COVID-19 and Government Programs: How to Get the Help You Need
If you’re an independent worker, you may have seen a drop in your income due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Your income is based on your ability to leave your home and often interact with many different people, but you’ve most likely been advised to stay home to decrease your risk of exposure to coronavirus. This means you’ll be potentially choosing between your health and making money.
Whether due to job layoffs, economic downturns, or the coronavirus (COVID-19), there are many unexpected life changes that can make it difficult to support your family. If you’re struggling with financial burdens, you should consider applying for government assistance. There are many programs that exist to support you and your family during these stressful times, and they can provide a much needed boost while you get back on your feet.
Program Qualifications
Most government assistance programs are operated on a state level, which means the requirements are different based on where you live. We’ll go through the details of each one, but keep these two general requirements in mind as you read:
For any program, your annual income will need to fall under a certain limit. This number varies based on the state and program, but if you are eligible for one form of support, you’ll typically qualify for many others.
You need to be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (like green card holders, asylees, refugees) to receive government assistance.
If You Need Financial Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
What it is:
If you find yourself suddenly unable to provide for your family’s basic financial needs, you may be able to get temporary support from the TANF program. TANF provides cash for a maximum of five years. You can spend this cash on food, clothes, housing, transportation, medical supplies, and other household necessities.
Who is eligible:
TANF eligibility depends on your household size, monthly income, and housing costs. You must have children to qualify.
Keep in mind that if you’re currently unemployed and you qualify for TANF, you will likely be required to find employment within two years. The good news is that many types of work will count, such as community service and babysitting.
How to apply:
TANF programs are run on the state level, so you’ll need to look up your state’s program here to submit your application.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
What it is:
The Earned Income Tax Credit lowers your taxes for low and middle-income workers. It is a fixed amount of money that you subtract from the amount of taxes you owe. Plus, if the credit ends up being more than what you owe, you keep the rest of the money as a cash refund! On average, people who qualify save $2,476 each year.
Who is eligible:
To qualify for the EITC, you must file your taxes. You, your spouse, and your children will also need to meet several requirements regarding age, citizenship, and filing status. Your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than the cutoffs based on your family size. You can see these requirements and income limits in our guide here.
How to apply:
How you claim this tax credit depends on how you file your taxes.
If you’re using tax software: Most softwares will automatically calculate this credit for you based on the income information you provide. In fact, if you’re eligible for the EITC, you can use free online tax prep through the IRS Free File program.
If a tax preparer is filing for you: Tax professionals will know to be on the lookout for this credit and should do all the work for you!
If you’re filing your taxes yourself: You’ll have to do a little extra work. Follow the detailed IRS instructions for line 18a of Form 1040 (starting on page 38 of this document).
While we are on the topic of taxes, did you know the deadline was extended? Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the IRS recently announced that the 2020 tax filing and payment deadlines have been extended until July 15. Learn more here.
Unemployment Insurance
What it is:
Unemployment insurance is a government program that pays you cash when you lose your job through no fault of your own. The payments typically last for 26 weeks and on average, they replace about half of your regular wage.
Who is eligible:
To qualify for unemployment insurance, you need to have worked for a specific duration (usually the last 12-18 months) and earned a minimum amount of wages. These requirements vary by state.
You are not eligible for this benefit if you are self-employed, quit your job, or fired because of something you did.
How to apply:
You can use this page to find your state’s requirements and process for filing unemployment claims. It typically takes two to three weeks to get approved and receive your first benefit check. After you’re approved, you’ll have to file weekly reports that explain your current employment situation. Make sure to report any income you’re earning from side jobs!
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
What it is:
The DUA program offers unemployment benefits to people who lose their jobs because of a presidentially-declared disaster, such as severe storms, fires, and tornadoes. While DUA amounts are determined on a state level, you should receive at least half of your state’s average benefit amount.
Who is eligible:
You may qualify for DUA if, due to a disaster, you now:
No longer have a job or place to work
Cannot reach your place of work
Cannot work due to damage to your place of work
Cannot work because of an injury caused by the disaster
How to apply:
Your state will announce the availability of DUA after a disaster. You can contact your state unemployment agency to file a claim.
Self-Employment Assistance
What it is:
This government program is designed to encourage unemployed workers to start their own businesses. Instead of regular unemployment insurance benefits, states can pay weekly allowances to help unemployed participants get their new businesses off the ground. This allowance is the same amount that you would be receiving for unemployment insurance.
Who is eligible:
Currently, this program is available in Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon. To receive this benefit, you’ll need to be eligible for regular unemployment insurance.
How to apply:
As soon as you become unemployed, contact your state unemployment agency to file a claim. You can request self-employment assistance if it is available locally.
Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI)
What it is:
This Social Security benefit program provides cash to the elderly, blind, and disabled (including children with disabilities) for basic needs, like food, clothing, and shelter. Many states offer supplemental payments in addition to this federal program.
