[NFBV-Announce] Resources for consumers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak

[Joe Orozco]

Updated: Resources for consumers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak


Thursday, April 02, 2020

 

 
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak_sp> Versión en español / Spanish version |


This resource guide has been updated with information regarding the federal
CARES Act relief package.


In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak, public and private resources
are becoming available to help deal with lost wages, illness and school
closures.

We will continue to update this list as we learn more.

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#CARES%20Act/stimulus> CARES Act/stimulus

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#employment> Employment/workers

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#food> Food and meals

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#housing> Housing

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#healthcare> Healthcare

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#utilities> Telecommunications/utilities

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#financial> Financial services

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#taxes> Taxes

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#scams> Scams

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#Travel> Travel

·
<https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/resources-for-consumers-imp
acted-by-the-covid-19-outbreak#Additional/miscellaneous%20resources>
Additional/miscellaneous resources


CARES Act/stimulus


The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act went into
effect on April 1, 2020. The bill contains relief policies that provide
financial help to families during the coronavirus outbreak, including
stimulus payments of up to $1,200 per adult individual, additional
unemployment funds, and a moratorium on federal student loan payments.

Stimulus checks

Many Americans (over 80% of adults) can expect a one-time direct payment of
up to $1,200 per adult individual ($2,400 for couples) and $500 for each
child age 16 and younger as part of the government’s stimulus package to
provide relief during the coronavirus outbreak. This payment is intended to
help most Americans and is not dependent on your employment status. The
maximum a family can receive is a one-time payment of $7,500. You can
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/coronavirus-stimulus-check
-calculator/> calculate how much you are likely to receive at the Washington
Post.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will determine your stimulus eligibility
based on your 2019 or 2018 tax return. If you haven’t filed taxes in those
years, the income will be based on your Social Security statement. The IRS
said that Americans who were not required to file taxes in the last two
years (including low-income taxpayers, some veterans, and individuals with
disabilities— <https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm967> but not
Social Security recipients) will have to file a "simple tax return," with
basic information like filing status, number of dependents and bank
information so the government can send the stimulus money. The IRS has
stated that those filing the simple form will not owe tax. Non-filers who
would like to receive their payment through direct deposit can provide their
bank details to the
<https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here> IRS
here.

Stimulus checks will start hitting direct deposit accounts the week after
Easter (April 12). If you have not already set up direct deposit with the
IRS through previous tax filings, you can expect a paper check to be mailed
to you in May, or  <https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment> you can
provide your banking details to the U.S. Treasury. (Please note that due to
high traffic, the website may not always load. Try accessing the site during
off-peak hours). The IRS is posting updates on economic impact payments on
<https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments> its website here.

For more information on a simple tax return, or how to update your address
with the IRS,
<https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments>
visit the IRS website.


Employment/workers


Sick leave

If you are sick and unable to work (or telework) due to the virus, you might
be eligible for up to two weeks of paid sick leave under the coronavirus
emergency relief package. In order to qualify under the new federal law (the
Families First Coronavirus Response Act), you must work at a public agency,
non-profit organization or private business with less than 500 employees,
and you must meet one of the six criteria:

1.     You are subject to a federal, state or local quarantine or isolation
order related to COVID-19;

2.     You have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine
for reasons related to COVID-19;

3.     You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical
diagnosis;

4.     You are caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1)
or self-quarantine as described in (2);

5.     You are caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed
(or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19; or

6.     You are experiencing any other substantially similar condition
specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation
with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury (clarification on this to come
out in April).

Full-time workers are eligible for up to two weeks of paid leave, and
part-time workers get a period of leave equal to the number of hours they
work on average over a two-week period. The payments are capped at $511 a
day for those who are sick with the virus or seeking care, and $200 a day
for those caring for a sick family member or children.

The law says the benefit is not contingent on the employee finding a
replacement worker.

Those working for companies that have more than 500 employees are excluded
under the law. Employees at organizations with fewer than 50 workers are
covered by the law, but the U.S. Department of Labor could exempt small
businesses if providing paid leave would put them out of business. Employers
can also decline to grant leave to workers on the front lines of the crisis:
health care providers and emergency responders.

For more information on the new federal sick leave law, visit
<https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave#_ftn1>
the Department of Labor website and read its
<https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions> FAQs page.

