
Managing Money In A Crisis
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We’ll continue updating this page with resources and information as new details emerge in the world’s response to COVID-19.
A growing number of resources are available if you’re struggling to keep up with bills and expenses amid the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Explore several credit options or banks reaching out to offer assistance. You might even find help from your employer or through government resources.
Taking out new types of credit isn’t much of an option if you’re out of a job indefinitely. But the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is working with financial institutions to help ease the financial impact of the new coronavirus on people.
Below is list a banks offering financial assistance to customers:
Bank | Assistance | Customer service helpline | Where to find more info |
---|---|---|---|
ACNB Bank | ACNB is offering the following assistance:
| 888-334-2262 | Learn more |
Ally Bank |
|
| Learn more |
Androscoggin Bank | Hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. | 800-966-9172 | Learn more |
Arvest Bank |
| 877-483-2940 | Learn more |
Associated Bank |
|
| Learn more |
Bank of America |
Bank of America also paused foreclosures, evictions and repossessions. It will not report any late payments mentioned above to credit bureaus as long as you’re up to date on your accounts. |
| Learn more |
Bank of Colorado | Deferred payments for three months on any current loans. Interest accrues during the deferral period. | 800-227-7715 | Learn more |
Bank Hometown |
All assistance is provided until further notice. | 888-307-5887 | Learn more |
BBVA |
|
| Learn more |
BECU Credit Union |
|
| Learn more |
BMO Bank |
BMO Bank paused repossession actions for consumers and small business loans secured by real estate by BMO. Relief options will not affect customers’ credit scores. | 800-888-8586 | Learn more |
Capital One | Hardship assistance available case by case. Potential assistance varies by product and can include:
| 877-383-4802 | Learn more |
CBC Federal Credit Union |
Additional hardship assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
Chase | Hardship assistance available case by case. Chase may offer the following assistance soon:
| 877-242-7372 | Learn more |
Citibank | Credit card assistance:
Retail bank assistance:
Mortgage customers should reach out for assistance options. |
| Learn more |
Citizens Bank |
Citizens Bank is also temporarily suspending new repossessions and foreclosures for 60 days. |
| Learn more |
Commerce Bank |
Existing customers may be able to take out an installment loan with a deferred first payment and a fixed interest rate. | 833-518-3458 | Learn more |
County Bank |
| 864-942-1524 or 800-726-8689 | Learn more |
CVNB Bank | CVNB is letting customers skip a payment on loans and with the CVNB Mastercard Skip-A-Pay program, developing individual payment plans and offering low-interest lines of credit. | 800-999-3126 | Learn more |
Discover Bank | Hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
Fifth Third Bank | Delayed payment programs for the following products:
Additional support:
| 800-972-3030 | Learn more |
First Citizens Bank | Hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. | 888-323-4732 | Learn more |
First Commonwealth Bank |
First Commonwealth Bank is also temporarily suspending new repossessions and foreclosures until further notice. | 800-711-2265 | Learn more |
First State Bank | First State Bank is providing relief on a case-by-case basis, which might include:
| 402-697-5599 | Learn more |
Five Star Bank | Five Star Bank is providing these relief programs through May 31, 2020.
