State of Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
For Immediate Release
Monday, August 3, 2020
Media Contact
Candace Morgan, Secretary’s Office, Agency of Human Services
802-585-0407 | candace.morgan@vermont.gov
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES FRONT-LINE EMPLOYEES HAZARD PAY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS TO OPEN FOR EMPLOYERS
Employers are encouraged to apply starting August 4
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced that beginning Tuesday, August 4, public safety, public health, health care and human services employers whose employees worked to help mitigate or respond to COVID-19 may apply for hazard pay grant funds for their employees.
“It’s important for Vermonters to remember that the best way to support our health care heroes during this pandemic is to continue to limit the spread of this virus by wearing a mask, staying home when sick, washing our hands and following the state’s health guidance,” said Governor Scott. “We all have a role to play to limit the spread so we don’t overwhelm our health care system and can continue reopening our economy and schools.”
The Front-Line Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program was established in Act 136 of 2020 using Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars to pay eligible employees who worked during the COVID-19 public health emergency from March 13 through May 15, 2020.
The Hazard Pay Program allows covered employers to request funding to provide $1,200 or $2,000 in hazard pay to each employee who meets eligibility criteria. Eligibility is determined by conditions outlined by the Legislature in Act 136, including the risk of exposure to COVID-19, number of hours worked and employee’s hourly wage.
Grants will be awarded through an online application process and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the Program’s $28 million in funding is allocated. When employers who applied are approved, they will receive the award amount.
“We are pleased that we have developed a streamlined application process for employers to apply for the Hazard Pay Program,” said Human Services Secretary Mike Smith. “We are encouraging employers to apply to make sure these critically important employees receive recognition and compensation to reflect the work they did keeping Vermonters safe during the crisis.”
Covered employers eligible to apply on behalf of their employees are defined by Act 136 to include:
Ambulance service or first responder service as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 2651
Assisted living residence as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 7102
Dentist’s office or a dental facility
Federally qualified health center, rural health clinic, or clinic for the uninsured
Health care facility as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 9432 or a physician’s office
Home health agency as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 6302
Homeless shelter
Morgue
Nursing home residence as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 7102
Provider of necessities and services to vulnerable or disadvantaged populations
Residential care home as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 7102
Residential treatment program licensed by the Department for Children and Families
Therapeutic community residence as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 7102
Therapy provider contracted by a home health agency or nursing home
In addition, AHS is working with ARIS Solutions, the fiscal agent for the employers of Independent Direct Support Providers, to support the administration of grant funding to eligible Independent Direct Support Providers.
“Our frontline health care workers have done heroic work throughout this crisis, stepping up to serve their communities and the greater good, while putting their own health at risk,” added Governor Scott. “On behalf of all Vermonters, I thank them for their incredible service and sacrifice during this once-in-a-century health crisis.”
For more information, to apply using the online application (beginning Tuesday, August 4) and to sign up to receive periodic updates, please visit the Agency of Human Services’ website at humanservices.vermont.gov.
Media Note: The Scott Administration’s Tuesday, August 4 COVID-19 press briefing at 11 a.m. will further cover the Hazard Pay Grant Program.
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109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov
TELEPHONE: 802.828.3333 | FAX: 802.828.3339 | TDD: 802.828.3345
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