​Department of Labor Ordered to Return to Pre-Pandemic Unemployment Policy

On Monday, President Biden said in a speech that Americans collecting unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan must accept "suitable" employment when offered, or they will lose their benefits. Many HCAOA members have expressed frustration with unemployment benefits, which have made it difficult to retain or hire workers. “We’re pleased to see this directive come out of the Biden Administration because so many of our members are  turning away business every day because they don’t have workers to  provide the care,” explained Vicki Hoak, HCAOA Executive Director. “While we recognize that unemployment benefits are there for those who cannot find work, we are pleased that the Administration is restating the rules for receiving those benefits.”

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In regards to assisting small businesses, according to the White House Fact Sheet released after the speech: “To help hard-hit employers rehire and retain workers, President Biden extended and expanded the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) in the American Rescue Plan. This year, the ERC offers eligible employers with 500 or fewer employees a tax credit of 70 percent of the first $10,000 in wages per employee per quarter. In other words, this refundable, advanceable credit will cover up to $7,000 in wages per quarter or $28,000 per year for each employee.”

You can read more details on the White House Fact Sheet here.