| 877-226-5578 | Learn more |
Fulton Bank |
Fulton Bank is also offering a credit card and an unsecured line of credit with 0% APR introductory periods. | 800-385-8664 | Learn more |
Gesa Credit Union |
| 888-946-4372 | Learn more |
Horicon Bank |
Horicon Bank is also temporarily suspending new repossessions and foreclosures for 60 days. | 888-343-3040 | Learn more |
Huntington Bank |
Huntington Bank is also temporarily suspending new repossessions and foreclosures through May. |
| Learn more |
Key Bank |
Key Bank is also temporarily suspending new repossessions and foreclosures. | 800-539-2968 | Learn more |
Liberty Bank |
|
| Learn more |
Midwest One Bank |
Midwest One Bank is also temporarily suspending new repossessions and foreclosures through May. | 800-247-4418 | Learn more |
M&T Bank |
Additional hardship assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. | 800-724-2440 | Learn more |
Navy Federal Credit Union |
|
| Learn more |
NBT Bank |
| 888-235-2881 | Learn more |
North Easton Savings Bank |
Additional hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
Northfield Bank |
|
| Learn more |
OceanFirst Bank |
Additional hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
Old Point National Bank |
Old Point is also temporarily suspending new foreclosures. | 757-728-1290 | Learn more |
Olympia Federal Savings |
| 360-754-3400 or 800-865-3470 | Learn more |
ORNL Federal Credit Union | Pandemic State of Emergency Assistance Loan Program:
You must be an ORNL FCU member for at least 90 days and meet other requirements to qualify. | 865-688-9555 or 800-676-5328 | Learn more |
PNC Bank | Hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. | 888-762-2265 | Learn more |
Regions Bank |
Deposit account fee waivers are available based on customer need. Regions Bank will not conduct any new repossessions of vehicles or foreclosures on consumer real estate loans for 30 days from March 20, 2020. | 866-298-1113 | Learn more |
Ridgewood Savings Bank |
Additional hardship assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
Santander Bank | Car loan assistance:
Additional customers assistance:
| 844-728-0999 | Learn more |
Sunflower Bank | Eligible customers can skip a payment without penalty before May 31, 2020. Finance charges still accrue on skipped payments. | 800-552-2432 | Learn more |
Synovus |
Additional hardship assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. | 888-796-6887 | Learn more |
TD Bank | Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. | 888-751-9000 | Learn more |
Truist (Formerly BB&T and SunTrust) |
|
| Learn more |
Umpqua Bank |
Additional hardship assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
U.S. Bank | Hardship assistance available on a case-by-case basis. U.S. Bank also offers discounted loans to consumers and businesses. Discounted personal loans:
| 888-287-7817 | Learn more |
USAA | Valley Bank is offering hardship assistance on a case-by-case basis. | 800-522-4100 | Learn more |
Valley Bank |
Additional hardship assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. |
| Learn more |
WesBanco | Wesbanco is offering hardship assistance on a case-by-case basis. It is also temporarily suspending new foreclosures. | 800-654-6288 | Learn more |
Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo is offering payment deferrals, fee waivers and other assistance on the following products:
Wells Fargo will not report past-due statuses to consumer reporting agencies. It is also temporarily suspending new foreclosures. | 800-219-9739 | Learn more |
Forbearance is a hardship solution that allows you to pause your credit card or loan repayments without facing penalties or damage to your credit score. But it should be used as a last resort. That’s because interest continues to add up while you’re in forbearance.
Lenders typically add interest that accumulates during forbearance to your balance, meaning you’ll pay interest on interest. You also often don’t get an extension on your term, resulting in higher monthly repayments.
You can learn more about the cost of deferring repayments during COVID-19 with our guide.
Our table below is a small sample of lenders — not a definitive list. To ensure your finances stay stable while you’re unable to work during the coronavirus outbreak, check with your lenders to see if skipping a payment is possible.
Lender | Assistance | Customer service helpline | |
---|---|---|---|
Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
| 844-627-2871 | Apply now |
LightStream | Payment relief assistance provided by Truist | 877-820-2103 | Apply now |
Sofi | Offering assistance on a case-by-case basis | 855-456-7634 | Apply now |
Barclays |
| 866-951-1416 | |
PNC Bank | Offering assistance on a case-by-case basis | 888-762-2265 | |
Santander Bank | Offering assistance on a case-by-case basis | 888-222-4227 | |
Wells Fargo | Offering assistance on a case-by-case basis | 888-667-5250 |
The application process depends on your bank or credit union and the type of financial assistance you want to apply for. Generally, you’ll need to follow these steps:
In some cases, you might have to fill out an online application, especially if you’re applying for a loan. After you sign up, make note of the day your repayments start up again if you qualify for deferment or forbearance.
