(MIDDLETOWN, CT) - Joined by local elected officials, union representatives and grocery store employees, Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced details on the schedule for disbursement of Premium Pay, also known as “Hero Pay.”
“During times of difficult uncertainty, Connecticut's frontline workers stepped up and kept our grocery stores open, our hospitals operational, our communities safe and so much more,” said Comptroller Sean Scanlon. “They were essential to getting us through the pandemic, and this payment is just one small way we can thank them. By providing some relief, we can show how grateful we are to our heroes.”
One-time direct deposit payments, of which there are approximately 120,000, will begin processing on Feb. 1. Paper checks, of which there are about 35,000, will be mailed in five-to-six weeks.
During the disbursement, 20,000 payments will be made each week in the order that applications were submitted. Should any problems arise with an applicant’s direct deposit, a paper check will be issued.
The Premium Pay program is providing payments up to $1,000 to Connecticut essential workers who meet eligibility criteria established by state law. The application closed Oct. 1. To be eligible, workers must have:
- Worked as an essential worker in Connecticut for the entirety of the time period between March 10, 2020, and May 7, 2022.
- Not able to work from home.
- Worked in a job categorized by the CDC as 1A or 1B.
- Worked in the private sector.
- Earned $149,999 or less.
The program, which is overseen by the Connecticut State Comptroller, will provide assistance to essential workers who kept Connecticut operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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