Minnesotans who worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic are now eligible to sign up for cash from the state. Applications for Minnesota’s Frontline Worker Pay Law or “hero pay” opened yesterday.
The state estimates 667,000 or 1 in 10 Minnesota workers, will qualify for a $750 check from the state. Anyone who worked a minimum of 120 hours from March 15th, 2020 to June 30th 2021 on the frontline of the pandemic is eligible. A frontline worker is not limited to just those in healthcare.
Under the bill signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in April 2022, workers in child care, food service, emergency responders, public transit and education can sign up for the cash.
Some stipulations do apply, workers won’t qualify for the money if their job provided a virtual or work from home option and an income cap on eligibility.