FAQ Resources

The Employment Development Department (EDD) is providing payroll assistance for employers who are experiencing hardship because of COVID-19. With this, employers may request a 60 day extension to file their payroll reports and taxes. For more information call EDD at 1-888-745-3886 (toll-free).

Federal Tax Credit: The Employee Retention Credit is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. Eligible employers can get immediate access to the credit by reducing employment tax deposits they are otherwise required to make. Also, if the employer’s employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, the employer may get an advance payment from the IRS.  More information on Employee Retention Credit.

Tax Assistance: If you are experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19, you may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file your state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. For questions, call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-888-745-3886.  More information on Tax Assistance.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also provided information regarding the health and safety of all workers during this pandemic.

• Workplace Health and Safety – If you are experiencing a slowdown in your businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy, you can apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs – retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits.  Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for help with planning and responding to COVID-19.
• California Department of Industrial Relations – has published a Cal/OSHA guide on requirements to protect workers from COVID-19.
• Labor Market Information for Employers – The EDD Labor Market Information Division collects, analyzes, and produces labor market data of interest to employers and the business community. You will find links to wage statistics, benefits information, and data for your business plans, local labor market profiles, and more.
• Labor and Workforce Development Agency – Provides resources for employers and workers including workers’ compensation and paid sick leave.
• California WARN – Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-31-20 (PDF), which temporarily suspends the 60-day notice requirement in the California WARN Act for those employers that give written notice to employees and satisfy other conditions. The suspension was intended to permit employers to act quickly to mitigate or prevent the spread of coronavirus. For more information, visit the COVID-19: WARN FAQs.
• Potential Closure or Layoffs – If you are planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus, you can get help through the Rapid Response program. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of California SM

State of California COVID-19 Medical Supply Contributions

The State of California is asking businesses and individuals who have resources available- to contribute, either for donation or purchase, to support California’s response to COVID-19.

For more information visit State of California COVID-19 Medical Supply Contributions.

California Health Corps (CAHC) is the state’s response to increased health care needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing need for licensed medical professionals. CAHC provides both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients the care they need during emergencies and Medical professionals throughout the state can join this program to relieve the pressure on our health care system.  

Interested medical and health care professionals are encouraged to visit California Health Corps for more information and to register for the California Health Corps. Medical doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, behavioral health scientists, pharmacists, EMTs, medical and administrative assistants, as well as certified nursing assistants are encouraged to step up and meet this moment to help California respond to the outbreak.

More ways for Californians to support your communities and request assistance are outlined on the California Volunteers website California Voluunteers. For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19, visit covid19.ca.gov.

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, on March 13, 2020.
• Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at Disaster Loan Assistance.
• Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
• Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
• Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

The Governor’s order:

• Waives the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19. Learn more on Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
• Delays the deadline for state tax filing by 60 days for individuals and businesses unable to file on time based on compliance with public health requirements related to COVID-19 filings;
• The full executive order can be found in EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Free Human Resources Hotline:
Call for free consultation: 1 (877) 282-3763.

Business: The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board’s Business Services team is available to assist your company.

If you are experiencing or considering downsizing, our Rapid Response program can provide an on-site assessment of your employment needs, while also providing and training and coordination of state and economic assistance.

Through our Layoff Aversion program, we can help you develop strategies to operate more efficiently while improving productivity and reducing costs.

Learn more about WDB’s Business Services team

Job Seekers: WDB operates three America’s Job Centers of California – all of which are providing support by phone during the crisis.  Services include help in finding a job, skills assessment, identifying career paths, updating resumes, preparing for job interviews and finding training programs.

East Valley AJCC: (909) 382-0440

West Valley AJCC: (909) 941-6500

High Desert AJCC: (760) 552-6550

Job seekers also can email: info@wdd.sbcounty.gov