Update: The state of Connecticut concluded the "Hero Pay" program after providing up to $1,000 one-time payments to over 150,000 essential workers between February and May of 2023.
Connecticut essential employees that worked during the Covid-19 pandemic were eligible to apply for a financial bonus of up to $1,000 administered by the state’s comptroller's office. The program is called “Hero Pay,” and it was created as a 'thank you' to the essential employees who worked during the pandemic for maintaining the economy and taking care of the public. The Connecticut General Assembly voted to assist essential workers earlier this year, and Governor Ned Lamont responded by allocating 30 million dollars to this “Hero Pay” program.
The significant part of this program is that there is NO minimum number of days you must have worked during the pandemic to qualify. It is also NOT only for healthcare
Your application should get approved if you are eligible for the requirements below,
If you earn less than $100,000, as well as the other requirement below, you can apply for a $1,000 bonus. If you make between $100,000 – $150,000, you are eligible for a bonus that varies on your paycheck. Part-time employees are eligible to receive $500.
If the number of applications exceeds what is available in the fund, the amount dispersed will be reduced proportionally. While it is NOT first come, first serve, it is best you get your application in promptly to possibly get it evaluated sooner than later.
You can check your eligibility and apply here. During the process, you must provide verification to apply, such as a social security card and pay stub. Many people are expected to apply; applying at your earliest convenience is strongly encouraged. Comptroller Natalie Braswell reported that the website crashed multiple times in its first few days when around 30,000 CT workers applied. It is the employees’ responsibility to apply to the program.
Workers had until October 1, 2022, to apply, with a reconsideration window extended to March 1, 2023.
The payouts for the 'Hero Pay' program were distributed between the months of February - May of 2023, to individuals whose application deadline was accepted.
Yes, recipients will receive a 1099 tax form to claim in their taxes.
It might seem too good to be true, but fortunately, it's not. Connecticut State Legislature wanted to reward those employees who were not lucky enough to stay at home and receive unemployment. Instead, they put their health on the line and did the hard work. David Saucedo, a nursing home cook who worked during the pandemic, said, "Whatever infections they have, it all is going to end up in the kitchen. The Alzheimer's patients don't know about 'six feet, keep your distance.' They just come up to you, grab you, and sit and talk to you. I need to protect them as much as I need to protect myself. The last thing I want to do is get one of my patients sick or one of my loved ones sick." This program looks out for people like David and recognizes him for all his efforts during that time.
Applications have been closed for this program, but we encourage any employers who would like to be aware of similar programs in the state of Connecticut to contact The HR Consulting Group today.