If you’re having a hard time getting your credit card or personal loan payments deferred by your lender, you still have options. Taking out a new credit card with a 0% APR introductory period can help you cover expenses in the short term without paying interest. Or consider taking out a line of credit — which gives you continual access to a credit line you can pull from as you need.
You can learn more with our guide to managing your finances during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Aside from banks, credit unions and lenders, many state governments are offering financial assistance to residents struggling to cover bills during the pandemic.
State | Resources |
---|---|
Alabama | Alabama updated a few of its programs to help those affected by the coronavirus.
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Alaska | While Alaska is still developing a plan for residents and businesses affected by the coronavirus, it has expanded its unemployment benefits. If you’ve lost your job or your hours are reduced because of the COVID-19 outbreak, you may qualify for unemployment. The Alaska Department of Labor has a large list of FAQs to help you understand your eligibility. In addition, there’s a mandatory 14-day quarantine period to help reduce the spread of the virus for those who have traveled outside of Alaska — either between states or internationally. |
Arizona | While you may be eligible for unemployment and won’t have to pay your state income tax until July, as of March 23, there are no special relief programs for those affected by the coronavirus.
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Arkansas | Arkansas has not made many moves to help those affected by the coronavirus, but you can check for updates on the Arkansas State Government website to see if any new programs or services become available.
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California | California’s Employment Development Department offers resources for those affected by the coronavirus.
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Colorado | You may be eligible for paid sick leave and unemployment benefits as well as pay for hours worked as a resident of Colorado.
See the CDLE’s page on the coronavirus for more information on how to file a claim and who qualifies for these programs. |
Connecticut | On Connecticut’s official state website, you’ll find COVID-19 resources for employers, families, schools and travelers.
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Delaware | As of March 24, all non-essential businesses in the state of Delaware are closed. If you need financial support, there are a few programs that could help you and your family:
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Florida | Florida has a website dedicated to information about COVID-19. It includes a list of public services and resources available to residents, including:
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Georgia | The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) doesn’t yet offer resources for workers. To receive unemployment compensation, your employer must file a partial claim on behalf of its employees. If your employer hasn’t done this, contact the DOL for more information on next steps. However, state governments are adapting new policies to help fight the economic effects of the coronavirus. To stay updated, check the Georgia DOL unemployment page for more information. |
Hawaii | Starting March 25, workers in non-essential fields are required to stay at home until April 30. In addition, there are some programs to help Hawaiians who are out of work because of the coronavirus.
Keep in mind that there is also a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for anyone flying into Hawaii to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. |
Idaho | Governor Little announced a statewide 21-day stay-at-home order on March 25. Idaho has a page of information about the coronavirus and has opened unemployment benefits up for people who can’t work during the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition, you may be eligible for other assistance programs throughout the state of Idaho. |
Illinois | The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) adopted emergency rules for those affected by COVID-19. If you’re temporarily unemployed because of the coronavirus or are caring for a family member officially diagnosed with COVID-19, you may qualify for unemployment through IDES. You can learn more about the coronavirus and unemployment benefit offered by Illinois on the IDES website. |
Indiana | On March 23, 2020, Indiana governor Eric Holcomb issued an order that all Indiana residents must stay at home unless working an essential job or performing an essential activity. If you can’t work during this time due to the coronavirus — you may qualify for a few of Indiana’s programs.
Other assistance programs — such as SNAP, TANF and Medicaid — and housing assistance may be available. Indiana has a helpful PDF of resources for those affected by the coronavirus. |
Iowa | Iowans can explore COVID-19 updates and resources on the Iowa state website.
