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COVID-19 POLICIES & RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
COVID-19 GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE GUIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
Updated August 13, 2020
The Federal Government has so far enacted four pieces of legislation to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. The first, called the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, allocated $8.3 billion in funding to develop vaccines and therapies, enhance domestic preparedness, respond to the virus overseas, and provide loans to small businesses. The second, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, provided $100 billion in assistance to individuals and families for leave from work, unemployment, virus testing, food aid, and other measures. The third, called the CARES Act, provided $2.2 trillion for a wide range of supports
to individuals, businesses, the healthcare system, state governments, and other entities. The fourth law, called the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, allocated $484 billion for additional small business loans and grants, and for hospitals and testing.
The State of California and Bay Area local governments have taken a variety of steps to assist individuals and families. Before announcing a suspension of legislative business, California lawmakers passed bills authorizing up to $1 billion in funding for emergency medical response in hospitals, support to nursing homes, childcare, and other facilities, as well as measures targeting homeless individuals. Through agency actions, executive orders, and directives, Governor Newsom and local officials are administratively responding to the myriad effects of COVID-19.
New developments occur frequently, and this guide will be updated as additional governmental resources and funding become available.
Updated August 13, 2020
The Federal Government has so far enacted four pieces of legislation to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. The first, called the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, allocated $8.3 billion in funding to develop vaccines and therapies, enhance domestic preparedness, respond to the virus overseas, and provide loans to small businesses. The second, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, provided $100 billion in assistance to individuals and families for leave from work, unemployment, virus testing, food aid, and other measures. The third, called the CARES Act, provided $2.2 trillion for a wide range of supports
to individuals, businesses, the healthcare system, state governments, and other entities. The fourth law, called the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, allocated $484 billion for additional small business loans and grants, and for hospitals and testing.
The State of California and Bay Area local governments have taken a variety of steps to assist individuals and families. Before announcing a suspension of legislative business, California lawmakers passed bills authorizing up to $1 billion in funding for emergency medical response in hospitals, support to nursing homes, childcare, and other facilities, as well as measures targeting homeless individuals. Through agency actions, executive orders, and directives, Governor Newsom and local officials are administratively responding to the myriad effects of COVID-19.
New developments occur frequently, and this guide will be updated as additional governmental resources and funding become available.
Recovery Rebates
The CARES Act provides:
· Tax rebates up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for joint taxpayers to provide many Americans with additional financial relief. Taxpayers who have children will also receive an extra $500 for each child.
· Most eligible individuals can check the status of their stimulus check by visiting the IRS link here:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
· In order to receive a check, a person must have a social security number and not be a dependent of another taxpayer. The IRS will provide rebates to low-income seniors who normally do not file a tax return by basing the rebate on their Social Security Benefit Statement.
· Individuals receiving SSI benefits will get their stimulus check automatically, even if they don’t file tax returns. However, if they also have dependent children, they must visit the following link to receive the extra $500 for each child: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
· The rebates are calculated using 2019 tax returns, or 2018 returns if no return was filed for 2019. Taxpayers who qualify for a larger rebate based on 2020 income will receive it; taxpayers who would otherwise qualify for a smaller rebate in 2020 than they would in prior years will still receive the higher amount.
· Individual taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 qualify for the full $1,200, with the rebate amount decreasing gradually up to incomes of $99,000, above which an individual is no longer eligible for a rebate.
· Heads of household with incomes up to $112,500 qualify for the full $2,400, with the rebate amounts decreasing gradually up to incomes of $146,500, above which an individual is no longer eligible.
· Married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full $2,400, with the rebate amounts decreasing gradually up to incomes of $198,000, above which they are no longer eligible.
· If a taxpayer who would be eligible for the rebate has not filed a 2019 or 2018 tax return, especially a low-income person who may not normally file, they should do so immediately. Refer to the Taxes section for assistance with filing taxes.
· Tax rebates up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for joint taxpayers to provide many Americans with additional financial relief. Taxpayers who have children will also receive an extra $500 for each child.
· Most eligible individuals can check the status of their stimulus check by visiting the IRS link here:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
· In order to receive a check, a person must have a social security number and not be a dependent of another taxpayer. The IRS will provide rebates to low-income seniors who normally do not file a tax return by basing the rebate on their Social Security Benefit Statement.
· Individuals receiving SSI benefits will get their stimulus check automatically, even if they don’t file tax returns. However, if they also have dependent children, they must visit the following link to receive the extra $500 for each child: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
· The rebates are calculated using 2019 tax returns, or 2018 returns if no return was filed for 2019. Taxpayers who qualify for a larger rebate based on 2020 income will receive it; taxpayers who would otherwise qualify for a smaller rebate in 2020 than they would in prior years will still receive the higher amount.
· Individual taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 qualify for the full $1,200, with the rebate amount decreasing gradually up to incomes of $99,000, above which an individual is no longer eligible for a rebate.
· Heads of household with incomes up to $112,500 qualify for the full $2,400, with the rebate amounts decreasing gradually up to incomes of $146,500, above which an individual is no longer eligible.
· Married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full $2,400, with the rebate amounts decreasing gradually up to incomes of $198,000, above which they are no longer eligible.
· If a taxpayer who would be eligible for the rebate has not filed a 2019 or 2018 tax return, especially a low-income person who may not normally file, they should do so immediately. Refer to the Taxes section for assistance with filing taxes.
Family Leave
Federal Law
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides that:
· Private sector employers with less than 500 employees, and certain governmental employers, are required to provide up to 12 weeks of paid FMLA leave to employees who cannot work or telework because they need to care for a child whose school or childcare facility has closed or been interrupted.
· To qualify for benefits, an employee must have been working for at least 30 days.
· Health care providers or emergency responders, and employers with fewer than 50 staff, may apply for an exemption.
· Employers are permitted to make the first 10 days of leave unpaid (employees can opt to use PTO or other paid leave). After this period, employees are required to be paid at least 2/3 of their wage.
· The maximum benefit is $200 per day (which equates to about $52,000 annually for a full time worker) with a total limit of $10,000.
· Most workers must be restored to their previous positions. For workers at employers with fewer than 25 staff
(or 50 if an exclusion is granted), this requirement may not apply if the employer must permanently eliminate the position because of economic or operating conditions resulting from COVID-19, has made reasonable efforts to restore the worker to an equivalent position, and contacts the worker if an equivalent position becomes available within a year following when the leave is no longer needed or expires.
· Employees whose positions are governed by collective bargaining agreements and whose employers pay into pension plans, qualify for paid emergency leave. Employers may make contributions to these plans, and employees may collect payment based on the number of hours worked.
· The law will expire on December 31, 2020.
· Talk with your employer to determine if you are eligible for this benefit.
California Law
Paid Family Leave (PFL):
· California’s Paid Family Leave law guarantees workers six weeks of family leave, increasing to eight weeks on July 1, 2020.
· All private sector employers are covered, and self-employed individuals can opt in. Only some public employees are covered.
· In addition to time to bond with a new child and for personal disability, the law is designed to cover care of a family member with a serious health condition.
· A family member can include a child, parent, spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or parent-in-law.
· Benefits are about 60% to 70% of an employee’s weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,252 (about $65,000 annually for a full-time worker).
· To be eligible, an employee must have been paid $300 in wages during the base period.
· Visit the California Employment Development Department’s page to submit a claim for paid family
leave benefits: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides that:
· Private sector employers with less than 500 employees, and certain governmental employers, are required to provide up to 12 weeks of paid FMLA leave to employees who cannot work or telework because they need to care for a child whose school or childcare facility has closed or been interrupted.