Who is eligible:
To qualify for SSI you must be:
Blind, disabled, or age 65+
Have limited income and financial resources
Other factors, like your marital status or monthly income, may affect your eligibility. You can complete a screening survey here to see if you qualify for SSI.
How to apply:
You can apply for the SSI program on this website.
Local Church Donations
What it is:
While it isn’t the government, many local religious organizations have money set aside for charitable contributions and community support. If you are struggling to pay rent, utility bills, or other necessities for your family, you may be able to receive support from a local church.
Who is eligible:
Eligibility for these programs depends entirely on the religious organization. Most programs will require you to prove that you live locally (an I.D. or utility bill will work). Often, you do not need to be a member of the congregation. If the church does support you, however, they may require in turn that you attend a self-reliance program or money-management class.
How to apply:
Call churches in your community and ask to make an appointment with their minister or pastor.
COVID-19 Tax Credits
Many states are expanding unemployment benefits to support people who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
Under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), many full-time employees can claim a tax credit that offers a refund credit worth up to 10 days of sick leave if they have to leave work because:
They are subject to a quarantine or isolation order
They are obtaining a medical diagnosis or caring for coronavirus symptoms
They are caring for an individual who is quarantined due to COVID-19 concerns
If you are home caring for a child whose school or day care has closed, you are eligible for up to 50 days of family leave.
This law applies to private businesses with less than 500 employees and all public employers. Learn more about the new COVID-19 tax credits and who qualifies here.
If You Need Help Paying for Health Care
Subsidized Health Insurance (Affordable Care Act)
What it is:
Through the Affordable Care Act, many people have access to health insurance subsidies. This is money the government will pay towards part or all of your health insurance, depending on your income. Learn more about subsidies in our guide here.
Who is eligible:
To receive help covering your health insurance, you have to meet a few requirements:
Income: Your estimated annual income must be under certain limits to receive a subsidy. It’s very important to calculate this number correctly for maximum savings, so be sure to follow our income estimator guide.
Family size: The government takes into account how many people your household income has to support; this includes your spouse and any children you claim as dependents on your taxes.
Filing status: If you are married, you’ll have to file your taxes jointly to qualify for a subsidized health plan. Couples who file separately are not eligible.
Citizenship status: You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for subsidized health care. Immigrants with green cards, employees or students with visas, and refugees can all apply. Get the full list of eligible immigration statuses here.
Location: How much you pay for health insurance depends on your states cost of living, local legislation, and number of insurance providers.
To get a subsidy estimate, answer a few questions here.
How to apply:
Subsidized health plans are sold on Healthcare.gov and state marketplaces (also called “exchanges”). You can search for plans with our customized tool here.
Keep in mind that everyone can shop for health insurance during the Open Enrollment Period, typically during November and December. Otherwise, you’ll need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you’ll need proof of a major life change, like losing job-based health insurance or having a baby.
Learn more about COVID-19 and your health insurance options.
If you need health insurance, we can help you compare plans, find financial aid, and enroll in coverage. Get started by entering your zip code below.
Medicaid
What it is:
Medicaid is a program that provides free or low-cost healthcare. Eligibility is determined by income and around 1 in 5 Americans qualify for Medicaid.
Who is eligible:
Medicaid income limits vary by state. Most states require your Modified Adjusted Gross Income to be below 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (that’s $36,156 for a family of four.) You can find your state’s income requirements on this fact sheet.
Unlike regular health coverage, enrollment in Medicaid is open year-round. You can find out if you’re eligible by answering a few questions here.
How to apply:
You can apply for Medicaid by completing an application on the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly with your state Medicaid agency. You can find your state agency’s contact info here.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
What it is:
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children (up to age 19) for families who earn too much money to receive Medicaid. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women. CHIP benefits vary by state, but all will cover essential care like immunizations, routine check-ups, dental and vision care, and emergency services. Some of these services are free under CHIP, while others require copayments or monthly payments.
Who is eligible:
Every state has different rules about who qualifies for CHIP. Unlike regular health coverage, enrollment in CHIP is open year-round. You can find out if you’re eligible by answering a few questions here.
How to apply:
You can apply for CHIP by calling 1-800-318-2596. Alternatively, you can complete an application on Healthcare.gov and they’ll send your information to your state agency.
If You Need Help Paying For Groceries
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What it is:
The SNAP program provides a benefits card that works just like a debit card. You use it to buy food at participating grocery stores. On average, people who qualify get $133 per month.
Who is eligible:
Eligibility for SNAP depends on how much money you make and what financial resources (like your savings account) you already have. Typically, your annual income needs to be under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. As of 2020, this is about $34,000 for a family of four.
How to apply:
You’ll need to work with your state agency to find out if you’re eligible. To get started, Google “[STATE NAME] SNAP Agency.” Be sure to have relevant information on hand:
Your family members’ Social Security numbers
Your income and bank account information
Your typical housing expenses
Your health insurance information
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
What it is:
Similar to SNAP, this program provides food, health care, and nutrition education for eligible women, infants, and children.
