Archive for April, 2009

COBRA Notices to Help Employers

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Pam Holleman, HR Information Manger, Illinois Chamber

The Department of Labor has issued model COBRA notices to help employers explain to former employees and their families how to receive the premium subsidy available to them under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). These notices were created to help plans and employers comply with ARRA mandates requiring plans to notify certain current and former participants and beneficiaries about the reduction in premium costs.

The notices available:

General Notice- Full version - this must be sent to all qualified beneficiaries, not just covered employees, who experienced a qualifying event from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. (more…)

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Posted in Labor Law, Unemployment | No Comments »

The Top 10 Reasons Employers Get Sued in Illinois

Friday, April 24th, 2009
  1. Fail to properly document employee conduct (good and bad).
  2. Fail to develop personnel policies, or not administering them fairly and consistently.
  3. Fail to take appropriate note of medical issues or limitations. (more…)

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New FMLA Forms

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Pam Holleman, HR Information Manager, Illinois Chamber

Q.  I’m so confused by all the new FMLA forms, what are the new forms and when should I use them?

A. Here are descriptions of all six new forms explaining when they should be used and links so you can download them for free.  I hope this helps with some of the confusion. (more…)

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FAQ: The Basics of Unemployment

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Pam Holleman, HR Information Manager, Illinois Chamber

Q. When is an employee eligible for unemployment?

A. An employee who meets all of the following requirements is eligible for benefits:

  • The employee earned at least $1600 in covered employment during their base period (a 12 month period defined as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the effective date of the individual’s claim for unemployment insurance), with at least $440 earned outside the highest quarter of earnings.
  • The employee is not unemployed as a result of a disqualifying separation. (See below what are disqualifying reasons).
  • The employee is physically able to work, available for work, and is actively seeking work.
  • The employee properly registered at an employment office.

Q. When does an employer become the “chargeable employer”? (more…)

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Posted in Unemployment | No Comments »