Officials Trying to Determine How Many of the 1.2 Million “Hero Pay” Applicants Qualify

Jul 25, 2022 | 11:28 AM

ST. PAUL (KDLM) – State officials in Minnesota are now figuring out how many of the nearly 1.2 million who applied will be eligible for COVID “hero bonus” checks.

Officials originally estimated that about 667,000 front line workers would qualify for bonuses. With $500 million the legislature appropriated, that works out to about $750 per person. If it turns out, if more people ultimately qualify, each check will be smaller.

Anyone whose application is denied will have 15 days to appeal. Officials will then determine the final number of those qualifying and simply divide $500 million by that figure to arrive at the dollar amount each person will receive.

Governor Tim Walz wants the legislature to increase the pot of money, but Republicans have shown little interest in a special session.

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