Major City Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Currently, there are a wide variety of federal programs designed to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Federal Payment Protection Program for businesses
In addition to these programs, many states and cities are putting into action extensive resources to provide financial, physical, and even emotional support during this troubling time. If you don’t see your city listed in the guide below, look up your local administration’s website (e.g. “Salt Lake City government website”). They will typically list COVID-19 resources and updates there!
Chicago
Loans + Funding for Small Businesses
If you believe you are eligible for any of these funds, we recommend applying as soon as possible:
The Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund: Provides emergency cash flow to small businesses in the form of low-interest loans. Learn more here.
Tax + Fee Extensions
The following obligations have been temporarily deferred or extended:
State Income Taxes: Similar to federal income taxes, Illinois’s state income taxes have been extended to July 15.
Late Sales Tax Penalties for Food + Beverage Businesses: The state is providing short-term relief from these penalties for certain businesses. More information available here.
Scheduled Tax Payments: If you have already scheduled tax payments online, you can reschedule them to July 15 for additional time to pay. Learn more in this press release.
Utilities + Food
Debt Collection, Ticketing + Towing have all been temporarily suspended.
Gas / Electric Shutoffs + Late Fees are suspended until May, 1 2020 (or until the state of emergency has ended).
Community Service Centers: These organizations can help you find shelter and food if needed; they can also provide support if you are experiencing domestic violence. Find a center near you here.
Rental Assistance Program: This program helps individuals and families in danger of eviction. Learn more on their website.
Free or Low-Cost Internet options are available to eligible families. See a full list of offers here.
Greater Chicago Food Depository: This organization provides an interactive map to help you find local food pantries, soup kitchens, mobile food distributions, and shelters.
Public School Meals: Breakfast and lunch are offered at all public schools to any children under the age of 18. You can request a food delivery by calling 1-773-533-KIDS or emailing familyservices@cps.edu.
Meals on Wheels: This service delivers food to homebound seniors. Learn more here.
Senior shopping hours are also available at many grocery stores. See the full list of times and locations here.
Health + Well-Being
Health Insurance: If you lose your job, you have a 60-day window to find new health insurance. Find your plan in 10 minutes or less here.
Community Health Centers: These locations help people who are uninsured or who have limited to no income find the health care they need. You can use this tool to locate a center near you.
Free Mental Health Resources: A variety of call lines and other resources are listed in detail here.
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline: Call or text 877-864-6388 anytime (they’re available 24/7) for crisis intervention and information.
Childcare
The Illinois Department of Human Services is providing care for children of prioritized essential workers. You can apply for this benefit here.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are currently out of work, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state, including:
Unemployment Insurance: Temporarily available to both employees and self-employed workers, you can receive up to $484 per week. It takes about two weeks to receive your first payment. You can learn more about requirements and apply online here. You may be eligible if you are:
Temporarily laid off due to COVID-19
Unemployed through no fault of your own, including if you must stay home with children because their school has closed
Work Opportunities: If you are looking for employment, you can reach out for support from Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.
Houston
Taxes
The following obligations have been temporarily deferred or extended:
Q1 Taxes: The deadline for businesses to file their 1st Quarter 2020 tax reports has been extended to May 15, 2020.
Utilities + Food
Food Pantries + School Lunches: This map lists food pantries and school meal locations throughout the city.
Utility Payment Support: If you expect to have difficulty paying your utility bills, you can request to be added to this list. The city will let your providers know not to disconnect your services during the pandemic.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are currently out of work, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state, including:
Unemployment Insurance: This benefit, which is now also temporarily extended to independent contractors, is available to many workers who are suddenly experiencing a reduction in hours or loss of work due to COVID-19. Texas provides a step-by-step application guide here. The typical 10-day waiting period is waived; it is recommended to apply online between 10 PM and 8 AM when there’s a lower volume of applicants.
Temporary Jobs: Find a list of temporary work opportunities in Houston here.
Other Resources
The Houston Library is offering access to their digital resources here.
New York City
Small Business Loans + Funding
If you believe you are eligible for any of these funds, we recommend applying as soon as possible:
NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund: Offers zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to small businesses within the five boroughs of NYC. Qualifying businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and a sales decrease of 25 percent or more due to COVID-19. Apply online here.
Tax + Fee Extensions
The following obligations have been temporarily deferred or extended:
Personal Income + Corporation Taxes: Extended until July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest.
Sales Tax Payments + Returns: Penalty and interest may be waived if you were unable to file or pay by the March 20 deadline; request relief online here.
Utilities + Food
Evictions have been temporarily banned. If you are having difficulty paying rent or being threatened with an eviction, visit this page for guidance.
Utility Shut-Offs have been temporarily suspended.
Access NYC: This program helps New Yorkers apply for over thirty benefits related to food, money, housing, and employment. Learn more about the program here and check out this chart to see what benefits you may be eligible for.
GetFoodNYC: This delivery program helps New Yorkers who cannot go out to get food and don’t have access to anyone who can help. More information available online here.