If you are not eligible to receive sick leave under the federal law, but you
live in a state that requires private companies to provide sick leave to
employees, you may still be eligible for some sick-leave compensation during
the coronavirus outbreak. You can check to see if your state has a mandatory
sick-leave law
<https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/paid-sick-leave.aspx> at
the National Conference of State Legislatures website.

Disability

If you have tested positive for coronavirus, or have been exposed to the
virus, you may be able to file for temporary disability insurance from your
state.  <https://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/> California,
<https://labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/home/about-tdi/> Hawaii,
<https://myleavebenefits.nj.gov/worker/tdi/> New Jersey,
<https://ww3.nysif.com/> New York and  <http://www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi/> Rhode
Island offer the benefit to residents. The programs are meant to partially
replace wages for workers who are very ill, injured off the job, and unable
to work. The amount of weekly benefits varies by state and individual, and
depends on income. If the state approves your claim, you may need to wait a
few weeks before you get a check.

Unemployment

Unemployment insurance is a joint federal-state program that provides
temporary benefit payments to employees who are out of work through no fault
of their own, until they can find another job. If you were laid off or lose
hours due to the coronavirus, you can
<https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemploym
ent-benefits.aspx> file for unemployment benefits to partially replace your
wages. Be persistent: Many states are overwhelmed by the number of people
filing for unemployment, but don’t give up on trying to apply. Consider
applying during off-peak hours, like early in the morning, or late in the
evening when the system is not as busy.

Under the new CARES Act, the federal government will increase your state
unemployment benefits by $600 per week for four months. Benefits will also
be extended by an additional 13 weeks. Gig workers and freelancers, who
previously were not able to claim unemployment benefits, are now covered
under the new law.
<https://waysandmeans.house.gov/sites/democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/files
/documents/UC%20FAQ%20CARES%20Act.pdf> Click here to see a list of FAQs
regarding unemployment eligibility.

Paid family and medical leave

If you have to care for someone who has contracted COVID-19 or is
quarantined, you can apply to the state for Paid Family Leave. Benefits are
similar to those from disability insurance—a percentage of your wages,
depending on income. You can currently file for paid family leave insurance
in
<https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm>
California,
<https://www.mass.gov/paid-family-and-medical-leave-information-for-massachu
setts-employers> Massachusetts,
<https://myleavebenefits.nj.gov/help/faq/fli.shtml> New Jersey,
<https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/> New York,  <http://www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi/>
Rhode Island and  <https://paidleave.wa.gov/> Washington.

Small business

The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers
employed amid the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the
Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally
guaranteed loans to small businesses through the U.S. Small Business
Administration. Loans can be up to 2.5 times the borrower’s average monthly
payroll costs (not to exceed $10 million).

The loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the
crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued
<https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEw
ii67GvncroAhXLr54KHV1zCCwQFjAAegQIBxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uschamber.com%2
Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf&
usg=AOvVaw2gJewcaFSj41vpeXBblutA> an FAQ guide to help small businesses and
self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan.

You can start your application for a federal small business disaster loan by
visiting  <https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/> the U.S. Small Business
Administration’s website.

Important: If you applied for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan before
Monday, March 30, 2020, you need to apply again to access the $10,000
advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan even if your previous
application was declined or is still pending.

State and local governments have also started to step up to help small
businesses, including:

o
<https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-outreach.page>
New York City is offering interest-free loans of up to $75,000.

o
<https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-support-workers-and
-businesses-impacted-covid-19> Washington State is allowing eligible small
businesses to defer business and occupation taxes.

o    <https://floridadisasterloan.org/> Florida small businesses can apply
for interest-free loans of up to $50,000.

Hospitality and service industry workers

USBG National Charity Foundation’s Bartender
<https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap> Emergency Assistance Program provides
grants of up to $2,500 to bartenders and their families. You do not need to
be a USBG member to apply.

 <https://ofwemergencyfund.org/> One Fair Wage is providing temporary cash
assistance through its emergency fund to help restaurant workers, car
service and rideshare drivers (like Uber and Lyft), delivery workers and
more.

 <https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/> Restaurant Workers’ Community
Foundation is also offering short-term relief for restaurant employees and
owners.

