COVID-19 Financial Support

April 7, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone.  We’re all being asked to do things like stay home, practice social distancing if we have to go out, wash our hands frequently and thoroughly, and more. Many are temporarily out of work and facing financial challenges.  Help is on the way and following are some of the ways in which you may benefit:

Direct Payments

The Federal Government will be making one-time cash payments directly to our citizens. These payments should be issued during the month of April either by check or direct deposit. How much will you receive?

  • Individuals earning less than $75,000 will receive $1,200.
  • Married couples earning less than $150,000 will receive $2,400.
  • If you have children, you will receive $500 per child.
  • Individuals earning more than $75,000 and less than $99,000 – and couples earning more than $150,000 and less than $198,000 – are eligible for a lesser amount.

Enhanced Unemployment Benefits

If you have lost your job, you can apply for state unemployment benefits:

Congress is enhancing state unemployment to provide more income and to cover more people by:

  • Adding $600 per week for four months on top of state unemployment.
  • Adding up to 13 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to those already enrolled but who are nearing the end of benefits.
  • Expanding the program to include a number of workers not normally eligible to receive unemployment benefits. This includes:
    o Freelancers
    o Independent contractors/gig workers
    o Self-employed
    o Those with limited work history
    o Employees who are still employed, but whose hours have been reduced

It is important to apply as soon as possible. To help expedite aid, the Federal Government is funding the first week of benefits to encourage states to waive traditional waiting periods, but it may still take a couple of weeks to be processed

There are also many community resources available.  Here’s a great list of some of the Memphis-area Covid-19 resources.

 

 

 

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