HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: CT PAID LEAVE PROVIDES CRITICAL INCOME FOR CT RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSECURITY
Hartford CT — Connecticut’s Paid Leave program today reminded Connecticut residents that income replacement benefits are available for workers with a serious health condition or who are caring for a family member with a serious health condition when they need to take time away from work. These benefits are a crucial lifeline to ensure that workers faced with these circumstances can continue to pay for their housing. According to a survey by DataHaven, 12% of Connecticut adults have lacked money to pay for adequate housing in the past year, up from 10% two years ago and the highest figure since DataHaven began asking the question in 2015. “Across essentially every category, poorer Connecticut residents reported being in worse shape than wealthier residents, and Black, Latino and indigenous residents reported being in worse shape than white residents,” the survey found.
“Connecticut has implemented policies that make it attractive for workers and families,” said Erin Choquette, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority. “Paid leave is an example of the types of policies that make a real difference in people’s lives and make it possible for workers to take time off to care for their or their family’s health needs when they need to and still be able to pay the mortgage or rent.”
The survey also found that Connecticut residents are less economically stable than before. Asked how they are managing financially, 29% said “living comfortably” and another 30 percent said “doing all right.” That left 21% who are “just getting by,” 11% who are “finding it difficult” and 8 percent who are “finding it very difficult.” Similarly, in October, the United Way of Connecticut found that the number of residents earning less than a living wage has increased in recent years, leaving more than 560,000 households below the threshold at which they can afford essentials.
“We work hard every day to ensure that all people have equal access to housing opportunities in Connecticut, free from discrimination,” said Rashida Rattray-Reid, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the CT Fair Housing Center. “Programs like Paid Leave are essential for people who may be facing eviction or foreclosure because they’ve been ill and haven’t been able to go to work. The same is true for caregivers, looking after loved ones who are recovering from a serious health condition. Housing rights are human rights — thankfully, knowing your rights and knowing what services are available can make all the difference in the world to someone facing housing insecurity.”
For more information about the CT Fair Housing Center, visit https://ctfairhousing.org/.
For more information about CT Paid Leave and how to apply, please visit www.ctpaidleave.org.