· To qualify for benefits, an employee must have been working for at least 30 days.
· Health care providers or emergency responders, and employers with fewer than 50 staff, may apply for an exemption.
· Employers are permitted to make the first 10 days of leave unpaid (employees can opt to use PTO or other paid leave). After this period, employees are required to be paid at least 2/3 of their wage.
· The maximum benefit is $200 per day (which equates to about $52,000 annually for a full time worker) with a total limit of $10,000.
· Most workers must be restored to their previous positions. For workers at employers with fewer than 25 staff
(or 50 if an exclusion is granted), this requirement may not apply if the employer must permanently eliminate the position because of economic or operating conditions resulting from COVID-19, has made reasonable efforts to restore the worker to an equivalent position, and contacts the worker if an equivalent position becomes available within a year following when the leave is no longer needed or expires.
· Employees whose positions are governed by collective bargaining agreements and whose employers pay into pension plans, qualify for paid emergency leave. Employers may make contributions to these plans, and employees may collect payment based on the number of hours worked.
· The law will expire on December 31, 2020.
· Talk with your employer to determine if you are eligible for this benefit.
California Law
Paid Family Leave (PFL):
· California’s Paid Family Leave law guarantees workers six weeks of family leave, increasing to eight weeks on July 1, 2020.
· All private sector employers are covered, and self-employed individuals can opt in. Only some public employees are covered.
· In addition to time to bond with a new child and for personal disability, the law is designed to cover care of a family member with a serious health condition.
· A family member can include a child, parent, spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or parent-in-law.
· Benefits are about 60% to 70% of an employee’s weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,252 (about $65,000 annually for a full-time worker).
· To be eligible, an employee must have been paid $300 in wages during the base period.
· Visit the California Employment Development Department’s page to submit a claim for paid family
leave benefits: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
Sick Leave
Federal Law
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides that:
· Private sector employers with less than 500 employees, and certain governmental employers, are required to provide paid sick leave to employees who cannot work or telework because of the following situations:
o An employee is under a quarantine or isolation order, is experiencing symptoms and seeking a diagnosis, or has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine because of COVID-19 concerns;
o An employee is caring for someone under a coronavirus quarantine order or advisory described above; o An employee is caring for a child whose school or childcare facility is closed or interrupted;
o An employee is experiencing a substantially similar condition.
· Health care providers or emergency responders, and employers with fewer than 50 staff, may apply for an exemption.
· Full-time employees are entitled to 2 weeks (up to 80 hours), and part-time workers receive the amount equivalent to their average hours worked in a two-week period.
· This emergency paid sick leave is in addition to any existing paid sick leave, vacation or PTO provided by an employer, such as sick leave required by
California law
· Benefits are available immediately, regardless of how long the worker has been employed.
· Employees taking leave for themselves will be paid 100% of their wage, or the local minimum wage, whichever is greater. Workers caring for family members receive 2/3 of their wage.
· For leave taken for oneself, the maximum benefit is $511 per day (which equates to about $133,000 annually for a full time worker) with a total limit of $5,110. For leave taken to care for another person, the maximum benefit is $200 per day (which equates to about $52,000 annually for a full time worker) with a total limit of $2,000.
· Employers who already have paid leave policies must first provide their staff with the sick leave under this emergency program. Employers cannot require a worker to use any other paid leave before using the sick time allotted here.
· Employees whose positions are governed by collective bargaining agreements and whose employers pay into pension plans, qualify for paid emergency leave. Employers may make contributions to these plans, and employees may collect payment based on the number of hours worked.
· The law will expire on December 31, 2020.
California has taken action to expand this 80-hour emergency paid sick leave benefit to food sector workers at companies with more than 500 employees. Food sector employees who are subject to a quarantine or isolation order or medical directive are entitled to the additional hours, including farmworkers, agricultural workers, those working in grocery stores and fast food chains, and delivery drivers.
California Law
State Disability Insurance (SDI):
· Employees who are unable to perform regular or customary work are guaranteed 52 weeks for their own disability.
· Visit the California Employment Development Department’s page to submit a claim for disability benefits: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
Sick Leave (San Francisco, Oakland, and Emeryville have supplemental laws)
Employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and can annually use up to 24 hours and accrue up to 48 hours.
· In-home supportive service workers are covered, but with 16 hours of usable time from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2021, rising to 24 hours on Jan. 1, 2022.
· Hours may be used 90 days after employment begins.
· Eligible uses are for an employee or family member’s care, and for absences associated with an employee’s domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
· A family member can include a child, spouse, parent, domestic partner, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, legal ward, parent of spouse or domestic partner, legal guardian of employee, spouse or domestic partner, or a person with whom the employee is or was in an in loco parentis relationship.
· These standards do not apply to certain categories of workers, including employees with positions governed by collective bargaining agreements that provide express sick time, as well as others.
· Employees who believe their employer is not granting them legally mandated sick leave may file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office within the California Department of Industrial Relations.
· Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations’ page for FAQs about California sick leave in relation to COVID-19: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
Workers Compensation
California will permit workers who are required to work outside their homes during the stay-at-home order and who contract COVID-19 to access workers compensation benefits. The presumption will be that an individual got the virus at work, and employers will have chance to rebut. An individual is eligible if they, within 14 days of performing work at their workplace, tested positive for COVID-19 or were diagnosed with COVID-19 and later confirmed by testing positive. This presumption will be in effect until July 5, unless later extended.
Workers who believe they are eligible should contact their employer right away. Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations’ FAQ page for more info: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/WCFaqIW.html
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides that:
· Private sector employers with less than 500 employees, and certain governmental employers, are required to provide paid sick leave to employees who cannot work or telework because of the following situations:
o An employee is under a quarantine or isolation order, is experiencing symptoms and seeking a diagnosis, or has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine because of COVID-19 concerns;
o An employee is caring for someone under a coronavirus quarantine order or advisory described above; o An employee is caring for a child whose school or childcare facility is closed or interrupted;
o An employee is experiencing a substantially similar condition.
· Health care providers or emergency responders, and employers with fewer than 50 staff, may apply for an exemption.
· Full-time employees are entitled to 2 weeks (up to 80 hours), and part-time workers receive the amount equivalent to their average hours worked in a two-week period.
· This emergency paid sick leave is in addition to any existing paid sick leave, vacation or PTO provided by an employer, such as sick leave required by
California law
· Benefits are available immediately, regardless of how long the worker has been employed.
· Employees taking leave for themselves will be paid 100% of their wage, or the local minimum wage, whichever is greater. Workers caring for family members receive 2/3 of their wage.
· For leave taken for oneself, the maximum benefit is $511 per day (which equates to about $133,000 annually for a full time worker) with a total limit of $5,110. For leave taken to care for another person, the maximum benefit is $200 per day (which equates to about $52,000 annually for a full time worker) with a total limit of $2,000.
· Employers who already have paid leave policies must first provide their staff with the sick leave under this emergency program. Employers cannot require a worker to use any other paid leave before using the sick time allotted here.
· Employees whose positions are governed by collective bargaining agreements and whose employers pay into pension plans, qualify for paid emergency leave. Employers may make contributions to these plans, and employees may collect payment based on the number of hours worked.
· The law will expire on December 31, 2020.
California has taken action to expand this 80-hour emergency paid sick leave benefit to food sector workers at companies with more than 500 employees. Food sector employees who are subject to a quarantine or isolation order or medical directive are entitled to the additional hours, including farmworkers, agricultural workers, those working in grocery stores and fast food chains, and delivery drivers.
California Law
State Disability Insurance (SDI):
· Employees who are unable to perform regular or customary work are guaranteed 52 weeks for their own disability.