The  <https://rerf.us/apply-for-aid/> National Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation has a relief fund that provides grants to restaurant
industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19.

“Essential” businesses hiring

As many retailers around the country are forced to close their doors,
businesses deemed “essential,” like grocery stores, pharmacies and Amazon,
<https://www.businessinsider.com/retailers-hiring-people-coronavirus-demand-
2020-3> are hiring thousands of employees to help with the surge in demand,
including delivery drivers, warehouse employees and sales associates.


Food and meals


Food banks

Find your local food bank for help with groceries at
<https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank> Feeding America.

School breakfasts and lunches

Many local school districts are still providing two (to-go) meals a day
while public schools are closed. In fact, many districts are expanding the
free- and reduced-lunch program to include free meals for all children under
age 18. You may also be able to pick up meals from the school you live
closest to, instead of picking up meals from the school you attend. Visit
your local school district’s website for updates, or
<https://www.niche.com/k12/schools-near-you/?center=-79.98065150000002,40.43
133765762212> enter your ZIP code here to find your local school district.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) can help low-income families
pay for food. Eligibility is based on your household’s size, income and
expenses.To find out more about SNAP, or to apply for the benefit, contact
your state office.  <https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory> Find
your state's office online, or call 800-221-5689 to hear the toll-free
number for your state’s program.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC provides nutritious foods and nutrition education to low-income pregnant
women, women who have recently given birth, and infants and children up to
age five. Learn more online at the  <https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic> USDA’s
WIC website.

Delivery

 <https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals> Meals on Wheels delivers
food to seniors at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own
meals.

 <https://www.aginginplace.org/best-grocery-delivery-plans-for-seniors/>
Aging in Place reviewed the best grocery delivery plans for seniors,
including Instacart, Amazon Fresh and Walmart.

Regardless of your age, check with your local grocery store to see if it
offers delivery or curbside pick-up services. (Please note that many grocery
delivery services have been delayed due to demand during the coronavirus
outbreak.)

Local restaurants are also offering to-go orders, zero-contact curbside meal
pickup, and/or delivery service through third-party companies like GrubHub,
Uber Eats, Caviar and Seamless as a way to stay open during this time. Call
your favorite local restaurant and see if they are still offering to-go meal
options.

Vulnerable community shopping hours

Grocery stores around the country have started offering
<https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-stores-special-hours-elderly-vu
lnerable-list-2020-3> designated shopping hours for seniors, pregnant women
and those with compromised immune systems. Local shops and national chains
like Target, Dollar General and Whole Foods have announced these special
shopping hours, typically held an hour before the store opens to the general
public, as a way to help vulnerable communities avoid the spread of the
coronavirus. Call your local stores or have a neighbor inquire about special
shopping hours in your neighborhood.

Farmers markets

Find a list of your
<https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets> local
farmers markets that feature local farm vendors that sell produce and
products directly to customers (usually in open-air venues).

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

CSAs provide local, seasonal food, including produce, meats, dairy and
bread, directly from farmers. Food is usually delivered or available at a
local pick-up spot.
<https://www.localharvest.org/search.jsp?jmp&scale=8&lat=37.9319&lon=-121.69
58&ty=6> Click here to find a local CSA, or search online for “fresh produce
delivery” to find the options in your area.


Housing


Eviction suspension

The CARES Act prohibits rental evictions for 120 days on properties secured
with a government-backed mortgage. In addition, numerous states, cities and
counties have implemented
<https://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-cities-are-temporarily-banning-evictio
ns-as-coronavirus-outbreak-worsens-2020-03-14> temporary moratoriums on
housing evictions to help tenants impacted by the coronavirus to stay in
their homes. This does not relieve a tenant from the obligation to pay rent,
or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover rent that is due.