FoodHelp NYC: The city has several food bank resources, as well as free school meals; all of these resources are listed on this map.
ACCESS HRA: For help applying to SNAP (food stamps) or Medicaid programs, work online with this organization. If your work schedule has been reduced and you now cannot afford rent, they can also help you apply for a Cash Assistance special grant.
Zero Income Policy; If you are experiencing a total loss of income, you may qualify for some temporary relief via the Zero Income policy. More info here.
Health + Wellness
Health Insurance: New York has opened a Special Enrollment Period. Uninsured residents have until April 15 to apply for health insurance. You may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage depending on your income. Learn more here. Inside tip: If you lose your job, you have a 60-day window to find new health insurance. Find your plan here.
NYC Well: This 24/7 helpline with trained counselors is available if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Call 888-NYC-WELL or visit here for more information.
NYC Family Justice Center: If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, resources are still available by phone for help with safety planning, shelter assistance, and more. Call 311 to be connected to the nearest center, or 800-621-HOPE for a 24-hour hotline.
Childcare
Regional Enrichment Centers provide free childcare during the outbreak for health care providers, first responders, transit workers and other public employees. Your union or employer should know if you have access to these centers, but you can explore more details and apply here.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are currently out of work, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state, including:
Unemployment Insurance: This benefit, which is now also temporarily extended to independent contractors, is available to many workers who are suddenly experiencing a reduction in hours or loss of work due to COVID-19. The 7-day waiting period has been waived. Due to overwhelming demand, you will need to file on a certain day of the month. Get instructions here, or use this guide if you’re self-employed.
Virtual Career Center: Current work opportunities are listed on this website.
Paid Sick Leave: Depending on your employer and circumstance, you may be eligible for at least 5 days of paid sick leave. Learn more here.
New Orleans
While we highlight some of the most useful resources in our list below, keep in mind that this isn’t everything! Be sure to check out the city’s comprehensive guide to available resources and funds here.
Small Business Loans + Funding
If you believe you are eligible for any of these funds, we recommend applying as soon as possible:
Gig Economy Worker Fund: If you can provide proof that 60% or more of your income is from gig work, and that you’re experiencing a loss of income as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for anywhere between $500-$1,000 in grant money. Learn more about this relief fund and apply here.
Artist grants + funds: If you’re an artist, take advantage of the full list of financial and other support resources here.
Federal Loan Assistance: The Louisiana Small Business Development Center has consultants who can help you apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program. Call 504-831-3730 for help.
Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program: This program offers low-interest (up to 3.5%) loans for small businesses struggling due to COVID-19. Businesses with less than 100 workers are eligible. Loan amounts can be up to $100,000 and payment isn’t due for the first 6 months. More details available here.
Tax + Fee Extensions
The following obligations have been temporarily deferred or extended:
Sales Tax Returns and payments have been delayed until May 20, 2020.
Individual Income Tax Returns and payments are not due until July 15, 2020.
Many other tax deadlines have been extended. See the new deadlines listed in this chart.
Utilities + Food
Rental Assistance: Families experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply for grants to help pay rent (average amount is $750). Read more details about the program here, and apply here.
Evictions: Suspended until April 24, 2020. Further orders may follow at that time.
Water and Electricity Shutoffs are temporarily suspended. You will still owe money for the bills you miss.
Cox Internet is temporarily available for free to families that are eligible for the National School Lunch Program or SNAP. Learn more here
AT&T is also offering discounted internet to limited income households.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services offers free, civil legal aid to low-income people who need support with rental assistance, foreclosure mitigation, etc. More information available here.
Free “Drive Up” Food Pantries exist in the city for gig workers. Head here for details on when and where to access these services.
Second Harvest Food Bank has tools to help you find a food pantry in your community, as well as lists of schools offering free meals here.
After School Meal Distribution: This service provides hot meals for students from 4-6 PM at local recreation centers. See locations here.
JNLO Diaper Bank: This useful resource exists for families who have difficulty affording diapers and feminine hygiene products during this crisis. Learn more here.
Health + Well-Being
Health Insurance: If you lose your employment, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period and can find new health insurance. Find your plan in 10 minutes or less here.
Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline: Call 1-866-310-7977 to chat with trained counselors if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
Additional counseling services are listed on this website.
Domestic Violence Services: Resources for families experiencing domestic violence, including safety planning, emergency protection orders, etc, are available in Louisiana via the following organizations:
New Orleans Family Justice Center: (504) 866-9554
Women With A Vision: (504) 302-8822
Metro Centers for Community Advocacy: 504-837-5400
Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response: (855) 435-STAR
Unemployment Benefits
If you are currently out of work, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state, including:
Unemployment Insurance: You may be eligible for up to $247 a week if:
Your hours were reduced
Your workplace closed temporarily and you are not being compensated
You have been instructed not to go to work and are not being paid while at home.
Keep in mind that under new legislation self-employed workers are also allowed to temporarily apply for unemployment insurance. More information on how to file a Louisiana unemployment insurance claim here.
Job opportunities are currently available at companies in need of temporary workers. See the list of opportunities here.