· Visit the California Employment Development Department’s page to submit a claim for disability benefits: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
Sick Leave (San Francisco, Oakland, and Emeryville have supplemental laws)
Employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and can annually use up to 24 hours and accrue up to 48 hours.
· In-home supportive service workers are covered, but with 16 hours of usable time from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2021, rising to 24 hours on Jan. 1, 2022.
· Hours may be used 90 days after employment begins.
· Eligible uses are for an employee or family member’s care, and for absences associated with an employee’s domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
· A family member can include a child, spouse, parent, domestic partner, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, legal ward, parent of spouse or domestic partner, legal guardian of employee, spouse or domestic partner, or a person with whom the employee is or was in an in loco parentis relationship.
· These standards do not apply to certain categories of workers, including employees with positions governed by collective bargaining agreements that provide express sick time, as well as others.
· Employees who believe their employer is not granting them legally mandated sick leave may file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office within the California Department of Industrial Relations.
· Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations’ page for FAQs about California sick leave in relation to COVID-19: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
Workers Compensation
California will permit workers who are required to work outside their homes during the stay-at-home order and who contract COVID-19 to access workers compensation benefits. The presumption will be that an individual got the virus at work, and employers will have chance to rebut. An individual is eligible if they, within 14 days of performing work at their workplace, tested positive for COVID-19 or were diagnosed with COVID-19 and later confirmed by testing positive. This presumption will be in effect until July 5, unless later extended.
Workers who believe they are eligible should contact their employer right away. Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations’ FAQ page for more info: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/WCFaqIW.html
Unemployment Benefits
To provide economic relief and enable businesses to survive, California has suspended requirements that employers provide a full 60 days' notice before laying off staff. Employers are required to provide terminated workers
with information on unemployment insurance. California has suspended the normal waiting period to claim unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak.
California has dramatically expanded its workforce to deal with a surge in claims, has begun sending weekly reminders to individuals with outstanding claims that may be approved with additional information, and is implementing an updated call center automation system. Taken together, California expects these actions will eliminate the backlog of actionable claims by the end of September 2020.
· Unemployment Insurance can be used to provide wages for workers who have been laid off and partial wages for furloughed workers who have had their hours reduced.
· The CARES Act created a program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which adds $600 in weekly unemployment benefits, and extends benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and individuals with limited work history—groups that otherwise wouldn’t normally qualify. This program expired at the end of July, and until a new agreement is reached by Congress, the White House has issued an Executive Order extending an additional $300 per week (half the original amount) to unemployed individuals. The executive order is subject to potential lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
· Furthermore, a second unemployment program called Federal-State Extended Duration benefits program (FED-ED) is now available for individuals dealing with prolonged period of unemployment. Beginning on July 1, eligible individuals who remain unemployed or with reduced hours, and have exhausted their previous unemployment benefits, will be authorized for a 20 week extension of benefits.
· Separately, the PUA program also funds an extension of state unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks beyond the typical 26 weeks afforded under California law, provided that California’s unemployment rate remains above a certain threshold, which, per the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, it is likely to.
· The additional $600 per week under PUA applies to claims effective from March 29 to July 25, and is added to the $40 to $450 weekly benefit normally provided to eligible workers by the State of California. As indicated above, this program expired at the end of July, and until a new agreement is reached by Congress, the White House
has issued an Executive Order extending an additional $300 per week (half the original amount) to unemployed individuals. The executive order is subject to potential lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
· Benefits are retroactive to weeks of unemployment starting February 2, depending on an individual’s last day of work, regardless of when a claim was submitted. Benefits begin the Sunday of the week an individual last worked.
· Individuals wishing to collect unemployment benefits must file/have filed a tax return in 2020, 2019, or 2018.
· Under California law, employees who expect to return to their jobs in the near future but are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 are not required to actively search for new work each week. They must meet all other eligibility criteria and remain available to work during the period they claim benefits.
· Visit this California Employment Development Department page for FAQs about PUA:
https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm
· Visit this California Employment Development Department page to submit a claim for unemployment benefits:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm
· Visit the California Employment Development Department’s page for self-employed and independent contractors for more info on SDI and PFL: https://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/Self-Employed.htm
The California Employment Development Department is using federal funds to provide temporary jobs to 600
unemployed and underemployed workers, as well as employment and job training services to 2,590 workers impacted
by COVID-19. Temporary jobs will include clean-up and sanitation of public spaces as well as providing humanitarian
aid, and employment and training services will include training, subsidized employment, and job placement into
in-demand occupations, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.
Individuals interested in accessing these temporary jobs and employment assistance should call their local American
Job Center of California, which can be found below:
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
with information on unemployment insurance. California has suspended the normal waiting period to claim unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak.
California has dramatically expanded its workforce to deal with a surge in claims, has begun sending weekly reminders to individuals with outstanding claims that may be approved with additional information, and is implementing an updated call center automation system. Taken together, California expects these actions will eliminate the backlog of actionable claims by the end of September 2020.
· Unemployment Insurance can be used to provide wages for workers who have been laid off and partial wages for furloughed workers who have had their hours reduced.
· The CARES Act created a program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which adds $600 in weekly unemployment benefits, and extends benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and individuals with limited work history—groups that otherwise wouldn’t normally qualify. This program expired at the end of July, and until a new agreement is reached by Congress, the White House has issued an Executive Order extending an additional $300 per week (half the original amount) to unemployed individuals. The executive order is subject to potential lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
· Furthermore, a second unemployment program called Federal-State Extended Duration benefits program (FED-ED) is now available for individuals dealing with prolonged period of unemployment. Beginning on July 1, eligible individuals who remain unemployed or with reduced hours, and have exhausted their previous unemployment benefits, will be authorized for a 20 week extension of benefits.
· Separately, the PUA program also funds an extension of state unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks beyond the typical 26 weeks afforded under California law, provided that California’s unemployment rate remains above a certain threshold, which, per the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, it is likely to.
· The additional $600 per week under PUA applies to claims effective from March 29 to July 25, and is added to the $40 to $450 weekly benefit normally provided to eligible workers by the State of California. As indicated above, this program expired at the end of July, and until a new agreement is reached by Congress, the White House
has issued an Executive Order extending an additional $300 per week (half the original amount) to unemployed individuals. The executive order is subject to potential lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
· Benefits are retroactive to weeks of unemployment starting February 2, depending on an individual’s last day of work, regardless of when a claim was submitted. Benefits begin the Sunday of the week an individual last worked.
· Individuals wishing to collect unemployment benefits must file/have filed a tax return in 2020, 2019, or 2018.
· Under California law, employees who expect to return to their jobs in the near future but are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 are not required to actively search for new work each week. They must meet all other eligibility criteria and remain available to work during the period they claim benefits.
· Visit this California Employment Development Department page for FAQs about PUA:
https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm
· Visit this California Employment Development Department page to submit a claim for unemployment benefits:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm
· Visit the California Employment Development Department’s page for self-employed and independent contractors for more info on SDI and PFL: https://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/Self-Employed.htm
The California Employment Development Department is using federal funds to provide temporary jobs to 600
unemployed and underemployed workers, as well as employment and job training services to 2,590 workers impacted
by COVID-19. Temporary jobs will include clean-up and sanitation of public spaces as well as providing humanitarian
aid, and employment and training services will include training, subsidized employment, and job placement into
in-demand occupations, especially those where there is an increased need due to the impact of COVID-19.