·
<https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/06/san-jose-mayor-calls-for-moratorium-
on-evictions-during-coronavirus-outbreak/> San Jose

·
<https://therealdeal.com/la/2020/03/16/los-angeles-shuts-down-bars-restauran
ts-and-freezes-evictions-to-combat-coronavirus/> Los Angeles

·
<https://ny.curbed.com/2020/3/12/21177133/nyc-tenant-eviction-moratorium-cor
onavirus> New York State

·
<https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/breed-prohibits-evictions-of-tenants-who-ca
nt-make-rent-due-to-coronavirus/> San Francisco

·
<https://nationalpost.com/pmn/health-pmn/coronavirus-sparks-u-s-west-coast-c
alls-to-halt-evictions-2> Seattle

·
<https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article24112766
6.html> Miami

·
<https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-halts-evictions-as-coronavirus-bears
-down/> Philadelphia

·
<http://chairmanmendelson.com/2020/03/12/request-to-place-measures-on-the-ag
enda-for-the-march-17-additional-legislative-meeting-covid-19/> Washington,
D.C.

The National Housing Law Project
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vTH8dUIbfnt3X52TrY3dEHQ
CAm60e5nqo0Rn1rNCf15dPGeXxM9QN9UdxUfEjxwvfTKzbCbZxJMdR7X/pubhtml> has
published a state-by-state list of eviction moratoriums. It includes 24
categories of information concerning eviction for each state.
 

Mortgage assistance

The
<https://www.fhfa.gov/mobile/Pages/public-affairs-detail.aspx?PageName=FHFA-
Suspends-Foreclosures-and-Evictions-for-Enterprise-Backed-Mortgages.aspx>
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA),
<https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/20-04hsgml.pdf> Housing
and Urban Development (HUD),  <https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus> United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac all
announced an immediate freeze on foreclosures and evictions for at least 60
days (but this could be extended), as well as
<https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/SFH/documents/SFH_FHA_INFO_20-24.pdf> a
six-month forbearance for homeowners who can’t afford their mortgage
payments (and an additional six-month period if needed). You can check
whether your loans are backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by visiting their
websites:

·        <https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup> Fannie Mae

·        <https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup> Freddie Mac

Local sheriffs throughout the country are ceasing eviction enforcement, and
courts are refraining from taking foreclosure cases. Experts advise that if
you’re having a difficult time paying your mortgage, call your lender and
ask them for options.

 
<https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/programs-to-freeze-foreclosures-eviction
s-from-coronavirus-disruptions/> States are also stepping in to help
homeowners weather this national crisis, including California, Delaware,
Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

Private mortgage lenders
<https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ally-introduces-relief-package-support-18320
0247.html> Ally Bank,
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/alyyale/2020/03/19/bank-of-america-mortgage-co
ronavirus/#3463e40415ad> Bank of America and Wells Fargo are just
<https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/20/coronavirus-mortgage-paymen
ts-may-deferred-amid-pandemic/5073179002/> a few of the companies offering
assistance to borrowers negatively impacted by the coronavirus.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB)
<https://www.consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor/> Find a Housing
Counselor tool provides a list of HUD-approved counseling agencies in your
area if you need free or low-cost advice on how to handle your mortgage at
this time.


Healthcare


COVID-19 testing

President Trump announced that major health insurers, including those who
provide individual and family coverage and who are approved to provide care
to Medicare enrollees, have agreed to waive copays for COVID-19 testing (but
not treatment, if you need it).
<https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covi
d-19/> This includes Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, EmblemHealth, Blue Cross Blue
Shield, Oscar and United Healthcare.

Health insurance plans will cover treatment for COVID-19, but they won’t
necessarily waive copays or cost sharing for treatment, should you need it.
This means you may still be on the hook to pay your plan’s deductible if you
get ill. However, many states are requiring or recommending that insurers
expand their coverage of key services beyond the minimum federal standard.
<https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/maps-and-interactives/state-a
ction-related-covid-19-coverage-critical-services-private> The Commonwealth
Fund is keeping track of states and their efforts to guide private health
insurers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

COBRA
If you lose your job and it provided your health insurance, you can keep
your coverage for up to 18 months if you pay for it yourself (which
typically makes the cost significantly higher). Your former employer must
send you a COBRA letter within the 14 days after you stop working. You have
60 days to say yes or no (and you can change your mind if you originally
decided no, as long it’s within the 60-day window). For more information,
talk to your employer or human resources office,
<https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra> visit the Department
of Labor online or call 866-444-3272.

Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost healthcare coverage for low-income individuals
and families. It’s a state program and each state has its own guidelines. To
learn more,  <https://www.medicaid.gov/> visit the Medicaid website.

