COVID-19 Update: 03/25/20

Late last night, the DOL released questions and answers about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. In this release they instructed that the provisions would be effective onApril 1, 2020. (The law allowed for the provisions to go into effect within 15 days, but the effective date is no longer April 2.)

The DOL has also released notices that all employers are required to post in the same way they post other labor law notices. They have linked these posters, and other fact sheets, here. In addition to frequently asked questions about posters, they’ve provided posters for federal employers and all other employers.

There is also a recognition that these paid benefit entitlements may cause significant burdens for some employers. Last Friday, the IRS posted a news release where they promised to take efforts to “ease compliance.” If tax credits “are not sufficient to cover the cost of paid leave, employers can seek an expedited advance from the IRS by submitting a streamlined claim form that will be released next week.” We expect that information to be released this week.