Individuals interested in accessing these temporary jobs and employment assistance should call their local American
Job Center of California, which can be found below:
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Child Care Centers
· Even though K-12 schools have closed, continued childcare is critical for parents who work in essential jobs in the healthcare, grocery, banking, and other industries. Many childcare and preschool sites remain open.
· Statewide, childcare center licensees are permitted to decide whether or not to continue operating. In the Bay Area, childcare facilities with up to 12 children can stay open, as long as the group of children and the provider remain the same.
· To maintain needed capacity, California has funded up to 20,000 additional state-subsidized, limited-term childcare slots. The CARES Act also provided an increase in funding for childcare capacity, and California attendance and reporting requirements have been relaxed to allow providers to serve more children.
· California has relaxed rules to allow childcare providers to prioritize children of essential workers, children with disabilities who receive early childhood education services, and children who are victims of or at risk of abuse or neglect.
· The state has set up a portal for families with essential workers to locate emergency childcare providers in their area. Visit this page to search for childcare providers: https://mychildcare.ca.gov/
Schools
· Statewide, childcare center licensees are permitted to decide whether or not to continue operating. In the Bay Area, childcare facilities with up to 12 children can stay open, as long as the group of children and the provider remain the same.
· To maintain needed capacity, California has funded up to 20,000 additional state-subsidized, limited-term childcare slots. The CARES Act also provided an increase in funding for childcare capacity, and California attendance and reporting requirements have been relaxed to allow providers to serve more children.
· California has relaxed rules to allow childcare providers to prioritize children of essential workers, children with disabilities who receive early childhood education services, and children who are victims of or at risk of abuse or neglect.
· The state has set up a portal for families with essential workers to locate emergency childcare providers in their area. Visit this page to search for childcare providers: https://mychildcare.ca.gov/
Schools
Schools
· Attendance-based funding will continue to flow to California schools to allow them to take measures to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Schools are directed to use the funds for distance learning, resources for students and families, and to continue paying employees as much as is practicable.
· Local educational agencies are required to publish a written report for their communities explaining the steps they have taken to deliver distance learning, provide school meals in non-congregate settings, arrange for supervision of students during school hours, and to meet the needs of vulnerable students.
· Parents should contact their children’s schools for guidance on where to access non-congregate meals for their children, and may also download the California Department of Education’s CA Meals for Kids mobile application for a listing of Emergency Meal Sites: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp.
· Guidelines have been issued recommending that K-12 schools and other facilities use their sites for pop-up childcare centers, even as many preschool and elementary before and after-school programs connected to K-12 sites closed along with the schools.
· Visit the California Department of Education’s page for more info where families can find childcare and student supervision: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/guidance.asp
· For children who receive special education services through their schools and have an IEP, schools and IEP teams may be offering related services and team meetings virtually.
· Visit the California Department of Education’s page for resources that parents and teachers can use to help with virtual learning for students with disabilities: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/appendix1.asp#four
· Visit the California Department of Education and U.S. Department of Education’s pages for more in-depth special education guidance: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/specialedcovid19guidance.asp https://www2.ed.gov/ policy/speced/guid/idea/memosdcltrs/qa-covid-19-03-12-2020.pdf
· The State of California has announced partnerships with companies and philanthropists to provide over 70,000 laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and internet service for students who are unable to access distance learning. Computing and hotspot devices will be allocated to school districts, with a priority on rural, small, and low-income communities.
· Local educational agencies are required to publish a written report for their communities explaining the steps they have taken to deliver distance learning, provide school meals in non-congregate settings, arrange for supervision of students during school hours, and to meet the needs of vulnerable students.
· Parents should contact their children’s schools for guidance on where to access non-congregate meals for their children, and may also download the California Department of Education’s CA Meals for Kids mobile application for a listing of Emergency Meal Sites: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp.
· Guidelines have been issued recommending that K-12 schools and other facilities use their sites for pop-up childcare centers, even as many preschool and elementary before and after-school programs connected to K-12 sites closed along with the schools.
· Visit the California Department of Education’s page for more info where families can find childcare and student supervision: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/guidance.asp
· For children who receive special education services through their schools and have an IEP, schools and IEP teams may be offering related services and team meetings virtually.
· Visit the California Department of Education’s page for resources that parents and teachers can use to help with virtual learning for students with disabilities: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/appendix1.asp#four
· Visit the California Department of Education and U.S. Department of Education’s pages for more in-depth special education guidance: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/specialedcovid19guidance.asp https://www2.ed.gov/ policy/speced/guid/idea/memosdcltrs/qa-covid-19-03-12-2020.pdf
· The State of California has announced partnerships with companies and philanthropists to provide over 70,000 laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and internet service for students who are unable to access distance learning. Computing and hotspot devices will be allocated to school districts, with a priority on rural, small, and low-income communities.
Health Insurance
The State of California has expanded protections to medical providers to allow them to increase the use of telehealth services and technologies for routine and non-emergency medical appointments. California is also permitting hospitals and health systems to resume certain medical procedures which were previously suspended, including heart valve replacements, angioplasty and tumor removals, and key preventive care services like colonoscopies.
For Individuals with Employer-Provided Insurance
· The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires private health insurers to cover testing for COVID-19 and associated provider, urgent care, or emergency room charges at no cost to the individual.
· Those who have health insurance may also access their health insurance plan’s telehealth and nurse help lines to have their questions answered and receive remote assistance.
For Individuals with Medi-Cal, Medicare, and CHIP
· For those whose incomes qualify them, existing Medi-Cal benefits provide for all necessary treatment and testing services for adults and children as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
· Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and CHIP customers have any applicable cost-sharing requirements waived for treatment related to COVID-19.
· California has created a 24/7 Medi-Nurse line available for Medi-Cal patients without a health plan (fee for service), as well as uninsured Californians, to have their medical questions answered and receive remote assistance. Call 1-877-409-9052 to access the Medi-Nurse line.
· The federal government has enabled Medicare beneficiaries to access telehealth services to receive remote provider consultations for assessing a patient for COVID-19, conducting regular check-ups not connected to a recent or immediate medical visit, as well as mental health counseling and preventive health screenings.
· This also includes regular check-ups not connected to a recent or immediate medical visit, as well as mental health counseling and preventive health screenings.
· Medicare beneficiaries who live in rural areas are able to participate in full medical visits remotely by visiting a telehealth originating site in their area.
· Visit the Medicare COVID-19 page for info on telehealth services:
https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus#500
· The federal government has granted California a waiver to suspend Medi-Cal fee-for-service prior authorization requirements and extend existing authorizations through the end of the public health emergency period. The waiver also extends fair hearing and appeals timelines, simplifies Medi-Cal provider enrollment and screening, and allows reimbursement for services at alternative facilities. A second waiver allows California to lift prior authorization requirements, waive consent requirements for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and to allow for HCBS in additional settings.
For Uninsured Individuals
· Covered CA (the state healthcare exchange) created a Special Enrollment Period this year for uninsured people who were unaware of California’s new individual mandate penalty. It comes at an important time for those who need testing or treatment for COVID-19 or related conditions.
· The Special Enrollment Period has since been extended to June 30.
· In addition, California has expanded financial subsidies for those earning 400-600% of the Federal Poverty Line.
· Visit Covered CA’s page to learn more and sign up:
https://www.coveredca.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment
· For uninsured individuals whose income qualifies them, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act covers COVID-19 testing, with no cost-sharing for the individual via Medi-Cal, CHIP, and other insurance. This will last for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.
· For those who wish to enroll in Medi-Cal, there are no limitations on the Medi-Cal enrollment period, and services are retroactively covered for 3 months prior to the date of application.