Who is eligible:
This program’s requirements include:
Women must be pregnant, postpartum (you had a baby up to six months ago), or breastfeeding. Eligible children need to be ages 0-5.
Your income must meet state requirements. Typically, it will need to be somewhere between 100 and 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. You can also qualify if you’re already eligible for programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
You must be at “nutritional risk,” meaning you have certain health conditions (like anemia) because you can’t access a quality diet.
You can use this WIC screening tool to see how likely you are to qualify.
How to apply:
You can find your state’s WIC program by using this search tool. In addition to the application, you’ll need to participate in a health screening to see if you’re at nutritional risk. This can often be done for no charge at your local WIC clinic.
Child Nutrition Programs
There are several programs, such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, that provide free or reduced cost meals to children each school day. Learn more here about programs available in your state.
COVID-19 Food Programs
With schools closing due to coronavirus concerns, many students lose access to the free or reduced-cost meals they typically get at school. If this is the case for your family, be sure to reach out to your school. The government has approved funding for many schools to continue offering these free meals.
Community Food Banks
What it is:
Many towns and cities run food banks, which provide food and grocery products to families in need.
Who is eligible:
Eligibility depends entirely on your local food bank’s requirements. Most food banks will ask you to prove that you live locally (usually a photo I.D. or utility bill will work). In most areas, you’ll also need proof of income. Most people who are already enrolled in a government-funded program like SNAP will automatically qualify.
How to apply:
You can search online or use this tool to find food banks in your area. You’ll need to reach out to local food banks to learn more about their individual requirements and set up appointments to pick up your food.
If You Need Help Paying For Housing
Housing Choice Voucher Program
What it is:
This program helps families, seniors, and people with disabilities find affordable, safe, and clean housing. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a voucher from your local public housing agency that you can use to pay for all or part of your rent, and you won’t ever owe more than 30 percent of your income.
Who is eligible:
Eligibility for a housing voucher depends on your annual income and family size. Typically your state determines your Area Median Income. This means 50 percent of people in your area make more than this amount, and the other 50 percent make less. If your income is under this amount, you’ll be eligible.
How to apply:
To apply for a housing voucher, you’ll want to reach out to your local public housing agency. You can also use this resource to find apartment owners that offer reduced rents and apply directly with their management offices.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What it is:
LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills (NOT water or sewer bills), as well as low-cost home improvements that make your home more energy efficient. Examples of these improvements include repairing leaky doors and windows, installing insulation, and replacing inefficient air conditioners.
Who is eligible:
LIHEAP eligibility depends on your income and family size. Families that qualify for SNAP or other benefit programs usually qualify automatically. You can see if you're eligible for LIHEAP here.
How to apply:
To start the application process, you’ll need to contact your state’s LIHEAP office.
COVID-19 Eviction Ban
If you live in a Housing and Urban Development property, or if you have a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration, you are temporarily safe from all evictions and foreclosures. The Trump administration recently announced a nationwide eviction suspension for many citizens. Certain states, like California and New York, have temporarily suspended evictions for ALL residents. Check this list to find out if evictions are paused in your state.
If You Need Help Paying For Your Education
Head Start
What it is:
Head Start is a free or reduced cost program that provides early childhood education and health screenings for children ages zero to five. These education programs help with skills such as literacy and language learning. It also provides support for parents as they work towards financial security, continued education, and other goals. You can learn more about these programs and their locations here.
Who is eligible:
You are eligible for Head Start if you meet the income guidelines (up to $26,200 for a family of four) and if you:
Have children ages six weeks to five years, or
Are pregnant, or
Have foster children, or
Are a parent with a disability
Children who are homeless, in foster care, or belong to families receiving TANF or SSI are eligible regardless of income.
How to apply:
Find a local Head Start program by calling 1-866-763-6481 or using this online guide. Your community program will let you know if you’re eligible and which forms you need to apply.
Federal Pell Grant Program
What it is:
This grant program offers college and trade school scholarships to students who live in low-income households. The most you can receive is $6,195 per year. This money is not a loan and does not need to be repaid as long as you do not withdraw early, change your status (full-time or part-time), or receive other scholarships.
Who is eligible:
The scholarship amount you receive is based on your financial need, the cost of your tuition, whether you’re attending full- or part-time, and how long you’re attending.
How to apply:
To check your eligibility and begin your application, you’ll need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Within one to two weeks, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report that lets you know if you’re eligible for the grant. You must respond in a timely manner to claim your grant.
State-Level Support
Most states’ education agencies offer student aid programs, including grants and scholarships, that are available to residents. You can use this tool to see what funding is available in your state. If you find a program you’re eligible for, be sure to make note of the deadline because you won’t want to miss your chance to apply!
We know that with the rise of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, things can be especially concerning. Hopefully if you need help right now, you can qualify for one or more of these programs. For more information on how to stay healthy and safe during the coronavirus crisis, head to Stride’s COVID-19 Resource Guide for Independent Workers or here for answers to your questions.
