A one-time payment of $600 is available for some job sectors in the state of California. As part of the Food Workers Relief Grant Program.
The financial aid is aimed at those who provided their services during the health emergency caused by COVID-19. Specifically, for workers in grocery stores, the meat industry, and agricultural fields.
The relief also benefits irregular migrants. The immigration status of the petitioners is not relevant to the application process for the aid program, according to clarifications from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
A significant portion of the funds earmarked for the program in California quickly dried up. Most organizations designated to distribute relief have suspended service. In addition, delays and fraud have been reported, due to high demand and the low availability of qualified personnel for the process. However, it is still possible to collect the $600 in aid.
Who receives and who pays?
First, applicants must verify whether or not they are eligible for the Food Workers Relief Grant Program.
The main pre-established requirements are:
- have worked during the health emergency by COVID-19 as a worker in agriculture, grocery stores, or in the meat industry.
- Self-certify having incurred expenses as a result of the pandemic. (Example: acquisition of protective equipment, diagnostic tests, child care, etc.)
- demonstrate that this relief has not yet been received.
People eligible for the program should contact one of the organizations responsible for distributing financial aid. (Many already lack the funds to do so.)
At this time, to go to insurance without wasting time, it is best to contact the UFW Foundation. The telephone number enabled for this purpose is (877) 881-8221. It is available from Monday to Thursday, between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; and also from Friday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The requests to receive the single payment are quite numerous. Therefore, the telephone line often remains saturated. And consequently, the UFW Foundation advises to persist until you answer the call. The institution has reported that it will maintain management of the program for the next two years.
California $600 One-Time Payment Application Process
During the call with the UFW Foundation, the applicant receives a link, via email or text message (SMS). Through this you must upload, to the platform of the center, the required application documents: proof of identification and employment.
Documents accepted as proof of identification:
- Driving license
- state issued ID
- consular identification, or issued by a foreign government
- employer-issued identification
- UFW Foundation ID
- 2 forms of identification with applicant’s name: insurance cards, vehicle registration cards, phone bills.
Documents accepted as proof of employment:
- employer letter or contract
- W-2 tax form
- pay stubs
- photographic evidence, in the workplace
- written attestation
Upon completion of all steps of the relief application, a representative of the UFW Foundation will review the application. If approved, the beneficiary will receive a notification via SMS or email.
Then, in 10-15 business days, you will receive a $600 prepaid card. To start using it, simply activate it over the phone, or online via the Internet.
