COVID-19 RESOURCES
Helping Pay Your Employees:
Are you a small business owner who is struggling during this virus outbreak? Don't worry, small business owners can contact the Nebraska Department of Labor for information on a program for short-term compensation for their employees. Information is available at dol.nebraska.gov/stc.
Paid Sick Leave:
Unfortunately, Nebraska has no law protecting hourly wage employees for paid sick leave. While some states have enacted protection for this, Nebraska is not one of them. If you feel your employer has made assumptions about you in correlation with the coronavirus due to your nationality or health, please contact Legal Aid of Nebraska. You can view their COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions HERE.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
Has your employer temporarily closed your place of work due to COVID-19? Are you having to take unpaid sick leave as a result? If so, you may file a claim for Unemployment Insurance Benefits with the Nebraska Department of Labor. To get benefits you only need to meet certain minimum requirements, including having sufficient past earnings and an immigration status that allows you to work.
Local Non-Profit Resources:
North Platte is full of incredible non-profit organizations that provide aid to individuals and families not only in Lincoln County, but also to many additional surrounding counties. Please view our Partner Agencies as they may be able to provide you with the assistance you need. Please remember that you can always call our 24/7 hotline by dialing 2-1-1 that will connect you to local resources. You can also visit the 2-1-1 website HERE. If you are having a hard time finding the information or help that you need, do not hesitate to call Mid-Plains United Way at 308-532-8870.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act:
This Act has been signed into law. The relief package includes free testing, expanded food assistance programs and unemployment benefits for those affected by COVID-19. You can read the Act HERE. NPR provides a breakdown of what is offered under this Act HERE.
Meals for Students in North Platte:
Beginning 3/18/2020, North Platte Public Schools will provide breakfast and lunch for students needing it. Meals can be picked up at Madison Middle School from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. via drive-thru service.
The backpack program also will resume Thursdays and Fridays, with a drive-thru at McKinley Education Center. Times for those will be listed at www.nppsd.org.
Great Plains Health:
CALL FIRST - If you are experiencing the 3 primary symptoms of COVID-19, please call the hospital before you stop in to prevent spread of illness. If you are asked to go to GPH, they will likely have a mask and hand sanitizer for you at the door. Keep in mind that doctors and nurses will likely have additional protective gear on. Do not bring others with you. Learn more about the process HERE.
What is open in our community:
Get real-time updates on local businesses, attractions and event closures or cancellations by visiting the North Platte Visitors Bureau COVID-19 page.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans:
Nebraska's Small Business Administration has issued a statewide economic injury declaration. This allows small businesses to apply for disaster loans with small interest rates and long-term repayment options on a case by case basis. APPLY HERE. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Emergency Assistance (EA) to Needy Families with Children:
- Must have dependent child in the home
- If already on Economic Assistance program- no separate application just call and request assistance
- Must be sustainable
- High priority processing - usually a 24-hour turn around
- Only eligible one time in a 12 month period of time
If you are on assistance already, just call to the Economic Assistance line and request emergency assistance
Aid to Dependent Children (ADC):
The ADC Program provides financial payments to dependent children, age 18 or younger, and eligible parents who meet financial eligibility requirements.
During the national emergency for COVID-19, Good Cause will be granted to all Employment First individuals who did not meet the work requirement beginning the month of March until further notice. APPLY HERE.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
Assists low-income households in meeting energy costs. Benefits are based on family size, income level, fuel type, and geographic residency in the state. Due to the impact of COVID-19, there may be an increase in the number of households requesting LIHEAP crisis assistance. DHHS may consider the inability to pay home energy costs as a result of the impact of COVID-19 as an extenuating circumstance. APPLY HERE.
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Resources:
The Nebraska Chamber has a number of resources for businesses. Learn more HERE.
Nebraska Family Helpline (DHHS):
The Nebraska Family Helpline at (888) 866-8660 makes it easier for families to obtain assistance by providing a single contact point 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained Helpline operators screen calls to assess immediate safety needs, identify the potential level of a behavioral health crisis, make recommendations or referrals to appropriate resources, and help callers connect to emergency resources or providers. The Helpline is supervised by licensed mental health professionals.
Remember, if you or your family are in immediate danger, please call 911.
For more information please visit the DHHS website @ http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Nebraska-Family-Helpline.aspx.