Comptroller Braswell Promotes Relief Program Available For Connecticut Essential Workers Impacted By Covid-19 On Worker’s Memorial Day

Comptroller Natalie Braswell on Thursday, in recognition of Worker’s Memorial Day, encouraged participation in the Connecticut Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Fund, which offers financial relief to essential workers in Connecticut who contracted COVID-19.

The fund was created in 2021 to help ease the financial burden for essential workers who lived in Connecticut, contracted COVID-19, became ill and were unable to work, or died, between March 10, 2020 and July 20, 2021. Eligible essential workers can apply for benefits to cover lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses and burial expenses.

“Workers Memorial Day is an annual opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Connecticut workers and mourn those who lost their lives on the job,” said Comptroller Natalie Braswell. “Essential workers made enormous sacrifices during the pandemic to keep our state safe and our economy running. This fund is one small way for us to return the favor. I encourage all eligible workers, or their families to apply.”

The program assists with:

• Lost Wages – Unpaid leave and lost wages if an employee was unable to work after contracting COVID-19, or due to symptoms later diagnosed as COVID-19.
• Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses – For medical services related to contracting COVID-19 that were not covered by insurance.
• Burial Expenses – Burial/funeral expenses of $3,000 for an eligible essential worker who died from COVID-19.

To learn more about the program, or to apply, please visit www.CTEssentialWorkerRelief.org. Applications will be accepted through July 20, 2022 and claims will continue to be paid on a first-come, first-served basis.