HR ROI Consulting: New Stimulus Package And Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Portsmouth NH

01 January, 2021

2:48 AM

Description

Member news from the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth: December 31, 2020 DISCLAIMER: This content was not created by, but is being shared by, the Chamber Collaborative. New Stimulus Package & FFCRA The new COVID-19 stimulus package does not include an employer requirement to extend the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) paid leave benefit. However, it allows employers to voluntarily opt to continue the benefit and still receive the FFCRA tax credits through March 31st. [Here is the link to a summary of the COVID-19 relief provisions with only 29 pages: Summary of COVID-19 Provisions] [Here is the link to the entire text (2124 pages) of the related legislation: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021] [If you need a refresher about the FFCRA paid leave in general, visit the DOL: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave] Employers now need to decide (now) whether to continue offering this paid leave in 2021. The tax credit is only for eligible employers (less than 500) and employees who have not maxed out the benefits already. You may consider factors such as the organization's financial hardship, administrative feasibility, potential staff shortages, employees' telework capabilities, and virus exposure concerns regarding employers' general duty to limit COVID-19 in the workplace. Another factor for consideration is whether an employee may fare better by filing for unemployment with the added $300 weekly benefit for 11 weeks. Regardless of what you decide, don't forget to claim your 2020 FFCRA credits, too. You have until March 31, 2021. [Here is an IRS resource on FAQs on how to claim your credit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-to-claim-the-credits] Stay tuned, because as we have learned this year, everything is subject to change. Wishing a great new year for us all! Upcoming Webinars Is Your Organization Ready for 2021? Informational Webinar: January 8th from 12 pm to 1 pm Join us for a complimentary webinar with various speakers on topics we need to consider in 2021, including managing remote performance and disciplinary issues, new technology, recruiting, benefit trends, and more. Register Here Today Leadership in 2021 Educational Webinar: January 29th from 9am to 12pm Everyone is hoping 2021 saves us from 2020, but there is a lot we can do to make 2021 better on our own. One area is developing stronger leadership skills, which help you attract and retain more loyal, creative, productive team members, with fewer headaches and more success. If you are interested in developing your (or your team's) leadership strengths in the new year, join us for an insightful discussion on Leadership in 2021. $95 per person (Please contact us for savings for two or more attendees or to schedule your own custom session at your organization @ [email protected]). Click Here to Learn More & Register This press release was produced by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. The views expressed are the author's own.