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Kansas | Kansas is offering unemployment benefits to those unemployed due to COVID-19. The benefit offers $122 to $488 weekly, for a maximum of 16 weeks. File applications online at Get Kansas Benefits, with video tutorials to help guide individuals through the process on the Kansas Department of Labor’s website. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has also compiled a COVID-19 resource center for individuals and businesses. |
Kentucky | Kentucky has a dedicated website with state-specific information about the coronavirus, including resources available to its residents. However, it’s only updated its unemployment insurance policy in response to the coronavirus. You may be eligible to file for benefits if you are unemployed or have had your hours cut because of the coronavirus outbreak. If you are struggling financially, you may also be eligible for other state benefits like WIC or Medicaid. |
Louisiana | The Louisiana Workforce Commission has recently allowed workers affected by the coronavirus to file a claim for unemployment benefits. It’s also waiving the waiting period for workers seeking benefits due to COVID-19. |
Maine | As of March 24, all non-essential businesses in Maine are closed until April 8, 2020. Check the governor’s office page dedicated to Maine’s COVID-19 response, for updates.
For more information on how Maine is responding to the coronavirus, visit Maine 211 for referrals and program details. |
Maryland | As of March 23, Governor Hogan has enacted an emergency order that closes all non-essential businesses throughout the state. Resources that are available to help if you’re temporarily out of work because of the coronavirus include:
There are also a number of other resources and volunteer opportunities for Maryland residents who need help or want to help their community. |
Massachusetts | Massachusetts has created a list of COVID-19 guidance and directives to help affected residents.
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Michigan | On March 23, Governor Whitmer signed the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order temporarily closing non-essential businesses. It requires Michigan residents to stay home unless attending an essential activity. Michigan has made changes to its programs to help those who are out of work or financially strained during the coronavirus outbreak.
For more information, visit Michigan’s COVID-19 response page. |
Minnesota | Changes to Minnesota’s unemployment and sick leave regulations can help those facing lost wages as a result of COVID-19:
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Mississippi | Mississippi has a few resources in place for those affected by the coronavirus:
If you feel you may be sick with the coronavirus, check Mississippi’s updated list of testing sites and contact to make an appointment. |
Missouri | Missouri has not expanded many of its normal state programs, but if you are experiencing financial difficulty because of the coronavirus, you may qualify for:
For up-to-date information, you can visit the Missouri Department of Health COVID-19 page. |
Montana | Governor Bullock issued a stay at home directive on March 26 and a 14-day quarantine for anyone entering the state for travel not related to work. Stay up to date by following the official Montana COVID-19 resource page. As of March 30, only its unemployment benefits is updated. If your employer has shut down, cut your hours or laid you off because of the coronavirus, you may be eligible for benefits. Learn more and file a claim on the Montana Department of Labor and Industry website. |
Nebraska | Nebraska hasn’t issued many changes to its current system, but benefits are still available for residents facing economic difficulty during the COVID-19 outbreak. Stay up to date with information by following the official Nebraska page on the coronavirus. The Nebraska Department of Revenue has extended the deadline to file state income taxes to July 15, 2020. And while Nebraska hasn’t updated the process for unemployment benefits, you can still file for benefits online if you are out of work because of the coronavirus. |
Nevada | Nevada has taken some steps toward helping its community in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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New Hampshire | On March 27, all residents of New Hampshire are required to stay at home unless working an essential job or performing an essential activity. If you are experiencing financial difficulty because of the coronavirus, look into these state resources:
To stay updated, visit the official New Hampshire page on COVID-19. |
New Jersey | New Jersey offers comprehensive resources for those affected by the coronavirus through the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL). Some of the programs offered include:
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New Mexico | As of Tuesday, March 24, a stay-at-home order is in effect for all New Mexico residents, and requires non-essential businesses to close. Review a list of essential businesses that remain open on the New Mexico Department of Health’s website. Here are the government resources available to help financially:
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New York | New York is set to put more protections in place for those affected by COVID-19.
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North Carolina | With a stay at home order issued March 30, many North Carolinians may find themselves struggling financially. Resources available to residents across the state include:
For more information, you can call 211 or visit the official North Carolina COVID-19 page. |
North Dakota | North Dakota has introduced a few measures to help those financially impacted by the coronavirus:
Visit the official North Dakota COVID-19 resources page for more information and frequent updates. |
Ohio | Learn more about Ohio’s resources for economic support on the Ohio Department of Health’s website.
