Information and Resources about Public Health and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information and resources about Coronavirus (COVID-19) for concerned Oregonians.

Read this in: Spanish / Español
Authored By: Multiple

Employment and Sick Time: Are You an Immigrant Who Lost Work Due to COVID-19?

Information about your employment and sick time rights in Oregon.

This information may change. Please check back for updates* (Last updated 3-27-20)

 

If you have valid work authorization to work in the US, you can qualify for Unemployment Insurance no matter what immigration status you have Apply now.

There are other eligibility criteria (besides work authorization status) that everyone must meet in order to get Unemployment Insurance (U.I.).  See here for more information about eligibility in English and Spanish.

Apply for Unemployment Insurance on line here (Click on “File your New Claim”),
or call your closest Unemployment Center: Portland Area: (503) 292-2057, Salem Area: (503) 947-1500, Eastern/Central Oregon/Bend: (541) 388-6207, TOLL FREE: (877) 345-3484.

Remember that, no matter your immigration status, other employment related programs/worker protections may apply to your situation. Check here to find out more.  Also, you have the right to get help with the Unemployment Insurance in your language. The Oregon Employment Department must provide you with an interpreter if you need one.

Are you worried that getting Unemployment Insurance could hurt your immigration status in the future, or make you a Public Charge?

Unemployment Insurance won't hurt your immigration status, and is NOT considered in the public charge test.   Also, don't forget that many immigrants are exempt from public charge, and many benefits don't count in a public charge inquiry. See the Public Charge Fact Sheet here  for more information.

For other safety net supports (food, medical care, etc) check our Safety Net Resources sheet here:  https://oregonlawhelp.org/resource/safety-net-resources-during-the-covid-19-emergency.

Problems with Unemployment Insurance?
Call the OLC/LASO Oregon Public Benefits Hotline: 1-800-520-5292

Download a 1-page PDF

Last Review and Update: Mar 31, 2020
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