STAY INFORMED

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION | AVOID SCAMS

• Don’t respond to texts, emails, calls about checks from the government. 

• Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time.

• Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from health insurance to work-at-home schemes.

• Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money.

• don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.

• Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. To get the latest information, use sites like usa.gov/coronavirus.

• To Print this list visit:  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

CARES ACT 2020

WHAT IS IT?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides direct economic assistance for American Workers, Families, and Small Businesses. Visit the US Treasury's Website to learn more about how the CARES ACT provides assistance to American worker, families, and small businesses. 

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares

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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The CARES Act also gives states the option of extending unemployment compensation to independent contractors and other workers who are ordinarily ineligible for unemployment benefits. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance office at the website or phone number provided in the link below.

https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/unemployment-insurance#find-state-unemployment-insurance-contacts

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FOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSEHOLDS

Household stimulus payments of up to $1,200 (which is technically an advance tax credit) and the temporary $600 per week federal enhancement to unemployment insurance provided by the CARES Act are not to be included in calculations of income. However, HUD notes that regular payments of unemployment insurance (issued by the state) are treated as income, as is customary under program rules. To learn more click the link below for HUD's short brochure.https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/Housing/documents/MF_Tenant_Concerns_COVID-19_Brochure.pdf

FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT 2020

Enacted on March 18, 2020, this bill responds to the COVID-19 outbreak by providing paid sick leave, tax credits, and free COVID-19 testing; expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits; and increasing Medicaid funding.

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• Employee Paid Leave Rights

• Employer Tax Credits

• No need to wait a week before being eligible for Unemployment Insurance and eases work search requirements.

US TREASURY | PERSONAL FINANCE RESOURCES

Resources and information on student loans, personal finances, and assistance with rent, mortgages, telephones, internet, and utilities.  

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/consumer-policy/personal-finance-and-consumer-protection-steps-for-quicker-financial-relief

IRS | STIMULUS CHECK

WHAT IS IT?

The CARES Act authorized the IRS continues to calculate and automatically send Economic Payments (also called stimulus checks) directly to most eligible individuals, however some may have to provide additional information to the IRS to receive their Payments. Visit the IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center for FAQs.

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

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FAQs

Find answers to in-depth questions the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Gude to COVID-19 Economic Stimulus.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-covid-19-economic-stimulus-checks/

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FOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSEHOLDS

Household stimulus payments of up to $1,200 (which is technically an advance tax credit) and the temporary $600 per week federal enhancement to unemployment insurance provided by the CARES Act are not to be included in calculations of income. However, HUD notes that regular payments of unemployment insurance (issued by the state) are treated as income, as is customary under program rules.

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UPDATES FROM IRS

For the latest updates during Covid-19, the IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses. 

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

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IRS | TAX FILING

Frequently asked questions and answers from the IRS about the new tax filing date of July 15, 2020.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-and-payment-deadlines-questions-and-answers

For the latest updates during Covid-19, the IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses. 

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

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IRS | EITC

Taxpayers have until July 15, 2020, to respond to the IRS to verify that they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or to verify their income. These taxpayers are encouraged to exercise their best efforts to obtain and submit all requested information, and if unable to do so, please reach out to the IRS indicating the reason such information is not available. Until July 15, 2020, the IRS will not deny these credits for a failure to provide requested information.

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit

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For the latest updates during Covid-19, the IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses. 

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR | UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The Employment and Training Administration announced new guidance outlining state flexibilities in administering their unemployment insurance programs to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200312-0

For example, federal law allows states to pay benefits where:

• An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;

• An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and

• An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.

• In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.

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​Check your state’s unemployment insurance program and apply for benefits.

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits

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USDA | SNAP & WIC

Many states are making it easier to apply for, receive, and maintain benefits like SNAP and WIC during the coronavirus pandemic. 

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• CA:  CalFresh​ | WIC

• DC:  SNAP & WIC​

• FL:   SNAP​ | WIC

• KY:  SNAP | WIC

• MD: SNAP​ | WIC​

• NC:  SNAP​ | WIC

• PA:  SNAP​ | WIC​

• VA:  SNAP​​ | WIC​

USDA | MEALS FOR KIDS & NATIONAL HUNGER HOTLINE

To slow the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), many schools have closed unexpectedly. To ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school are able to get the nutrition they need, USDA is working with states to continue providing meals to students. Follow the link to find meal sites.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids​

USDA | NATIONAL HUNGER HOTLINE

The USDA National Hunger Hotline operated by Hunger Free America remains a helpful resource for people seeking food assistance. Their website provides maps for local emergency food resources. 

• Monday - Friday | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET

• 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)

• 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) 

• https://www.hungerfreeamerica.org/about/our-work/usda-national-hunger-hotline

HEALTHCARE.GOV & MEDICAID

If you already have coverage through the Marketplace or through your employer, the rules in your health plan for treatment for the coronavirus emergency remain the same as any other viral infection.

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If you currently do not have healthcare coverage, some states are providing a Special Enrollment Period to receive coverage through the Marketplace on Healtcare.gov.

Individuals can apply for Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP at any time. Some states are expanding access to who is eligible for temporary Medicaid.

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• CA: Special Enrollment Period due to Covid-19. Medicaid enrollments year-round.

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• DC Healthlink has a special enrollment period due to Covid-19. Individuals can also apply for Medicaid.

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• FL: Standard Medicaid and Marketplace options.

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• KY: During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, individuals who need special healthcare coverage can apply for and receive coverage up to 6/30/2020.

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• MD: An emergency special enrollment is open through June 15, 2020. The application is available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.​​

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• NC: Standard marketplace and Medicaid options.

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• PA: Standard marketplace and Medicaid options.

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• VA: Virginia Medicaid is taking steps to improve access to care for Medicaid and FAMIS members. Standard Marketplace options are available.

BENEFITS.GOV | CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Many people are experiencing unexpected difficulties during the outbreak of the coronavirus. On Benefits.gov, you can find government benefits with easy to follow links to learn and apply to unemployment assistance, healthcare, and food and nutrition. You can also take our Benefit Finder to find additional benefits you may be eligible for.

https://www.benefits.gov/help/faq/Coronavirus-resources

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