The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today
is
highlighting state resources available for Montanans that have filed for UI
benefits due to COVID-19 impacts.
“Over the last nine weeks, DLI has
issued over $327M in UI benefits to Montanans. These benefits have provided,
and will continue to provide, much-needed economic relief for Montanans
impacted by COVID-19,”
Acting Commissioner Brenda Nordlund
said.
“As Montana’s phased reopening progresses, we also want to remind
Montanans of the additional resources available to them.”
Resources DLI can offer to
claimants include:
Return
to Work Information
DLI has launched a page on its COVID-19 website
focused on providing information to Montana employers and employees on the
phased reopening of Montana’s economy at
dli.mt.gov/return-to-work. The page offers information for businesses and
workers on the Governor’s reopening directive, health and safety, and
recruitment and job search tools.
Job
Service Montana
As
Montana continues a phased reopening, Job Service Montana offices across the
state can support job seekers. Job Service workforce development centers
collaborate with community partners to deliver customer-focused, data-driven
employment and training opportunities, and services to businesses seeking
employees and other assistance. Available resources include career planning,
resume, interviewing and cover letter assistance, work-based learning
opportunities, UI assistance and more. Job Service resources are available by
phone, email, or online at MontanaWorks.gov. For a list of all Job Service
offices across the state and their contact information, visit
montanaworks.gov/job-service-montana.
HELP-Link
HELP-Link
is a free workforce program for Montanans covered by Medicaid under the Montana
HELP Plan. Created by the HELP Act, HELP-Link connects Medicaid enrollees with
high-quality workforce training, employment services, and job openings in local
communities. For more information, visit
montanaworks.gov/help-link.
A variety
of resources provided by other state agencies may also help UI Claimants. A
comprehensive information resource and application portal for emergency grants
funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act is available at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV. Other state resources include:
Emergency Housing Assistance Program – Department of Commerce
- Montana Housing’s Emergency Housing Assistance program provides
rent, security deposit, mortgage payment, and/or hazard insurance assistance
for Montanans who have lost a job or have a substantial income loss as a result
of COVID-19. Learn more and apply at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.
Healthcare,
Food, and Income Security assistance – Department of Public Health and Human
Services (DPHHS)
- DPHHS provides food assistance
through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Health coverage is available
through Montana’s HELP Plan, Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids.
- Cash assistance is available
through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
- To apply for these programs,
DPHHS encourages Montanans to open an online account at apply.mt.gov. Or,
call the Helpline at 1-888-706-1535. The Helpline is offering extended
hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about how to apply, visit
https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/OfficeofPublicAssistance
Low
Income Energy Assistance – Department of Public Health and Human Services
- The Low Income Energy
Assistance Program provides energy assistance to Montanans. DPHHS has
received $5 million in federal CARES Act funds to expand assistance to
thousands of Montanans struggling to afford their home energy needs due to
the financial strain of COVID-19. Additional information about LIEAP and
this opportunity is available at
www.lieap.mt.gov.
Mental
Health Resources – Department of Public Health and Human Services
- The Montana Suicide Prevention
Lifeline is at 800-273-TALK (8255) and provides 24/7, free, and
confidential support for people in distress.
- The Montana Crisis Text Line
can be accessed by texting “MT” to 741741. When a person texts the Text
Line, a counselor responds within minutes and is available for any
behavioral health crisis.
- The Montana Warmline is a free,
confidential service staffed by individuals with lived experience who
understand the behavioral health needs of individuals. The service
provides early crisis intervention with emotional support that can prevent
a crisis. The Warmline is available at 877-688-3377 or at
http://montanawarmline.org/.
DLI
continues to encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for UI to file
a claim online at MontanaWorks.gov, or at mtpua.mt.gov for self-employed or
other Montanans impacted by COVID-19. Updates for Montana employers and
individuals impacted by COVID-19, including UI Claimants, is available at
dli.mt.gov/covid-19.