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Oklahoma | State Governor Kevin Stitt has issued a safer-at-home order that’s in effect until April 30, 2020. Residents shouldn’t leave their homes except to complete essential errands, like grocery shopping. To review COVID-19 guidelines for individuals and businesses, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s website. Individuals out of work as a result of COVID-19 can file for unemployment benefits online or by phone. Standard waiting period and work-search requirements are waived. |
Oregon | Oregon has created a dedicated webpage for coronavirus information and resources.
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Pennsylvania | Explore resources for individuals, businesses, families and schools on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 resource guide.
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Rhode Island | Rhode Island provides robust support to its residents experiencing financial difficulty during the national emergency and stay-at-home order active until April 13.
For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health official COVID-19 page. |
South Carolina | Resource guides on the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control website are available, but the government has yet to roll out robust financial resources. Those facing unemployment because of the coronavirus outbreak can apply for benefits. Step-by-step instructions on the claims process and eligibility criteria is outlined on the Department of Employment and Workforce website. |
South Dakota | On March 23, 2020, Governor Noem issued a state of emergency. Schools remain closed until May 1, 2020, residents are urged to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited. Health guidelines, child care resources, business support and re-employment information is available on the South Dakota state website. Those out of work or facing reduced hours as a result of the coronavirus outbreak can apply for reemployment assistance benefits online or by phone. The program’s nonpaid waiting week and work-search requirements remain in effect. South Dakota’s Department of Labor and Regulation plans to update its website with information about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program once more information is released about the COVID-19 stimulus bill. |
Tennessee | The Office of the Governor has created a page covering updates to the spread of the coronavirus throughout the state. In addition, there are a few programs that may be available to residents of Tennessee:
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Texas | State Governor Abbott encourages Texas residents to practice social distancing. Gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited and schools remain closed until May 4, 2020. Report price gouging by calling the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General at 800-621-0508. COVID-19 information and state agency resources are listed on the Texas state website.
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Utah | The Stay Safe, Stay Home directive isn’t a shelter in place order, but it may make it difficult for people who are struggling with their finances. Fortunately, Utah has a few resources in place to make things easier:
The Utah Leads Together Plan is designed to help individuals and businesses recover financially, so check Utah’s official COVID-19 page for updates. |
Vermont | While there is a stay at home order until April 15, Vermont hasn’t issued updates or plans for residents who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. However, check for updates on Vermont’s official COVID-19 page.
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Virginia | Virginia has issued a stay at home order effective until April 23, 2020 to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. For residents facing financial difficulty, Virginia has changed a few of its programs:
The Virginia Department of Social Services has more resources for families impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. |
Washington | Washington’s Employment Security Department created a helpful brochure of COVID-19 scenarios and benefits to help you determine resources you might be eligible for.
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Washington DC | Washington, DC is under a stay-at-home order and has a number of resources available to residents of our nation’s capital:
For more information and to stay updated on the situation, visit the Washington D.C. page covering COVID-19. |
West Virginia | Although there is a stay-at-home order for West Virginia residents, there aren’t many programs available for residents facing financial difficulty because of the coronavirus. Parents can find a local feeding site for students. Residents out of work or have had their hours reduced may be eligible for unemployment benefits offered by the state. Check the official West Virginia page on the coronavirus for updates and additional information. |
Wisconsin | Wisconsin hasn’t updated most of its normal services, but if you’re facing a hard financial situation because of the coronavirus, you can take advantage of these changes:
For more help and state resources, visit Wisconsin’s official COVID-19 page. |
Wyoming | State-level COVID-19 task forces in healthcare, education, business, finance and transportation are managing Wyoming’s response to the outbreak. Schools and non-essential businesses are closed and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. COVID-19 resources are available on the Wyoming state website.