· Visit Covered CA’s page for info on how to sign-up for Medi-Cal: https://www.coveredca.com/medi-cal/
· California has created a 24/7 Medi-Nurse line available for Medi-Cal patients without a health plan (fee for service), as well as uninsured Californians, to have their medical questions answered and receive remote assistance. Call 1-877-409-9052 to access the Medi-Nurse line.
For Individuals with Employer-Provided Insurance
· The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires private health insurers to cover testing for COVID-19 and associated provider, urgent care, or emergency room charges at no cost to the individual.
· Those who have health insurance may also access their health insurance plan’s telehealth and nurse help lines to have their questions answered and receive remote assistance.
For Individuals with Medi-Cal, Medicare, and CHIP
· For those whose incomes qualify them, existing Medi-Cal benefits provide for all necessary treatment and testing services for adults and children as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
· Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and CHIP customers have any applicable cost-sharing requirements waived for treatment related to COVID-19.
· California has created a 24/7 Medi-Nurse line available for Medi-Cal patients without a health plan (fee for service), as well as uninsured Californians, to have their medical questions answered and receive remote assistance. Call 1-877-409-9052 to access the Medi-Nurse line.
· The federal government has enabled Medicare beneficiaries to access telehealth services to receive remote provider consultations for assessing a patient for COVID-19, conducting regular check-ups not connected to a recent or immediate medical visit, as well as mental health counseling and preventive health screenings.
· This also includes regular check-ups not connected to a recent or immediate medical visit, as well as mental health counseling and preventive health screenings.
· Medicare beneficiaries who live in rural areas are able to participate in full medical visits remotely by visiting a telehealth originating site in their area.
· Visit the Medicare COVID-19 page for info on telehealth services:
https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus#500
· The federal government has granted California a waiver to suspend Medi-Cal fee-for-service prior authorization requirements and extend existing authorizations through the end of the public health emergency period. The waiver also extends fair hearing and appeals timelines, simplifies Medi-Cal provider enrollment and screening, and allows reimbursement for services at alternative facilities. A second waiver allows California to lift prior authorization requirements, waive consent requirements for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and to allow for HCBS in additional settings.
For Uninsured Individuals
· Covered CA (the state healthcare exchange) created a Special Enrollment Period this year for uninsured people who were unaware of California’s new individual mandate penalty. It comes at an important time for those who need testing or treatment for COVID-19 or related conditions.
· The Special Enrollment Period has since been extended to June 30.
· In addition, California has expanded financial subsidies for those earning 400-600% of the Federal Poverty Line.
· Visit Covered CA’s page to learn more and sign up:
https://www.coveredca.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment
· For uninsured individuals whose income qualifies them, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act covers COVID-19 testing, with no cost-sharing for the individual via Medi-Cal, CHIP, and other insurance. This will last for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.
· For those who wish to enroll in Medi-Cal, there are no limitations on the Medi-Cal enrollment period, and services are retroactively covered for 3 months prior to the date of application.
· Visit Covered CA’s page for info on how to sign-up for Medi-Cal: https://www.coveredca.com/medi-cal/
· California has created a 24/7 Medi-Nurse line available for Medi-Cal patients without a health plan (fee for service), as well as uninsured Californians, to have their medical questions answered and receive remote assistance. Call 1-877-409-9052 to access the Medi-Nurse line.
Banking and Insurance
· The FDIC has encouraged private financial institutions to assist customers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Many national and regional banks are offering relief in different forms to consumers.
· Visit this Forbes post regularly for an updated list of accommodations being provided by banks:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/12/list-of-banks-offering-relief-to-customers-affected-by- coronavirus/#2e01a8523ee3
· California is preventing garnishment of any COVID-19 financial assistance received by individuals from the government to pay debts. This includes recovery rebates under the CARES Act. Funds may still be garnished for child support, family support, spousal support, or criminal restitution for victims.
· California has required insurance companies to refund customers for a portion of their March and April premiums, as well as May premiums if shelter in place restrictions continue. The order applies to at least six types of consumer and business insurance lines, the most relevant for consumers being private passenger automobile.
· No later than August 2020, insurers should provide refunds that reflect the difference in risk, such as from fewer drivers, and relief may come in the form of premium credit, reduction, return of premium, or other appropriate adjustment.
· California has also requested that insurance companies provide 60 days of payment forbearance for all types of insurance, so that customers don’t lose coverage for failure to pay.
· Auto insurers have been requested not to stop or alter coverage for failure to renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration on time, for a period of 60 days (from March 16).
· California has also required insurance companies to waive deadlines for submitting claims and supporting documents until 90 days after the statewide emergency period.
· Visit this California Department of Insurance page for information on working with insurance companies
to access different types of relief: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/Coronavirus.cfm
· Visit this Forbes post regularly for an updated list of accommodations being provided by banks:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/12/list-of-banks-offering-relief-to-customers-affected-by- coronavirus/#2e01a8523ee3
· California is preventing garnishment of any COVID-19 financial assistance received by individuals from the government to pay debts. This includes recovery rebates under the CARES Act. Funds may still be garnished for child support, family support, spousal support, or criminal restitution for victims.
· California has required insurance companies to refund customers for a portion of their March and April premiums, as well as May premiums if shelter in place restrictions continue. The order applies to at least six types of consumer and business insurance lines, the most relevant for consumers being private passenger automobile.
· No later than August 2020, insurers should provide refunds that reflect the difference in risk, such as from fewer drivers, and relief may come in the form of premium credit, reduction, return of premium, or other appropriate adjustment.
· California has also requested that insurance companies provide 60 days of payment forbearance for all types of insurance, so that customers don’t lose coverage for failure to pay.
· Auto insurers have been requested not to stop or alter coverage for failure to renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration on time, for a period of 60 days (from March 16).
· California has also required insurance companies to waive deadlines for submitting claims and supporting documents until 90 days after the statewide emergency period.
· Visit this California Department of Insurance page for information on working with insurance companies
to access different types of relief: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/Coronavirus.cfm
Support for Victims of Domestic Violence
· California has expanded “text-to-911” capability throughout the state, allowing individuals to text ‘911’ for emergency services. California is also working on rolling out “text from 911” across the state, allowing 911 dispatchers to text a caller back if their call is disconnected.
· California is also partnering with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV), Airbnb, and Uber to provide victims with free accommodations and transportation. Through the new pilot, individuals in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento areas will be able to access free accommodations for up to 30 days, and up to 3,000 free rides will be provided in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Following the pilots, expansion across California is possible.
Support for Seniors
The State of California has set up a Friendship Line to provide isolated seniors with emotional and other support. Trained staff also help seniors navigate a variety of issues, including making referrals to other agencies for services and support. The Friendship Line is: (800) 971-0016.
· California is also partnering with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV), Airbnb, and Uber to provide victims with free accommodations and transportation. Through the new pilot, individuals in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento areas will be able to access free accommodations for up to 30 days, and up to 3,000 free rides will be provided in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Following the pilots, expansion across California is possible.
Support for Seniors
The State of California has set up a Friendship Line to provide isolated seniors with emotional and other support. Trained staff also help seniors navigate a variety of issues, including making referrals to other agencies for services and support. The Friendship Line is: (800) 971-0016.
Support for Immigrants
· Undocumented immigrants are currently ineligible to receive stimulus checks or claim unemployment benefits. However, California has set up a fund to provide grants of $500 per adult, up to $1,000 per household, to deal with a variety of financial hardships resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.
· 150,000 undocumented Californians will receive a one-time cash payment, which individuals can apply for beginning in May. Grants will be dispersed through a community-based model of regional nonprofits.
