQ for Employees
  • Unemployment Insurance Claims Process Overview
  • Weekly Claims Process FAQ
• COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance- FAQ for Employers
• CARES Act and Unemployment Insurance – FAQ
• Before considering closures or layoffs for your business, please visit our Rapid Response page for guidance and more information on Pre-Layoff Services.

Temporary Layoff Virtual Workshop for Employees

• This online workshop provides information on how to apply for unemployment insurance, what temporary financial assistance may be available and tips for finding a new job.
• To register, sign into ‘my Job Search’, and then find the date and time you want to sign up for in the calendar. Get step-by-step instructions.

Recruitment Support

One Utah Child Care

To meet the needs of essential employees in the public health and safety sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, a free and temporary network of emergency child care programs has been established. To learn more about the program and who is qualified, please see the overview below. Registration begins Monday, March 30, 2020.

• Essential Employees / Parents – Overview and Registration
  • Supply List for Children of Essential Employees
• One Utah Child Care Providers – Overview
• One Utah Child Care – FAQ

Office of Child Care

• Access available child care: For other individuals who are working but do not fall under the category of essential employees as defined by One Utah Child Care, many Utah child care programs remain open and available with safety protocols in place to protect both the staff and children from the spread of COVID-19. Parents can find available providers at careaboutchildcare.utah.gov.
• COVID-19 and Child Care- FAQ for Parents
• COVID-19 and Child Care- FAQ for Providers
  • CDC Supplemental Guidance for Child Care Programs That Remain Open
• COVID-19 and Child Care- FAQ for Businesses 
• COVID-19 and Child Care- FAQ for Schools
• Child Care Paycheck Protection Program

Food Assistance

• COVID-19 and SNAP Benefits FAQ

Rent and Eviction Information

• Residential Eviction Protection Fact Sheet

Energy Assistance

• The HEAT program provides energy assistance and year-round energy crisis assistance for eligible low-income households in Utah.
• If you are in danger of shut-off or need assistance paying your bills, contact your local HEAT office or apply online or call 1-866-205-4357.

Medical Assistance

• For information on applying for Medicaid to receive medical benefits please visit https://medicaid.utah.gov/apply-medicaid/.
• For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid has suspended the community engagement/work/self-sufficiency requirement. During this period of time, Medicaid members do not need to register for work, complete an online evaluation, participate in online workshops or apply for jobs.

Employment Centers

• The Park City office is closed at least until May 1, due to Summit County’s Shelter-in-Place order.
• Please use telephone and online resources.
• If you do come into a Workforce Services office, you may notice a few changes.
  • Customers may be asked to wait outside to maintain social distancing. Please follow staff member instructions.
  • No in-person workshops are being held. Online workshops are available.
• Some customer computers may be turned off to maintain “social distancing” and ensure people are not sitting too close together.
• Appointments with staff may be held over the phone instead of in person.

Refugees

• The Refugee Education and Training Center is open with limited walk-in access and services until further notice.
• Staff are available remotely to help answer questions and navigate services. 
• For refugee-related assistance, call or text at 801-618-5096 or 717-385-0100, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Access a list of resources and social services for refugees.

ASL Updates

• COVID-19 ASL Videos

Please follow the direction of the Governor and the COVID-19 Community Task Force, and stay home if you are feeling sick.

While we maintain operations at our offices, we are also shifting some employees to work from home when possible. We look forward to continuing to serve you and strive to meet the needs of our customers with responsive, respectful and accurate service.