The Affordable Care Act Marketplace
If your employer doesn’t provide health insurance, or if you’ve lost your
job, you may be able to purchase a plan through
<https://www.healthcare.gov/> the ACA Marketplace. While open enrollment is
typically in the fall, and
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/claryestes/2020/04/01/trump-rejects-aca-specia
l-enrollment-period-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/#2d9b972934c9> President Trump
has decided to not open enrollment at this time,
<https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/20/818981380/9-states-reo
pen-aca-insurance-enrollment-to-broaden-health-coverage> many states have
reopened their health insurance exchanges, including California, Colorado,
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island,
Washington and Washington, D.C. 

Federally-funded health clinics
To find free or low-cost clinics, search online at
<https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/> the Health Resources & Services
Administration’s Find a Health Center website, call 877-464-4772 or email
<mailto:CallCenter at hrsa.gov> CallCenter at hrsa.gov.


Telecommunications/utilities


Internet

Comcast is offering free internet for low-income households, free Wi-Fi
hotspots for all, and eliminating data caps nationwide
<https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/comcast-offers-free-wifi-h
otspots-and-eliminates-data-caps-nationwide-in-response-to-coronavirus-outbr
eak/> in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Utilities

Utility companies around the country are
<https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/16/utility-cable-internet-phon
e-coronavirus-covid-19/5060084002/> suspending service disconnections and
waiving late fees for customers struggling to pay their electricity bills,
including Consolidated Edison, Georgia Power, Green Mountain Power, NV
Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison. Almost
<https://www.naruc.org/compilation-of-covid-19-news-resources/state-response
-tracker/> half the states in the country have imposed a moratorium on
utility terminations. Call your local utility company and ask for a flexible
payment plan if you’re struggling to pay—they may grant your request during
the next few weeks.

Municipal water companies across the country, including in Detroit, New
Orleans, Phoenix, Salinas, Seattle, St. Louis, and the state of Connecticut,
have suspended service shut-offs—some will even reinstate your service if it
was previously shut off, though service restoration may take a few days.
Many states prohibit utilities from shutting off the water during a state of
emergency.

Call the number on your utility bill to discuss options if you are having
difficulty paying, or you need service restored.

Phone companies

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have signed on to the Federal
Communications Commission’s  <https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected>
Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Under this agreement, carriers have
committed to take the follow action for at least the next 60 days:

·       Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers
because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused
by the coronavirus pandemic;

·       Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers
incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus
pandemic; and

·       Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.


Financial services


Bank of America, Chase, Citibank and others are
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/12/list-of-banks-offering-reli
ef-to-customers-affected-by-coronavirus/#1c37f5c23ee3> responding to the
needs of their customers struggling to make payments due to the coronavirus
by waiving late fees, providing payment relief and offering other
assistance.

Goldman Sachs, the financial institution backing the Apple credit card,
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/your-money/loan-waivers-coronavirus.html
> announced it will allow cardholders who ask for help to skip their March
payment, interest-free. American Express (credit cards) and Capital One
(credit cards and auto loans) will also allow customers to skip their
monthly payments, interest-free.

If you have a problem paying your credit card bill or loan payment, call
your loan servicer and see if they will waive your monthly payment
temporarily, without a late fee, and interest-free, in light of the current
national crisis.

Automatic bill payments
If your bank processes your bill payments automatically, you may want to
stop autopayments from your account for the foreseeable future. The Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau provides instructions on
<https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-stop-automatic-payments-f
rom-my-bank-account-en-2023/> how to stop autopayments here.

Student loans

As outlined in the CARES Act, federal student loan borrowers will not have
to make any payments on their loans for six months, through Sept. 30, 2020
(though that money will still need to be paid later). Interest during the
six-month period will also be waived entirely. Six months’ worth of
suspended payments will be applied toward a borrower’s Public Service Loan
Forgiveness and/or Income-Driven Repayment Plan record and will count as
qualifying payments.

If your federal student loans are eligible, you do not need to do anything
to pause your payments—the payment and interest pause will be automatic.
However, we recommend you log in to your student loan account to confirm
that interest has stopped accruing on your student loans and that no payment
is due. If you see that you owe a payment on your student loan, call your
servicer (the company that sends you the monthly bill) and ask them about
the CARES Act payment halt. (Updates to this forbearance process are being
posted to the Education Department’s
<https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus> StudentAid.gov
website.)

