30 Coronavirus Resources You Can Use Right Now
The coronavirus epidemic is affecting every single American in some way. If you’re suddenly out of a job, seeing your hours reduced, or struggling financially, you’re not alone. Fortunately, many nonprofits, companies, and government agencies are stepping up to help! We’ve collected 30 trusted resources for employment, financial assistance, mental health support and more. All information is current as of April 7, 2020 and we will continue to update this list regularly.
If you’re able, consider reaching out to help others during this crisis. Here are ways to assist nonprofits, seniors, restaurants and more.
If you’re looking to save money on car insurance during this time or are curious about how the Coronavirus affects your current policy, check out these 6 useful tips.
Unemployment and Employment Resources
- To apply for unemployment benefits, you’ll need to contact your local state office. Find your state’s program on CareerOneStop.org.
- A new federal law allows states to offer benefits to self-employed and gig workers, and to provide an extra $600 per week as well as an additional 13 weeks of benefits. Get more information.
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act gives employees of covered employers as much as 12 weeks of paid sick leave if you get sick from COVID-19 or you’re caring for a child. Here are the details.
- Which companies are hiring during coronavirus? CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Kroger and Walmart are just a few. See who else is hiring.
- The National Labor Exchange has launched a site listing jobs for immediate hire nationwide. Find jobs near you.
- If you’re a nanny, house cleaner or in-home care provider, the National Domestic Workers Alliance may be able to help.
- Several organizations are helping people who lost jobs in the restaurant or hospitality industries. The One Fair Wage Emergency Fund supports all tipped workers and service workers. Learn more.
- The USBG Bartender Emergency Assistance Program offers grants to bartenders, as well as their spouses and children. Here’s how to apply.
- Another Round Another Rally is giving $500 grants to hospitality workers who lost their jobs. Learn more here.
- The Southern Smoke Foundation runs an emergency relief fund for food service workers. Get the details.
Coronavirus Financial Assistance
- When will you get your economic impact payment? What do you have to do to receive it? Here are the official details.
- The IRS has extended the income tax deadline to July 15, 2020 to give you more time to file and pay. Get the details here.
- If you can’t make rent, search Rent Assistance for local organizations that can help.
- JustShelter is a trusted source for finding help with eviction or affordable housing.
- Mortgage relief may be available as well. Contact your lender directly to see if you can suspend payments with no penalty. If you have a federally backed mortgage (as nearly half of Americans do), you’re protected from foreclosure for a short period and you can request a forbearance (a pause in payments) for up to 180 days. Learn more.
- Got student loans? The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act automatically suspends principal and interest payments on federal student loans through September 30, 2020. Get more info on emergency student loan payment suspension.
- If you’re worried about bank overdrafts or missing a credit card payment, your bank may be able to help by waiving fees or giving you an extension. Here’s a list of financial institutions offering assistance during coronavirus.
- There’s help available for people with car loans, too. If you’re worried about your next car payment, contact your lender and ask for a payment extension or deferral. Automakers, too, are offering extended no-interest loans and deferrals on your first payments to people who buy new cars. Learn more.
- Car insurance bills too high? Don’t let your policy lapse. Instead, you can ask your insurer for a payment deferral or switch to a cheap state-minimum policy. Compare.com can help.
- If you need Internet at home so you can work or your kids can access online learning, Comcast is offering two free months of service for quali/fying families. Apply here.
Food and Healthcare Benefits for People Affected By Coronavirus
- If you’re facing an emergency food shortage right now, call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273).
- Across the United States, food banks are offering free food for people in need. Find food banks near you on FeedingAmerica.org, or search Google for “food banks near me.”
- The U.S. government has rolled out several disaster-relief food benefit programs related to coronavirus. Benefits vary by state — learn more.
- People who get SNAP benefits (food stamps) will, in many states, see a boost to the amount they receive each month. You can apply for SNAP remotely now: Find your state office.
- Did you lose your health insurance benefits along with your job? Here’s some advice on what to do.
Mental Health Resources for People Affected By Coronavirus
- Feeling anxious or panicked because of coronavirus? The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline that provides immediate crisis counseling for people in emotional distress related to a disaster. Learn more.
- If you’re dealing with domestic abuse — emotional or physical — and you’re stuck at home, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
- If you’re not in crisis but you just need someone to talk to, call a volunteer warmline near you. Search NAMI’s warmline directory.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889, is a confidential, free information service, in English and Spanish, for people facing mental and/or substance use disorders.