Phase 2 of the Covid-19 Unemployment relief program launched today with the re-opening of its online portal. Like Phase 1 it's targeted at workers who have been laid off because of COVID-19 as well as Self-employed persons who have lost their jobs and income as a result of COVID-19.
This time, however, long term unemployed persons will not be eligible - again it's only for those who lost their jobs as a result of COVID 19. Also ineligible are persons under 18, persons receiving benefits from other government programs such as BOOST or Pantry, and persons receiving a pension from Government or Social Security Board.
The financial relief to be provided in Phase 2 will be the same as that provided in Phase 1: $150 every two weeks for a 12-week period. Applicants are asked to ensure that all personal and bank account information is entered correctly. Any errors could result in an application being rejected. $14 million has been allocated for unemployment relief.
Approval in Phase 1 will not carry over to Phase 2. So, even if you were approved in phase one and received money, you still have to re-apply. Also, those who remain unemployed, or whose application was not approved in Phase 1 are encouraged to reapply.
Also launched today was the 14.5 million dollar support program for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, or MSME's.
Approved enterprises will receive grants, loans and wage subsidies which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find the application at www.covid19.bz.
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