· Separately, state funding is being allocated to Local Workforce Development Areas to provide emergency grants of up to $800 per person to underserved populations, particularly participants in the English Language Learners (ELL) and ELL Navigator programs. Funds are intended to provide basic needs like childcare, housing and utilities, and transportation, as well as equipment and services needed for teleworking. Visit this page for a list of local contacts and award amounts: http://www.oesnews.com/edd-awards-10-million-in-funding-to-assist-california-workers-impacted-by-covid-19
· 150,000 undocumented Californians will receive a one-time cash payment, which individuals can apply for beginning in May. Grants will be dispersed through a community-based model of regional nonprofits.
· Separately, state funding is being allocated to Local Workforce Development Areas to provide emergency grants of up to $800 per person to underserved populations, particularly participants in the English Language Learners (ELL) and ELL Navigator programs. Funds are intended to provide basic needs like childcare, housing and utilities, and transportation, as well as equipment and services needed for teleworking. Visit this page for a list of local contacts and award amounts: http://www.oesnews.com/edd-awards-10-million-in-funding-to-assist-california-workers-impacted-by-covid-19
Public Benefit Renewals
Eligibility redeterminations for Medi-Cal have been suspended indefinitely – clients will continue to receive benefits uninterrupted. CalFresh, CalWORKs, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, California Food Assistance Program, and In-Home Supportive Services redeterminations were previously suspended until June 15. In addition, any CalWORKs benefits received between March 1 through June 30 are exempt from being counted toward the 48-month time clock.
CalWORKs
· Various in-person verification requirements have been waived for individuals applying for CalWORKs cash assistance to allow clients to be served remotely.
· In determining eligibility for CalWORKs, payments received through the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (see Unemployment Benefits section) program will not be counted toward an individual’s income.
· In certain cases, state eligibility criteria have been relaxed for individuals to participate in the CalWORKs Diversion Program, designed to provide a one-time lump-sum payment for a specified need for individuals earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, without enrolling in CalWORKs.
Food Aid
· Pandemic EBT is a new program to provide families of children who receive free and reduced-price school lunch with additional cash to purchase food. Eligible families will receive a P-EBT card by mail in May with up to $365 per eligible child. Families already receiving CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Families not enrolled may apply online starting in late May until June 30, by checking back at this link: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/home/pandemic-ebt
· CalFresh recipients who don’t normally receive the maximum benefit amount for their family size saw additional money deposited onto their EBT cards on April 12, and will receive another deposit on May 10. The value of these deposits raises everyone’s amount to the maximum for their family size (currently $194 for one person and $646 for a family of 4).
· Beginning on April 28, CalFresh beneficiaries can use their EBT cards to purchase groceries online from Amazon and Walmart, with more partners likely to be added. CalWorks recipients can also make purchases online at certain retailers like Walmart. Benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees, however orders of at least $35 have free delivery and smaller orders cost between $4 and $7.
· Visit the California Department of Social Services’ page for info on how to sign-up for CalFresh:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh
· The USDA may issue waivers to permit non-congregate meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which reimburses after-school programs, adult daycare centers, childcare centers and homes, and emergency children’s shelters for meals provided to adults and children.
· Through September 30, the USDA may also waive WIC regulatory requirements in order to adopt new practices to remotely serve pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
· Visit the California Department of Public Health’s page for info on how to sign-up for WIC:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN/Pages/HowCanIGetWIC.aspx
· Increased federal and state funding has been allocated for food banks to deal with a surge in clients. Farm to Family is a California program designed to raise philanthropic donations to supplement government funds in order to facilitate farmer and rancher donations of food to food banks. Visit the California Association of Food Banks’ page for more info about the program: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/farm-family
· Visit the California Association of Food Banks’ page to locate a food bank in your area:
http://www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food-bank
· California seniors who are unable to purchase groceries and cook for themselves may be able to receive three meals a day delivered to them by local restaurants. Seniors above certain income limits, those who already receive federal food assistance, and certain other categories are ineligible. Interested individuals should call their local Department of Aging or similar office to find out if your county or city is participating.
· As referenced in Schools, K-12 schools are required to use their state funds to provide non-congregate meals to students. Parents should contact their child’s school for more guidance, and may also download the CA Meals for Kids mobile application for a listing of Emergency Meal Sites: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp
CalWORKs
· Various in-person verification requirements have been waived for individuals applying for CalWORKs cash assistance to allow clients to be served remotely.
· In determining eligibility for CalWORKs, payments received through the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (see Unemployment Benefits section) program will not be counted toward an individual’s income.
· In certain cases, state eligibility criteria have been relaxed for individuals to participate in the CalWORKs Diversion Program, designed to provide a one-time lump-sum payment for a specified need for individuals earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, without enrolling in CalWORKs.
Food Aid
· Pandemic EBT is a new program to provide families of children who receive free and reduced-price school lunch with additional cash to purchase food. Eligible families will receive a P-EBT card by mail in May with up to $365 per eligible child. Families already receiving CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Families not enrolled may apply online starting in late May until June 30, by checking back at this link: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/home/pandemic-ebt
· CalFresh recipients who don’t normally receive the maximum benefit amount for their family size saw additional money deposited onto their EBT cards on April 12, and will receive another deposit on May 10. The value of these deposits raises everyone’s amount to the maximum for their family size (currently $194 for one person and $646 for a family of 4).
· Beginning on April 28, CalFresh beneficiaries can use their EBT cards to purchase groceries online from Amazon and Walmart, with more partners likely to be added. CalWorks recipients can also make purchases online at certain retailers like Walmart. Benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees, however orders of at least $35 have free delivery and smaller orders cost between $4 and $7.
· Visit the California Department of Social Services’ page for info on how to sign-up for CalFresh:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh
· The USDA may issue waivers to permit non-congregate meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which reimburses after-school programs, adult daycare centers, childcare centers and homes, and emergency children’s shelters for meals provided to adults and children.
· Through September 30, the USDA may also waive WIC regulatory requirements in order to adopt new practices to remotely serve pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
· Visit the California Department of Public Health’s page for info on how to sign-up for WIC:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN/Pages/HowCanIGetWIC.aspx
· Increased federal and state funding has been allocated for food banks to deal with a surge in clients. Farm to Family is a California program designed to raise philanthropic donations to supplement government funds in order to facilitate farmer and rancher donations of food to food banks. Visit the California Association of Food Banks’ page for more info about the program: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/farm-family
· Visit the California Association of Food Banks’ page to locate a food bank in your area:
http://www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food-bank
· California seniors who are unable to purchase groceries and cook for themselves may be able to receive three meals a day delivered to them by local restaurants. Seniors above certain income limits, those who already receive federal food assistance, and certain other categories are ineligible. Interested individuals should call their local Department of Aging or similar office to find out if your county or city is participating.
· As referenced in Schools, K-12 schools are required to use their state funds to provide non-congregate meals to students. Parents should contact their child’s school for more guidance, and may also download the CA Meals for Kids mobile application for a listing of Emergency Meal Sites: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp
Housing
For Renters
· The CARES Act implements a nationwide 120-day prohibition on landlords with federally-backed mortgages from initiating new evictions to recover possession of a rental unit or to issue fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant. This federal eviction moratorium expired at the end of July 2020; however, active state and local eviction rules and moratoriums are detailed below.
· The Judicial Council of California has effectively frozen court action on evictions in California by prohibiting summons from being issued for eviction cases. The emergency rule lasts until 90 days after the end of the statewide emergency, and applies to all eviction cases, even those unrelated to missed payment due to COVID-19, except for evictions that are necessary to protect public health and safety. Landlords who file an eviction will see no action on their case until the emergency rule is lifted, meaning that most tenants will not need to respond to their landlord’s filing until then.