Perkins loans, commercially-held Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) held
by a bank or financial institution, and private student loans (student loans
held by a lender that is not the federal government) are not covered by the
CARES Act, and borrowers will still need to make their monthly payments at
this time or call their loan servicer and ask about placing their loans in
temporary forbearance. (Interest will likely still accrue while loans are in
forbearance.)

The Department of Education has
<https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-directs-fsa-stop-wag
e-garnishment-collections-actions-student-loan-borrowers-will-refund-more-18
-billion-students-families> halted collection efforts on defaulted student
loans, including wage garnishment and seizure of tax refunds. (If you filed
your 2019 tax return after March 13 and your refund was seized, you will get
a refund.) You may need to work with your employer to halt wage
garnishments, so ask your HR representative or manager for help stopping
future garnishments related to student loans.

If you are already enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan, but you've
lost your job or your income has decreased, ask your loan servicer to
immediately recertify your loans based on your new, lower income. Your
monthly payment could be significantly decreased after the government’s
payment halt ends in September. If you are not currently enrolled in an
income-driven repayment plan, now is a great time to enroll. You can
<http://www.ibrinfo.org/monthly_payment.vp.html> learn more here. Student
Debt Crisis has created a  <https://crisishelp.bysavi.com/> free tool that
helps you enroll in the best plan for your financial situation, or you can
call your servicer directly to enroll in a plan for free.

If you are currently rehabilitating your defaulted federal loans, suspended
payments will count towards your rehabilitation progress,
<https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus> as stated on
Federal Student Aid's government website.

You can find more information about the CARES Act and student loans at the
<https://www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org/what-the-cares-act-means-for-
repayment-of-federal-student-loans/> Student Loan Borrower Assistance
website.

Beware of student loan scams! There is nothing a debt relief company can do
for you that you can’t do on your own, for free, by contacting your loan
servicer. Any company that tries to tell you they can lower your monthly
payments, or cancel them altogether, is charging you hundreds of dollars to
follow the same process.
<https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/loans/student-loans/how-to-spot-student-loa
n-scam/> Here are some other common student loan scams to be aware of.


Taxes


The Trump administration
<https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1241002750483324930?ref_src=twsrc
%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2020%2F03%
2F20%2Fccoronavirus-mnuchin-says-irs-will-move-tax-filing-deadline-to-july-1
5.html> announced that taxpayers and businesses will be given an extra 90
days to file and pay their 2019 federal tax returns, interest- and
penalty-free, making the new deadline July 15. However, if you are due a
refund, you should file your taxes as soon as possible.

If you’ve already filed your taxes and have granted the IRS permission to
take your tax payment from your bank account via electronic withdrawal
before the new July 15 deadline, you can
<https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-electronic-funds-withdrawal#error
s> cancel your scheduled payment and set up a new payment for a future date.

Several states have pushed back tax filing and payment deadlines for
individuals and/or businesses, including
<https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/news-releases/2020-2-more-time-to
-file-pay-for-california-taxpayers-affected-by-the-covid-19-pandemic.html>
California (June 15 for individuals and businesses),
<https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/News---Press-Releases/2020/2020-Press-Releases/Ef
fective-Immediately-DRS-Extends-Filing-Deadline-for-Certain-Annual-State-Bus
iness-Tax-Returns> Connecticut (June 15 for businesses),
<https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MDCOMP-28094ba?wgt_ref=MDCOMP_
WIDGET_C7> Maryland (June 1 for businesses) and
<https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources/covid-19-resou
rces-businesses-and-workers> Washington (May 15 for businesses).

Expect more state and local governments to also push back their tax filing
dates in the coming days. If your local/county government has not postponed
the date property taxes are due, they may be willing to waive penalties on
payments that are delinquent due to the coronavirus. Check with your local
taxing authority for your options during this time.

If you need help with your taxes, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less,
persons with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need
assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Find a tax preparer in your
area on
<https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volu
nteers> the IRS website.


Scams


Lowlifes will always attempt to prosper during a crisis; the coronavirus
outbreak is no different. For a list of the latest coronavirus-themed scams,
read our  <https://www.votervoice.net/ConsumerAction/newsletters/35833> SCAM
GRAM newsletter and check out
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/naomicahn/2020/04/01/dont-get-fooled-by-covid-
19-scams/#4aa315e57fbe> this article in Forbes on COVID-19 scams. The
<https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headl
ines> FTC has also put out a list of coronavirus-related scams and tips on
how to avoid them.

