The Department of Labor published a Best of Practices for ERISA plan fiduciaries regarding cybersecurity, recently. These items are great points to review and consider for most industries and employers. To emphasize how crucial cybersecurity vigilance is, Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, wrote in a letter today to the… Read more…

One in two of us will have a mental health issue during our lifetime. Think about that. Mental health is a part of our overall health and should be treated the same as cardiovascular issues, pregnancy, or cancer. Here are more numbers: Depression is the #1 cause of disability worldwide Mental health issues are the… Read more…

In our May 4 blog on the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) we discussed the tax credits available to companies offering sick time to employees with COVID-19 related issues. We would like to highlight the assistance in paying COBRA premiums that is another component of the Act. If you have sustained a qualifying… Read more…

Under two recently passed federal bills, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now providing up to $9,000 per COVID-19-related death. Registration for assistance is available through FEMA’s telephone or teletype call center 844-684-6333, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 9 pm Eastern time. To qualify: Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified… Read more…

We have received many calls in the past two months about notices from the Alabama State Department of Labor requiring repayment of pandemic unemployment benefits. People applied in good faith with the information available for benefits because they suffered a job loss due to COVID. They received the much-needed assistance and were able to stay… Read more…

As summer approaches and businesses look to getting back to a more normal schedule, hiring teens maybe an opportunity to supplement your staff. This is a great way for teens to gain job skills and experience. If you have never employed teens, you may want to review the labor laws that apply to underage workers.… Read more…

President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) on March 11, 2021. It provides for tax credits to qualified employers who voluntarily provide time off to employees for COVID-19 related absences. Participation in the program is voluntary, but it could be beneficial for employers and their employees. It provides paid time off for employees to… Read more…

Today promotes awareness and understanding about autism. According to the National Autism Association:  Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3 Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and… Read more…

The new Presidential Administration has been busy extending and modifying certain COVID-19 provisions. The Paycheck Protection Program has been extended through May 31, 2021. For more information, the Small Business Administration has provided some guidance: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans FAQ (sba.gov) The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loan amount as of April 6, 2021… Read more…

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that it expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits on February 25, 2021. This will be retroactive to the beginning of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which began last year. The Department provided that:   Do not expect to get benefits immediately. The Department of Labor anticipates late March as the… Read more…