Coronavirus Relief
COVID-19
There are a number of financial assistance measures released by the U.S government to help businesses and individuals. Shown below are a few links to U.S. government sources that could assist you or your business.
There may be more sites and some links could change due to the fluidity of the situation. This page strives to simplify all the options by making the most relevant links available in one spot.
Small Business Relief
Small Business
Small businesses, nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
Financial Relief
The link below explains other options for assistance with expenses such as rents, home and auto loans, student loans, cable, cell phones, and more. Contacting many of these companies is challenging at this time due to the volume of requests. In some cases you may be able to complete and submit a form online.
One recommendation is to contact the companies to which you have obligations and discuss potential arrangements. Some protection measures may already exist for you.
For Businesses and those that are self-employed there are two new tax credits available referred to as the Credit for Sick and Family Leave and the Employee Retention Credit. Learn more about them and others at the links below.
Financial Relief Options
Coronavirus Tax Relief
Tax Relief
The deadlines to file and pay federal income taxes was extended to July 15, 2020. It’s likely some states and local jurisdictions will follow similar extensions. Visit the links below regarding the federal relief program.
COVID-19 Relief for Vets
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Helpful has a comprehensive website that covers a variety of topics, a location search tool, on-line appointment option, and much more.
Veterans
Utilities
Utilities Relief
There may be assistance to pay for utilities such as natural gas, electricity, and water. Contact your utility providers to discuss options to defer, reduce, or to make other arrangements.
A link to the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is shown below.
Unemployment
Unemployment benefit questions and cases are handled by the states. Contact you state’s government website to learn more. The federal government is permitting states to have more flexibility on the program policies related to COVID-19.
The link below is sponsored by the the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. You’ll find regular updates as well as an option to be directed to your state’s program. With information changing rapidly, many state websites are constantly being updated and may not reflect the most current information.
Social Security
Social Security
The link below directs to a U.S. government site to address questions regarding Social Security payments related to the Coronavirus which includes simple answers and options to inquire further if you need additional support.
Upon clicking the link below you will see a series of questions in a box. Click within a box to reveal the response.
Caution
Unfortunately there are predators creating scams to take advantage of the crisis from investments, charities, phishing and other methods to get your money or personal information. A couple visual tools to help protect yourself before providing information on-line or pursuing an option based on a website. Both of these should be present to ensure you are on a U.S. government site.
- U.S. government website addresses often end in .gov or .mil
- A secure site begins in https: as opposed to a non-secure site starting with http:
See the example below that shows the lock and ending of the website address in .gov
Online Protection
SCAMS
COVID-19 Scams
Scammers are rampant trying to exploit the fears and vulnerbalities of others. Scams come in the form of emails, phishing, telemarketing, robocalls, charities, donations, work-at-home schemes, price-gouging, those offering remedies, and likely many more. Sometimes the pressures are tied to a time limit so you have only a limited time to take advantage of an offer. Exercise caution and do your research before providing money and personal information to anyone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an excellent resource for more information and filing a complaint.
COVID-19 Tracker
John Hopkins University has a live dashboard tracking the Coronavirus outbreak. The link below directs you to their website with more maps, figures, and information.
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