PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey announced on Friday that he would issue an executive order to help people facing financial hardship because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The executive order will waive the one-week waiting period after an employee loses a job before they apply for unemployment benefits.
It also waives work search requirements for people getting unemployment benefits.
Anyone who works at a business that has been temporarily closed or has reduced hours because of COVID-19 is eligible for unemployment insurance.
People who have to quarantine because of the virus or have to care for a family member with COVID-19 are also eligible.
Businesses whose employees receive benefits under the new provision will be exempt from any increase in employer payments to the unemployment insurance fund.
The executive order will also extend the income tax filing deadline to July 15 to mirror the new federal deadline.
Taxpayers submitting payments or filing tax returns after April 15 will not have to pay late penalties or interest.