EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is reminding residents that independent contractors and employees in the “gig economy” can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“Entrepreneurs can receive much needed assistance during this financially difficult time,” Belt said. “The assistance will help people affected reduce some of their financial hardship and provide them with unemployment benefits.” 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides up to 39 weeks of federally funded unemployment benefits to individuals not typically eligible for unemployment benefits. In order to be eligible for the PUA program, applicants must first prove they are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance through IDES. After being denied for unemployment insurance, applicants will be considered for the PUA program. People can file for unemployment insurance here or call 800-244-5631.

EAST ST. LOUIS – Building on robust efforts to address the health and safety of residents in the metro east during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Christopher Belt, D-Cahokia, and State Representative LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, announced the opening of a COVID-19 testing site in East St. Louis.   

“This pandemic has exposed the harsh and grim reality of subpar healthcare that has led to glaring comorbidity rates for citizens residing in impoverished communities, particularly for African Americans. Access to quality healthcare must be a right of every single person in this country, no matter what their socioeconomic status or zip code.” said Senator Belt.  

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Tuesday that eligible SNAP recipients will receive additional benefits beginning this week. 

“No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from during this health crisis,” Belt said. “This additional SNAP support will go a long way for families and relieve some of their worries as they continue to provide necessary meals.”

More than 450,000 Illinois residents will receive additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The increased amount will automatically load onto their link cards. Link card holders do not need to call or visit an office. All new applications authorized in April will also receive the maximum allotment for their household size.

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Monday the expansion of support to childcare workers and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“During this crisis, essential workers still need someone to watch their children. Additional support for these hardworking individuals is critical,” Belt said. “This ensures their kids are still safe while increasing the affordability for care.”

All essential workers in health care, human services, essential government services, and essential infrastructure now qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance. Most of the expenses of emergency childcare centers and homes will be covered. This expansion of eligibility includes those working as nurses and doctors, supporting staff in hospitals, grocery store clerks and food producers.

Emergency childcare centers will receive additional reimbursement rates above their usual pay rate. Childcare centers interested in re-opening as emergency child centers are able to apply for a permit through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. To apply visit: www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD.

Home childcare providers do not need a permit and can serve up to six children.

For more information on assistance available at the Department of Human Services visit: DHS.illinois.gov/helpishere and coronavirus.illinois.gov