On December 13, 2021, Governor Baker signed into law the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay program. 20 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check, 7 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security, 4 Easy Ways To Avoid Wasting Money During Retirement, Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card Review: With Great Benefits Come Great Rewards, This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Stimulus Update 2022: Essential Workers In This State Will Receive $500 Checks, $500 payments will be delivered to 500,000 people, This State May Soon Disperse $850 in Relief Money, $1.9 Billion May Have Been Disbursed to Ineligible People See Why, New Mexico Passes Legislation Including Social Security Tax Cuts, Child Tax Credit and Tax Rebates up to $500, 2023 COLA Could Be at Least 7.6%, Surpassing This Years Historic Increase, Stimulus Update 2022: Essential Workers In This State Will Receive $500 Checks. Eligible workers in the private sector who were employed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for the "hero" payment through the Premium Pay Program. The amount of payment that one receives depends on their income level. Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks) The federal government has now authorized three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) through the IRS to help Americans get on more stable financial footing. Employees who dont qualify for the bonus stimulus checks will get one day of administrative leave, Robertson said. Whoops! The Legislature allocated $460 million for premium payments to Massachusetts workers, which will distribute a $500 payment to 500,000 low-income workers across Massachusetts, according to the states website. -Earned income of at least $12,750 in 2020 employment compensation. Keith is a graduate of and a former journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut. Yes. "The Premium Pay program will provide much-deserved relief to Connecticuts essential workers.".