Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

Here at Trevino Properties, we’re doing everything we can to help you during this strange and difficult time. To make things easier, we’ve put together some of the best resources we could find for coronavirus financial relief.

Here you’ll find information on:

•Deferred payments on bills and eviction protection

•Unemployment benefits, sick leave, and employment opportunities

•What people are doing to help and how you can pitch in

For your income

• $1200 stimulus checks are coming. The government will be sending checks out to most Americans, but amount will vary
  • If you make up to $75,000 a year or are married and make up to $150,000 together, your household should receive $1,200 per adult, with an extra $500 for each qualified child under 16.
  • If you make more than that, you can still be eligible for a partial stimulus check if you make less than $99,000 a year (or if you’re married and make less than $198,000 together). See this calculator for an estimate.
  • Not sure what you made? You can look at a 2019 Social Security statement or, if you’ve done your 2019 taxes, line 8b of your 1040 tax return.
  • For more details, we like the NY Times guide and Forbe’s guide on the stimulus package.
• Expanded unemployment benefits. If you’re now unemployed, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • Benefits are state-run, and many states have expanded their policies. And thanks to the $2 trillion stimulus package, you might be eligible for an additional $600 weekly in federal funds. You can find your state’s unemployment benefits and how to apply here.
  • On top of state unemployment benefits, due to the recent $2 trillion stimulus package, you might also be elegible for an additional $600 in unemployment benefits per week for up to 4 months. Read Forbe’s guide for more details on the stimulus package.
  • For a more in-depth guide on applying for unemployment benefits, see CNBC’s overview.
• Paid sick and family leave. You might be eligible under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act:
  • If you’ve been affected by coronavirus and have been employed for 30+ days at a company with 500 employees or fewer, your employer must provide 2 weeks of sick leave at 100% of your normal pay (capped at $511 per day).
  • If you’re a parent caring for a child whose school has closed, your company must cover 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave at 67% of your normal pay (capped at $200 per day).
  • Note that companies with 50 or fewer employees may be exempt from these policies if it “would jeopardize the viability of the business.”
  • If you’re a gig worker or self-employed, instead of paid leave, you’ll get tax breaks of the same monetary value.
  • For more details, see this Q&A and this overview.
• Employment opportunities. There are open opportunities nationwide at grocery stores, like Costco and Trader Joe’s, and drug stores, like CVS and Walgreens, as well as remote teaching jobs.
• Side hustles help with extra money. Here are 23 ways of making extra money online. And another 200 ways.
• Search for unclaimed property. A small chance, but always worth a shot – you might have money that’s owed to you waiting to be claimed. See here.

For your home and utilities

• Eviction and foreclosure protection. Many local governments are suspending evictions. For the 8M+ homeowners insured by the FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have suspended evictions and foreclosures until 5/17/2020.
• Continued internet service. Many internet companies will keep providing service for customers unable to afford their bills. Providers like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and Comcast are included. Check the FCC’s website for a full list and check your provider’s website for more specific details.
• Continued gas & electric service. Your utilities may stay on even if you can’t pay your bills. Check here or with your local utility’s website for the latest information.

For your debt and taxes

• Deferred credit card payments. Some credit card companies and lenders are allowing people to defer payments without impacting your credit score. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, American Express, Capital One and others have measures of support for customers who contact them. The American Bankers Association has a list of different banks’ policies here.
• Suspended student loans payments. You can suspend payments for 2 months on Federal student loans and possibly private loans too. First, double-check that suspension is the best option for you. For Federal loans, contact your loan servicer. If you don’t know how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call 1-800-4-FED-AID. For private loans, reach out to your provider to explain your financial situation.
• Federal tax extension. The deadline to file and pay your taxes is now July 15. But if you’re expecting a refund, you should file ASAP. Read here to learn more and confirm how this impacts your state taxes too.

Want to read more?

Here are a few more in-depth resources to help you get a handle on your financial situation:

• Forbes has published a Coronavirus Financial Protection Guide.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has helpful information on what to do if you can’t pay your bills or lose your job.
• The New York Times has put together a helpful guide for weathering the financial storm.

Finally, if you have any questions, or maybe a great resource that you’d like to share, email us at [email protected] We’re always happy to hear from you, and we’re going to get through this.

(818) 581-7518

[email protected]

CalBre # 01324975

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Trevino Properties does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Trevino Properties will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.