· California has also authorized counties to institute moratoriums on evictions until September 30 if they result from loss of income due to the COVID-19 outbreak – many counties have enacted these moratoriums.
· The state order says that California tenants unable to pay their rent must notify their landlord in writing, no more than 7 days after their rent comes due, that they cannot pay all or part of it. Renters must retain documentation to this effect, but are not required to submit it to their landlords in advance. Tenants are required repay the amount due in “a timely manner.”
· Bay Area governments have enacted local moratoriums, outlined below, that add to these rules:
o San Francisco’s residential eviction moratorium is permanent, barring tenants from being evicted due to missed rent, regardless of the public health emergency end date. Tenants must provide notice to landlords of inability to pay within 30 days of rent being due, and documentation within a week of that. In addition, no- fault evictions, such as Ellis Act removals, are prohibited. Also, a freeze on most rent increases for tenants in rent-controlled units will temporarily apply to increases that are effective between April 7 and September 23, 2020. A moratorium for commercial tenants lasts until August 15 and applies to businesses with less than $25 million in gross receipts.
o Santa Clara County’s moratorium lasts until September 30 and applies to residential and small business tenants. Renters are given one year to pay back rent, during which late fees are prohibited, with at least half of back rent due within the first six months. In addition, no-fault evictions, such as Ellis Act removals, are prohibited.
o San Mateo County’s moratorium lasts until August 31 and applies to residential tenants, as well as commercial tenants in unincorporated areas of the County with annual gross receipts of less than $25 million. Renters are given up to 1 year to pay back rent, with the clock beginning on September 1 and half of the total due within the first 6 months. Tenants must provide notice to their landlord with documentation. In addition, no-fault evictions, such as Ellis Act removals, are prohibited.
o Marin County’s moratorium lasts until September 30 for residential tenants and lasted until May 31 for commercial tenants. Tenants must provide notice within 30 days of rent being due, and documentation within a week of that. They will have 90 days after the end of the moratorium to repay back rent.
o Sonoma County’s moratorium lasts until 60 days after two emergency declarations are lifted, and applies only to residential tenants. Renters are given these 60 days to pay back rent.
Where Renters Can Go for Help...
San Francisco:
· Eviction Defense Collaborative, (415) 947-0797
· Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, (415) 703-8644
· San Francisco Tenants Union, (415) 282-6622
· Chinatown Community Development Center, (415) 984-2728
Santa Clara County:
· Law Foundation of Silicon Valley (408) 280-2424
· Sacred Heart Community Services, (408) 278-2166
San Mateo County:
· Legal Aid of San Mateo, (650) 558-0915
Marin County:
· Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, (415) 457-5025
Sonoma County:
· Legal Aid of Sonoma County, (707) 542-1290
· Sonoma County Tenants Union, (707) 387-1984
For Homeowners
· The CARES Act permits homeowners with federally-backed mortgages to request payment forbearance of up to 180 days (beginning on March 18) from their lender if they are unable to make payments due to impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. This period may be extended upon the borrower’s request.
· During the forbearance period, no fees, penalties, or additional interest will accrue.
· Lenders are prohibited from reporting late payments to credit reporting agencies during the forbearance period, so as not to impact borrowers’ credit ratings. This credit protection lasts from January 31, 2020 until 120 days after the date the COVID-19 national emergency declaration ends.
· The CARES Act imposes a 60-day foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single-family homeowners with federally-backed mortgages, beginning on March 18. Separately, California has ordered banks to halt new mortgage sales or foreclosures for 60 days beginning on March 25, and has frozen most eviction and foreclosure proceedings for 90 days beyond the end of the statewide emergency.
· In addition, four banks – Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citibank, and JPMorgan Chase – have agreed to suspend all California mortgage-related evictions for 90 days. Some credit unions have also agreed to actions like mortgage forbearance and deferred loan payments.
· For owners of multi-family buildings who have federally-backed mortgages, the CARES Act provides up to 90 days of forbearance if the borrower is unable to make payments due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. These borrowers may not charge late fees or evict tenants during the forbearance period.
· Borrowers who may be experiencing financial challenges due to COVID-19 should contact their mortgage servicer to explore their options.
· The CARES Act implements a nationwide 120-day prohibition on landlords with federally-backed mortgages from initiating new evictions to recover possession of a rental unit or to issue fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant. This federal eviction moratorium expired at the end of July 2020; however, active state and local eviction rules and moratoriums are detailed below.
· The Judicial Council of California has effectively frozen court action on evictions in California by prohibiting summons from being issued for eviction cases. The emergency rule lasts until 90 days after the end of the statewide emergency, and applies to all eviction cases, even those unrelated to missed payment due to COVID-19, except for evictions that are necessary to protect public health and safety. Landlords who file an eviction will see no action on their case until the emergency rule is lifted, meaning that most tenants will not need to respond to their landlord’s filing until then.
· California has also authorized counties to institute moratoriums on evictions until September 30 if they result from loss of income due to the COVID-19 outbreak – many counties have enacted these moratoriums.
· The state order says that California tenants unable to pay their rent must notify their landlord in writing, no more than 7 days after their rent comes due, that they cannot pay all or part of it. Renters must retain documentation to this effect, but are not required to submit it to their landlords in advance. Tenants are required repay the amount due in “a timely manner.”
· Bay Area governments have enacted local moratoriums, outlined below, that add to these rules:
o San Francisco’s residential eviction moratorium is permanent, barring tenants from being evicted due to missed rent, regardless of the public health emergency end date. Tenants must provide notice to landlords of inability to pay within 30 days of rent being due, and documentation within a week of that. In addition, no- fault evictions, such as Ellis Act removals, are prohibited. Also, a freeze on most rent increases for tenants in rent-controlled units will temporarily apply to increases that are effective between April 7 and September 23, 2020. A moratorium for commercial tenants lasts until August 15 and applies to businesses with less than $25 million in gross receipts.
o Santa Clara County’s moratorium lasts until September 30 and applies to residential and small business tenants. Renters are given one year to pay back rent, during which late fees are prohibited, with at least half of back rent due within the first six months. In addition, no-fault evictions, such as Ellis Act removals, are prohibited.
o San Mateo County’s moratorium lasts until August 31 and applies to residential tenants, as well as commercial tenants in unincorporated areas of the County with annual gross receipts of less than $25 million. Renters are given up to 1 year to pay back rent, with the clock beginning on September 1 and half of the total due within the first 6 months. Tenants must provide notice to their landlord with documentation. In addition, no-fault evictions, such as Ellis Act removals, are prohibited.
o Marin County’s moratorium lasts until September 30 for residential tenants and lasted until May 31 for commercial tenants. Tenants must provide notice within 30 days of rent being due, and documentation within a week of that. They will have 90 days after the end of the moratorium to repay back rent.
o Sonoma County’s moratorium lasts until 60 days after two emergency declarations are lifted, and applies only to residential tenants. Renters are given these 60 days to pay back rent.
Where Renters Can Go for Help...
San Francisco:
· Eviction Defense Collaborative, (415) 947-0797
· Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, (415) 703-8644
· San Francisco Tenants Union, (415) 282-6622
· Chinatown Community Development Center, (415) 984-2728
Santa Clara County:
· Law Foundation of Silicon Valley (408) 280-2424
· Sacred Heart Community Services, (408) 278-2166
San Mateo County:
· Legal Aid of San Mateo, (650) 558-0915
Marin County:
· Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, (415) 457-5025
Sonoma County:
· Legal Aid of Sonoma County, (707) 542-1290
· Sonoma County Tenants Union, (707) 387-1984
For Homeowners
· The CARES Act permits homeowners with federally-backed mortgages to request payment forbearance of up to 180 days (beginning on March 18) from their lender if they are unable to make payments due to impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. This period may be extended upon the borrower’s request.