Here are a few scams we’ve been hearing about:

·       Fake emails from the Centers for Disease Control and the World
Health Organization providing virus updates and information on vaccines

·       Fake stimulus checks that bounce when you cash them (
<https://www.fraud.org/fake_check_scams> similar to this scam)

·       Scam calls asking for your bank details for a government stimulus
direct deposit

·       Scams relating to the $1,200
<https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/scammers-already-trying-to-steal-sti
mulus-cash> stimulus payments in general

·       Stores selling fake cleaning products, like sanitizing wipes, masks
and hand sanitizer

·       Phishing emails related to restocking of items, like cleaning
products and toilet paper, from big-name online retailers


Travel


Millions of travel plans have been disrupted, cancelled or rescheduled as a
result of the coronavirus outbreak. It’s confusing to know when
<https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-i
ssues-enforcement-notice-clarifying-air-carrier-refund> you’re due a full
refund, or if a credit (for future use) will have to suffice. Here are a few
helpful articles on the matter:

·
<https://www.elliott.org/answers/coronavirus-panic-dont-cancel-future-travel
-now/> Elliot Advocacy explains travelers’ rights and helps you decide if
you should cancel your plans or wait for the hotel, cruise or airline to do
it for you.

·
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/travel/airlines-coronavirus-cancellation
s-change-rules.html> The
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/travel/airlines-coronavirus-cancellation
s-change-rules.html> New York Times explains how airlines have been managing
the massive travel disruptions.

·       Consumer advocate
<http://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-03-31/column-coronavirus-cruise-
lines> David Lazarus wrote about cruise ship policies during the outbreak.

·
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/having-trouble-getting-a-tr
avel-refund-these-tips-can-help/2020/03/18/cff60a6a-6794-11ea-b313-df458622c
2cc_story.html> The
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/having-trouble-getting-a-tr
avel-refund-these-tips-can-help/2020/03/18/cff60a6a-6794-11ea-b313-df458622c
2cc_story.html> Washington Post provides some tips on how to secure travel
refunds.

·       Information on hotel cancellation and rebooking policies (including
Airbnb) can be found on
<https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-hotel-airbnb-cancellation-chang
e-policies> Business Insider.

If you have had an unresolved problem with an airline during this time, it
is very important to
<https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint> submit
a complaint to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Formally documenting
your experience is the only way the government will get involved with a
policy change (short-term or long-term). If the DOT does not receive
complaints (or enough complaints) on an issue, it has no reason to step in
and regulate. 

If you have an unresolved complaint about a cruise, you can contact the
<https://www.fmc.gov/databases-services/consumer-affairs-dispute-resolution-
services/> Federal Maritime Commission for help mediating, though there is
currently no federal oversight of the industry, since many cruise lines
operate out of other countries.

Those with unresolved complaints about flights, cruises, hotels and
timeshares should contact their
<https://www.usa.gov/state-attorney-general> state attorney general’s
office, the
<https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started>
Better Business Bureau, and also consider taking complaints to
<https://www.lovemoney.com/guides/63225/how-to-complain-to-a-company-on-twit
ter-5-savvy-tips-uk> Twitter—private companies hate for complaints to be
made public, and might contact you to show they are serious about resolving
the issue.


Additional/miscellaneous resources


·
<https://www.military.com/us-military-coronavirus-response/what-military-con
nected-students-need-know-during-coronavirus-pandemic.html> Veterans
Education Success has published a coronavirus guide for veterans that covers
mental health resources, emergency financial help, student loan information,
and ways to keep your kids occupied at home.

·
<https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/coronavirus-care-funds-donate/>
The Nation has compiled a list of grants that are supporting various
communities all over the country.

·        <https://wideopenschool.org/> Wide Open School is a collaboration
of publishers, non-profits, and education and technology companies that
provides a collection of free lesson plans and activities for kids,
organized by grade and subject.

·
<https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/>
Consumer Reports’ coronavirus resource hub has information and articles on
an array of topics, including health, home and home maintenance, tech and
privacy.
 

 

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