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A number of utility, phone and Internet companies are waiving late fees and suspending service disconnections during the coronavirus outbreak. This includes:
Comcast and Charter Communications are also offering 60 days of free basic Internet for new customers, and Pacific Gas & Electric has flexible payment plans for those affected by COVID-19.
You may qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program offers financial assistance with heating and cooling bills, as well as help with “weatherization,” which involves switching to more energy-efficient sources to lower your utility bills.
Some organizations are offering grants and other types of financial assistance to people who are facing hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many of these are available by industry or to high-risk individuals. Funds can run out quickly apply as soon as you can.
Relief fund | Organization | How it works | More information |
---|---|---|---|
American Kidney Fund Coronavirus Emergency Fund | American Kidney Fund | Kidney patients can apply for a $250 grant to help cover medical costs and other expenses. As of June 18, 2020 funds have run out, but you can sign up for a waiting list. | Learn more |
Another Round, Another Rally (ARAR) Emergency Assistance | ARAR | Hospitality workers who either lost their jobs or have had hours reduced due to the coronavirus outbreak can apply for this $500 grant. Applications are on pause as of June 18, 2020, but you can fill out a contact form to be notified when applications open back up. | Learn more |
Apron Inc. Financial Hardship Assistance | Apron Inc. | Restaurant workers who have been employed for at least 6 months in the Louisville, Kentucky area can apply for grants up to $500 to cover bills. Apron Inc. pays your bills for you, rather than giving you the funds directly. | Learn more |
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program | United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) National Charity Foundation | Bartenders who have worked in the field for at least a year and their immediate family can apply for grants from $150 to $500. You don’t need to be a USBG member to apply – but COVID-19 applications have been put on hold as of June 18, 2020. | Learn more |
Coronavirus Care Fund | National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) | Nannies, home care workers and house cleaners can apply for this $400 grant. As of May 1, 2020, funding is only available to members of the NDWA and affiliate organizations. But it may open to all domestic workers in the future. | Learn more |
Door Dash COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program | Door Dash | Door Dash delivery workers can qualify for up to 2 weeks of financial assistance. You must meet the following requirements:
| Learn more |
Freelancers Relief Fund | Freelancers Union | Freelancers can apply for up to $1,000 in assistance if they’ve seen a 50% drop in income due to the outbreak. Applications are closed as of June 19, 2020, but might open in the future. | Learn more |
Free Speech Coalition (FSC) Emergency Fund | FSC | Actors and crew working in the adult entertainment industry can apply for grants up to $300 to cover costs if they have lost work. You can use to cover basic living expenses like groceries and gas. Second round of applications will close June 19, 2020 at 9 a.m. PT. | Learn more |
Healthwell Foundation COVID-19 Ancillary Fund | Healthwell Foundation | This grant covers costs associated with food delivery, medication, transportation, telehealth and diagnostics for individuals who have to stay indoors. Applications are closed as of June 19, 2020, but may reopen. You must be one of the following to qualify:
| Learn more |
Help A Library Out (HALO) Fund | Every Library Institute | Library workers who have lost their jobs or seen reduced hours due to the outbreak can apply for grants up to $250. Applications were suspended on April 23, 2020 but might reopen. | Learn more |
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) COVID-19 PATIENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM | LLS | Leukemia and Lymphoma patients can apply for a $250 stipend to cover nonmedical expenses, like groceries and transportation. | Learn more |
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund | One Fair Wage | One Fair Wage is offering service and tipped workers like restaurant employees and delivery drivers cash grants to help weather the crisis. It doesn’t disclose how much you’ll receive, though it’s likely based on financial need. | Learn more |
Restaurant Strong Fund | Sam Adams and the Greg Hill Foundation | Sam Adams partnered with the Greg Hill Foundation to offer grants to restaurant workers who have been impacted by the outbreak across 20 states. Applications are closed as of June 18, 2020 while it continues to raise funds. | Learn more |
Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) COVID-19 Relief | SAG-AFTRA | Members of SAG-AFTRA who are current on their dues through October 2019 can apply for these emergency grants, which are intended to cover two months of basic expenses. | Learn more |
Souther Smoke Emergency Relief Program | Southern Smoke | Employees of restaurants, bars and their suppliers can apply for a grant through this nonprofit. Grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis, with a priority for applicants with emergency or medical expenses. | Learn more |
The Workers Fund | The Workers Lab | Gig and low-earning contract workers will be able apply for financial assistance through this program, which is currently raising funds. | Learn more |
If your hours have been reduced or you’re temporarily laid off for reasons related to the coronavirus, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. Most states have expanded their unemployment insurance to help their citizens who are suffering from long-term lack of income, including gig workers, contractors and freelancers. In addition, the second stimulus passed by Congress increases the unemployment benefits to 50 weeks — up from the 39 weeks established by the CARES Act.