· During the forbearance period, no fees, penalties, or additional interest will accrue.
· Lenders are prohibited from reporting late payments to credit reporting agencies during the forbearance period, so as not to impact borrowers’ credit ratings. This credit protection lasts from January 31, 2020 until 120 days after the date the COVID-19 national emergency declaration ends.
· The CARES Act imposes a 60-day foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single-family homeowners with federally-backed mortgages, beginning on March 18. Separately, California has ordered banks to halt new mortgage sales or foreclosures for 60 days beginning on March 25, and has frozen most eviction and foreclosure proceedings for 90 days beyond the end of the statewide emergency.
· In addition, four banks – Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citibank, and JPMorgan Chase – have agreed to suspend all California mortgage-related evictions for 90 days. Some credit unions have also agreed to actions like mortgage forbearance and deferred loan payments.
· For owners of multi-family buildings who have federally-backed mortgages, the CARES Act provides up to 90 days of forbearance if the borrower is unable to make payments due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. These borrowers may not charge late fees or evict tenants during the forbearance period.
· Borrowers who may be experiencing financial challenges due to COVID-19 should contact their mortgage servicer to explore their options.
Utilities
· The State of California has required utilities to continue providing service to customers who are unable to pay their bills because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This applies to municipal utilities; community choice aggregators; and energy, water, sewer, and communications companies.
· The federal government has provided additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Visit this page for California LIHEAP contact info: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap-state-and-territory-contact-listing
· For low-income residents not enrolled, Comcast is providing 2 months of free internet service during the COVID-19 outbreak, after which the rate is $9.95 monthly. Visit their site to redeem: https://www.internetessentials.com/
· The federal government has provided additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Visit this page for California LIHEAP contact info: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap-state-and-territory-contact-listing
· For low-income residents not enrolled, Comcast is providing 2 months of free internet service during the COVID-19 outbreak, after which the rate is $9.95 monthly. Visit their site to redeem: https://www.internetessentials.com/
Student Loans
The CARES Act provides that:
· Federal student loan borrowers are eligible for temporary relief during the COVID-19 outbreak by requesting administrative forbearance until the end of 2020.
· Interest is also waived until the end of 2020 on all federally-held student loans.
· All collection actions on defaulted student loans are suspended until September 30, including wage garnishments, withholdings from federal tax refunds, and other federal payments. Negative credit reporting due to missed payments is also halted.
· Borrowers will continue to receive credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness, and loan rehabilitation.
· Student loan payments made by employers on behalf of employees are excluded from the employee’s taxable income. Employers can contribute up to $5,250 per year.
· Contact your loan servicer to request forbearance and explore your options. If you’re unsure who your loan servicer is, login to your FAFSA account at the link below, or call (800) 433-3243: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing.
· Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s student loan COVID-19 page for more info: https://studentaid.gov/ announcements-events/coronavirus.
· Additionally, most private student loan servicers have agreed to provide payment and other relief to borrowers with privately held student loans. This includes a minimum of 90-days forbearance, waiver of late payment fees, suspension of negative credit reporting, and helping borrowers enroll in other assistance.
California has extended the deadline for Cal Grant applicants for the 2020-21 school year until September 2 to verify their minimum grade point average, and has also waived certification requirements. The requirement to verify Selective Service registration has also been waived for Cal Grant recipients for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years.
· Federal student loan borrowers are eligible for temporary relief during the COVID-19 outbreak by requesting administrative forbearance until the end of 2020.
· Interest is also waived until the end of 2020 on all federally-held student loans.
· All collection actions on defaulted student loans are suspended until September 30, including wage garnishments, withholdings from federal tax refunds, and other federal payments. Negative credit reporting due to missed payments is also halted.
· Borrowers will continue to receive credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness, and loan rehabilitation.
· Student loan payments made by employers on behalf of employees are excluded from the employee’s taxable income. Employers can contribute up to $5,250 per year.
· Contact your loan servicer to request forbearance and explore your options. If you’re unsure who your loan servicer is, login to your FAFSA account at the link below, or call (800) 433-3243: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing.
· Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s student loan COVID-19 page for more info: https://studentaid.gov/ announcements-events/coronavirus.
· Additionally, most private student loan servicers have agreed to provide payment and other relief to borrowers with privately held student loans. This includes a minimum of 90-days forbearance, waiver of late payment fees, suspension of negative credit reporting, and helping borrowers enroll in other assistance.
California has extended the deadline for Cal Grant applicants for the 2020-21 school year until September 2 to verify their minimum grade point average, and has also waived certification requirements. The requirement to verify Selective Service registration has also been waived for Cal Grant recipients for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years.
Retirement Account Withdrawals
· The CARES Act eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty for those who must withdraw money from their retirement savings to deal with an immediate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
· Eligible retirement accounts include IRAs, 401Ks, other qualified trusts, certain deferred compensation plans, and qualified annuities.
· This accommodation applies to withdrawals taken between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
· Funds withdrawn from these accounts are considered taxable over three years; however, individuals are able to recontribute the withdrawn money into their retirement accounts for three years without impacting their account caps.
· Minimum distribution rules are also waived for certain retirement plans in calendar year 2020.
· Eligible retirement accounts include IRAs, 401Ks, other qualified trusts, certain deferred compensation plans, and qualified annuities.
· This accommodation applies to withdrawals taken between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
· Funds withdrawn from these accounts are considered taxable over three years; however, individuals are able to recontribute the withdrawn money into their retirement accounts for three years without impacting their account caps.
· Minimum distribution rules are also waived for certain retirement plans in calendar year 2020.
Taxes
· The White House has issued an executive order deferring the automatic withholding of payroll taxes on paychecks of those earning less than $100,000 annually until the end of 2020. Eligible taxpayers are still required to pay these taxes in the end, but the automatic withholding has been suspended to provide additional income in the immediate term. The executive order is subject to potential lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
· California previously waived late fees on delinquent residential property taxes due between March 4, 2020 and May 6, 2021.
· The federal income tax filing due date was extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020 for all classes of taxpayers. This included deferral of any payments that would otherwise be due on the filing deadline, without penalties or interest, regardless of the amount owed.
· The CARES Act also allows taxpayers who do not itemize (those who take the standard deduction) to take a tax deduction of up to $300 for charitable contributions beginning in tax year 2020. For taxpayers who itemize, it also removed the limit on the amount of an individual’s income that can be itemized for charitable donations.
· Visit the IRS’ COVID-19 page for info on federal tax relief: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
· California also extended its state tax filing and payment deadlines until July 15 for all classes of taxpayers, to match the federal extension.
· California previously waived late fees on delinquent residential property taxes due between March 4, 2020 and May 6, 2021.
· The federal income tax filing due date was extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020 for all classes of taxpayers. This included deferral of any payments that would otherwise be due on the filing deadline, without penalties or interest, regardless of the amount owed.
· The CARES Act also allows taxpayers who do not itemize (those who take the standard deduction) to take a tax deduction of up to $300 for charitable contributions beginning in tax year 2020. For taxpayers who itemize, it also removed the limit on the amount of an individual’s income that can be itemized for charitable donations.
· Visit the IRS’ COVID-19 page for info on federal tax relief: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
· California also extended its state tax filing and payment deadlines until July 15 for all classes of taxpayers, to match the federal extension.