Governor Tom Wolf announced Thursday that a $50 million grant program has been established through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to assist employers in providing hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers interested in the grant program may obtain program guidelines and apply online at https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-pa-hazard-pay-grant.  The Greater Hazleton CAN DO Business Development Department will provide assistance, as necessary, to eligible employers in making their way through the process of applying for the grants. Throughout the pandemic, CAN DO has been assisting companies in obtaining funding through various programs to assist with hardships caused by the pandemic.

The COVID-19 Hazard Pay Grant Program aims at helping employers to provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations and to help employers retain their employees during this difficult time.

Applicants eligible to apply for grants are businesses, healthcare non-profits, public transportation agencies and certified economic development agencies.

As part of this reimbursable-grant program, applicants may apply for up to $1,200 per eligible full-time equivalent employee. The hazard pay must be paid over the 10-week period of August 16 through October 24, as a $3/hour hazard pay increase to their regular pay rate. No employer may receive more than $3 million of the funding ($600,000 per location maximum.)

Applications need to be submitted between July 16 and July 31.

For more information or assistance, contact CAN DO’s Business Development Specialist, Mark Minnig at 570-455-1508 ext. 2007.