The second stimulus also approves additional unemployment assistance for up to $300 per week. While this isn’t as much as the CARES Act, it is on top of what your state offers. But because of the delay in signing the bill, your current payments may end before the extension is put into place. While this means you may experience a gap in benefits, they are retroactive — so you should receive backpay on unemployment benefits you qualified for but didn’t receive.
The coronavirus stimulus package also included one-time checks up to $1,200 for Americans making less than $100,000 based on either your 2019 or 2018 tax return. Payments started arriving in bank accounts the week of April 13, 2020.
As of late December 28, 2020, stimulus checks of $600 per individual — or up to $2,400 for families — have been approved. The eligibility requirements are the same as with the CARES Act, so if you aren’t already signed up for direct deposit, learn how with our guide to the coronavirus stimulus checks. And if you receive a prepaid debit card, check out our guide with tips to avoid fees eating away at your funds.
Thanks to the new aid package that recently passed, you may have more access to sick days than you did. But many employers — including Uber, Lyft, Walmart and the State of New York — have expanded their sick day policies anyway so you won’t take a financial hit if you need to self-quarantine for the recommended 14 days.
Caring for a loved one or need to watch your kids while they’re home from school? You might qualify for paid family leave, depending on the benefits your company offers and your state or local laws.
Under the CARES Act, coronavirus testing and preventative care are now covered by all insurance plans, or Medicaid if you’re uninsured. Medicare and some private insurance plans also cover telehealth services, in addition to other medical assistance.
Plus, some companies like Postmates are offering financial assistance to cover the cost of medical appointments if you need testing for COVID-19.
If you have disability insurance on your own or through your employer, you may be able to file a claim if you can’t work due to COVID-19. It typically replaces between 60% and 80% of your paycheck, depending on the type of insurance you have.
With the second stimulus now signed, there are a few changes to federal nutrition programs and guidelines. Children under six are considered eligible for nutrition assistance, regardless of their actual enrollment in a child care program. Students who qualify for a federal work-study program or have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 are eligible for SNAP benefits. And federal unemployment assistance no longer counts as an income or resource when determining eligibility for SNAP.
In addition to the expansion of SNAP benefits, older Americans who are social distancing may also qualify for home-deliviered nutrition service waivers.
The second stimulus bill has provided states with $25 billion in rental assistance. States are instructed to prioritize households with incomes no greater than 80% of the area median. Eligible households must have at least one person who has qualified for unemployment benefits or had a reduction in income. Reach out to your local housing assistance agency and ask if there are any programs in place for renters affected by the coronavirus. And rely on nonprofit credit and housing counselors for help navigating the situation.
If you’re a homeowner, you can request forbearance for a total of 360 days on federally backed mortgages under the CARES Act. And landlords with federally backed mortgages can’t charge late fees or evict renters until January 31, 2021. However, when the eviction moratorium ends, you will owe back rent — which could put you in a dangerous position if the ban on evictions isn’t extended.
Plus, many private banks and lenders are offering relief to homeowners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Find out how to apply for help with our guide to mortgage assistance programs.
