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These are unprecedented times in Las Vegas and around the world. COVID-19 has drastically altered how we, our families, friends and neighbors live and work every day. We are staying hopeful and optimistic. Our mission to help our clients and community will not pause. While conditions have certainly changed, we will continue to deliver knowledge, drive discovery and uplift our community as we navigate the unusual circumstances COVID-19 has introduced. Take a look at the local resources and information below.
Looking to help those in Nevada who are in need?
Every day, people in Southern Nevada go hungry. Children and parents struggling to have food on the table. Seniors on fixed incomes are forced to choose whether to pay bills or buy groceries. But thanks to Three Square, we can all help out to make things easier for these people!
See how you can help here-->threesquare.org/
Small Business Assistance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources--> CLICK HERE
Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET --> CLICK HERE
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
Unemployment Tutorial
Struggling to get your unemployment benefits, watch the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKU0G2uxOM7AwxvSH-GyeQAgiwxHFzEdF
Stimulus Plan
Under the plan as it was being negotiated, single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child under age 17.
However, the payments would start to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000, and those making more than $99,000 would not qualify at all. The thresholds are doubled for couples.
Student loan payments suspended
The Department of Education would suspend payments on student loan borrowers without penalty through September 30, according to the bill.
REAL ID deadline delayed
The deadline to obtain a REAL ID, federally mandated identification that will be needed for passengers to board aircraft, will be extended until at least Oct. 1, 2021 -- a year past the current deadline, according to a draft version of the Senate stimulus bill obtained by CNN.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/real-id-deadline-extended-1-year-amid-coronavirus-response-1991808/
Historic boost for unemployment benefits
In an unprecedented expansion of unemployment insurance, the federal government would give jobless workers an extra $600 a week for four months on top of their state benefits, which range from $200 to $550 a week, on average, depending on the state.
In addition, lawmakers want to add up to 13 weeks of extended benefits, which would be fully covered by the federal government. Currently, state unemployment checks last up to between 12 weeks and 28 weeks, depending on the state.
Protections against foreclosures and evictions
The bill includes housing protections against foreclosures on mortgages and evictions for renters.
The bill states that anyone facing a financial hardship from coronavirus shall be given a forbearance on a federally backed mortgage loan of up to 60 days, which can be extended for four periods of 30 days each. The legislation says that services of federally backed mortgage loans may not begin the foreclosure process for 60 days from March 18.
The bill also does not allow fees, penalties or additional interest to be charged as a result of delayed payments. It includes similar protections for those with multifamily federal mortgage loans, allowing them to receive a 30-day forbearance and up to two 30-day extensions.
Those with federally backed mortgage loans who have tenants would also not be allowed to evict tenants solely for failure to pay rent for a 120-day period, and they may not charge fees or penalties to tenants for failing to pay rent.
More finding for food assistance
The bill provides $450 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supplies food banks, which are expected to see more clients as job losses mount. Some $350 million would buy additional food, and $100 million would be used for distribution.
The package also provides $200 million for food assistance for Puerto Rico and other US territories, as well as $100 million for food distribution on American Indian reservations.
While it appears that the bill provides billions in additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) and Child Nutrition Program, it would not expand eligibility or benefits.
Contractors and "gig" workers
Independent contractors and so-called gig workers will be eligible to receive federal aid. The language could provide additional certainty to millions of part-time workers who drive for Uber or deliver for Amazon, in what has become a major part of the digital economy.
The provisions are responsive to requests by tech execs including Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who this week wrote to Trump asking for economic support for Uber drivers.
Stimulus bill includes $100M arts funding despite past Trump attempts to cut it
Have Questions?
Employee Paid Leave Rights- Coronavirus: Click Here!
If you think you are sick and best ways to prepare: Click Here! And Click Here!
Travel: Click Here!
Schools and childcare: Click Here!
Utility Resources
AT&T: No disconnects when customers can't pay their bills because of coronavirus disruptions. The company is also waiving related late fees. Like Comcast, AT&T is also providing free access to its public WiFi hot spots. The company also said its consumer home internet wireline customers and fixed wireless internet customers would receive unlimited data.
Verizon: Verizon said it is waiving late fees and won't be disconnecting service for customers "negatively impacted by the global crisis."
T-Mobile: Unlimited data to all current customers who have plans with data for the next 60 days. It will also provide additional data to mobile hotspot users.
Need to reach out for help?
1. Contact creditors right away
If you’re concerned it will be a struggle to pay your credit card balance, student loan debt or utilities in the coming months, the National Consumer Law Center advises contacting your creditors as soon as possible and asking for hardship concessions. This could include putting payments into forbearance (which should be a last resort as interest still accumulates) or making interest-only payments.
2. Banks including Capital One, Chase, Citi and Wells Fargo are encouraging their customers facing economic hardship to contact them to see what they can work out. Credit unions are also offering assistance and loan help. Additionally, you may be able to sign up for a hardship plan, which could mean lower interest rates or smaller fees and penalties for a time.
3. Send temporary hardship letters
If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, your first step should be to seek out a legal advocate, according to the National Consumer Law Center. From there, you can send hardship letters to lenders, like your mortgage company, to see what your options are.
The NCLC provides this sample hardship letter.
