A survey shows that many unemployed people in the United States do not understand the financial assistance they can get related to the new coronavirus.
According to financial consulting firm Credit Karma, up to 80% of the unemployed in the United States say they have not yet filed any aid applications. They either think they are not qualified, or they are at a loss, or even don't know where to start. This is the main reason why they cannot get financial assistance.
The website conducted a survey of 1,037 U.S. adults in April this year to ask how well they know about government relief measures related to the coronavirus.
In addition to the relief assistance, you may also be eligible to apply for other types of relief plans.
Two-week paid leave
Qualified office workers, including those who work remotely, can receive two-week paid leave under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act.
Effective reasons for leave include: you are unable to work because you are in quarantine, have symptoms of the new coronavirus and are seeking a diagnosis, or have to take care of your children who are staying at home due to school closures or daycare services closures.
If you are caring for a sick family member, you are also eligible for a partial salary.
Warranty utility bills
Many utilities, including PG&E, Con Edison, American Electric Power Company and Duke Energy, will not interrupt their services due to unpaid fees for customers.
You can set up a payment plan for your utility bill, or get a waiver for certain fees, or pay a deferral. Please visit your hydraulic provider's website for other support programs such as the Housing and Urban Development Authority's Covid-19 resources. The government website of your state may also have helpful information. Some government departments are preventing utilities from shutting down their customer services.
Apply for health insurance
If you are unemployed and need health insurance, some states will provide special applications for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). AARP will update the list of extended health insurance trading platforms in each state.
Health insurance non-insured in Washington DC, Maryland, New York and Vermont can apply for health insurance through their state health insurance trading platform by June 15. California allows residents of the state to register by June 30.
By entering your state, family size and income level on the http://Healthcare.gov website, you can see if you are eligible for Medicaid.
mortgage and rent can be deferred
The CARES Act provides assistance programs to homeowners who are worried about paying for housing loans, and renters can also get some help.
Homeowners can receive a temporary extension of the loan, but not a waiver. Generally speaking, the extension will not exceed 180 days; but in some cases, it can be extended to 360 days.
Many states and cities have ordered landlords to stop evicting tenants. For example, New York has a moratorium on evictions for a period of 90 days.
Delayed tax filing and tax payment
The federal government has postponed the filing and payment period of income tax in 2019 to at least July 15, and may further extend it to September.
Not only do you have time to prepare for tax filing, but you also have time to owe taxes. Many states have also delayed state tax filing and payments, but not all states have deferred. Please check your state or the American Institute of Accountants (CPA) information, which retains the latest (tax filing and tax payment period) list.