Not only did the Department of Education (DoE) waive interest on federal student loans, but it also suspended payments entirely until January 31, 2021. If you have private student loans, reach out to your servicer to find out what your options are — many are offering deferment or forbearance for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Check out our guide to student loan relief during the COVID-19 pandemic to learn more.
Many insurance companies are offering premium forgiveness, delayed payments or postponing canceling policies due to nonpayment. Contact your insurance company to ask about car insurance premium forgiveness due to financial hardship.
Under the CARES Act, you can withdraw up to $100,000 from your IRA or 401(k) with no fee and can now borrow up to $100,000 from your 401(k). There are also no minimum distribution fees on IRAs for the rest of 2020.
However, this is best saved as a last resort. Consider the risks to borrowing from your retirement account before taking the plunge.
From visiting local food banks to finding a temporary job if you’ve been furloughed, here are a few more ways to get help with food and bills:
The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, warns against phishing scams disguised as coronavirus grant programs. If you get a suspicious message on social media from a friend telling you to click on a link to get free money, don’t click.
Usually these are phishing scams, which download malware onto your computer or otherwise steal your personally identifiable information. Delete the message and let your friend know that their account might have been hacked.
From local, state and federal benefits to financial assistance available through private banks and lenders, companies and government agencies alike are teaming up to help Americans weather the coronavirus pandemic. Read up on the latest coronavirus news to stay on top of changing information.
Learn which states are making it easier for you to get workers compensation if you get sick from the coronavirus and which jobs qualify.
Lenders with less than $1 billion can submit applications to this COVID-19 assistance program before it fully reopens Tuesday.
The PPP wasn’t made with sole proprietors and independent contractors in mind. Here are other options that can help.
Ascent guides women entrepreneurs through key steps to starting a business. But its disaster assistance is too little, too late.
If you don’t need your money right now, consider investing in an HSA, blue chip stocks and more.
Grants of up to $10 million for businesses that rely on ticket sales.
You might be able to apply for more funding on your PPP loan, get a second PPP loan or take advantage of a new grant program.
Find out who’s getting checks, unemployment benefits, student loan relief and more.
Replace your biannual checkup with a virtual appointment to save time and stay safe.
Send unlimited messages to your therapist for $260 a month with this app.
To whom this may concern,
I was an employee that worked for a mental health organization that would not pay me my 14 day covid leave and I wasn’t sure if I could file a complaint? I’m taking care of my spouse who was a clinical social worker and lost her job due to an undiagnosed condition and was only paid for a small disablility check and was not compensated either with the 14 day covid- leave pay so I am not sure what to do or what we would qualify for? both of our organizations had options to self quaritine but both had us use all of our sick pay, vacation pay and holiday pay if you want to call it that. My holiday pay was suppose to kick in January 1st but did not kick in until a few months later! I am just trying to take care of my spouse. I saw a grant for $250 if you had paid more then $250 for prescriptions for the year and I had paid more then that for the year. I didn’t know if I should file a complaint or talk with my lawyer? We both were not at our jobs long enough for FMLA so any advice would help tremendously! Does anyone have any advice as I started a gofundme fund for her and wasn’t sure if there was anything else I could do? We do not qualify for a personal loan and our credit cards our tapped out. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thank you and God bless!
Hello Richard,
Thank you for contacting Finder. Sorry to hear you’re going through such tough times.
I understand you’re looking for any financial assistance that you can get and receive given all the circumstances that you have stated. If your hours are reduced or you’re temporarily laid off for reasons related to the novel coronavirus, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits.
The coronavirus stimulus package also includes one-time checks up to $1,200 for Americans making less than $100,000 based on either your 2019 or 2018 tax return. Payments started arriving in bank accounts the week of April 13, 2020. If you’re not signed up for direct deposit, you might receive a prepaid Visa debit card in the mail with your payment on it instead of a check.
Since you are taking care of your spouse, you might qualify for paid family leave, depending on the benefits your company offers and your state or local laws.
Hope this helps. Should you have further questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Best Regards,
Robyn