Other Resources
Mutual Aid: This community-run Facebook page helps share resources and meet needs. Join the group and participate here.
San Francisco
For COVID-19 official updates in San Francisco, sign up for text alerts by texting COVID19SF to the shortcode: 888-777.
Loans + Funding for Small Businesses
If you believe you are eligible for any of these funds, we recommend applying as soon as possible:
The Small Business Emergency Loan Fund: A zero-interest loan of up to $50,000. Repayment schedule and terms will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applications opened on April 6, 2020; check here for updates.
Reimbursed Sick Leave: If you run a small business and pay your SF-based employees for extra sick time, you may be eligible for reimbursements from the city. Currently, the funding has been reserved, but you can join a waitlist in case extra funds become available.
Arts Loan Fund: Low-interest loans of up to $50,000 for small- to mid-sized arts organizations. These loans are expected to be used to pay your staff, artists, rent, and other operating costs during the pandemic. See requirements and application details here.
Artist + Art Organization Grants: A new grant program offering up to $2,000 grants to individual artists and between $5,000-$25,000 to art organizations. Individual artists must be full-time SF residents and cannot currently be receiving unemployment benefits. Check eligibility and apply online here.
Additional Resources for Businesses:
San Francisco’s list of resources for businesses (updated daily)
California’s Small Business Development Center’s COVID-19 survival guide
Tax + Fee Extensions
The following obligations have been temporarily deferred or extended:
Quarterly Taxes: These estimated tax payments are now waived. They will be due when you file your 2020 taxes. More details online here.
Licensing + Permit Fees: San Francisco license fees typically need to be paid by March 31, but now are not due until June 30, 2020. Learn more here.
State Payroll Reports + Taxes: If you’re an employer experiencing hardships from COVID-19, you may be eligible for a 60-day extension to file state payroll reports without penalty. Learn more about how to request an extension here.
State Income Taxes: Similar to federal income taxes, CA’s state income taxes have been extended. The following are eligible for extra time to file and pay returns:
Individual filers: you now have a 60-day extension to file and pay by June 15.
Partnerships and LLCs (taxed as partnerships): Tax returns due March 15 now have a 90-day extension to file and pay by June 15.
Evictions + Leases
Evictions prohibited: Commercial and residential evictions are prohibited until May 3, 2020.
Commercial Lease Assistance: Available to small businesses at risk of displacement. Apply for help with lease review, negotiation, and other services here.
Utilities + Food
Water Shutoffs + Late Fees are suspended 60 days.
PG&E Electricity Shutoffs are suspended indefinitely.
Free or Low-Cost Internet is available to eligible households. Learn more here.
Free Grab + Go Meals are available to all children while schools are closed. See the map of locations and distribution times here.
Health + Well-Being
Health Insurance: Covered California has opened a Special Enrollment Period allowing Californians to apply for health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage depending on your income. Learn more here. Inside tip: If you lose your job, you have a 60-day window to find new health insurance. Find your plan here.
Medi-Cal: California placed a 90-day hold on Medi-Cal renewals; if you are already enrolled in this program, you will continue to have access to these benefits for a few more months before your application is revisited.
Childcare
Free emergency child care (ages Kindergarten-8th grade) is currently being offered at Recreation and Park Department sites for the following groups:
Healthcare workers in private and public hospitals
Disaster Service Workers
Essential Department of Public Health employees
Employees who are part of the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium
Most eligible employees will have already received an invitation for this service, as registration is not open to the public. If you think you are eligible but haven’t received an invitation, you can request one here. You can also sign up to receive updates as additional slots for low-income families may open up.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are currently out of work, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state, including:
Unemployment Insurance: Temporarily available to both employees and self-employed workers, this benefit ranges from $40-$450 per week for up to 26 weeks. You can apply online here. You may be eligible if:
Your hours were reduced
Your children’s school is closed
You were separated from your employer
You are subject to quarantine
OnwardCA: This new service connects individuals recently unemployed due to COVID-19 with essentials (like money, food, and shelter) and new employment. Learn more here.
State Disability Insurance: If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive 60-70% of missed wages (up to $1,300 a week). Learn more here.
Paid Family Leave: If you are unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (or if your child is home from school because of COVID-19), you may be eligible for 60-70% of missed wages (up to $1,300 a week). You can check your eligibility here and apply for the benefit here.
Seattle
While we highlight some of the most useful resources in our list below, keep in mind that this isn’t everything! Be sure to check out Seattle’s comprehensive guide to available resources and funds here.
Loans + Funding for Small Businesses
If you believe you are eligible for any of these funds, we recommend applying as soon as possible:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Support: If you have fewer than five employees, you may be eligible for free accounting and financing consulting services through Seattle’s Office of Economic Development; they can help you apply for this new federal business loan. Find out how to get help here.
Artist Funds: Several artist resources and support funds are listed here.
Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund: Small, Seattle-based businesses in service or retail industries (such as restaurants, coffee shops, and beauty salons) are eligible to receive grants of varying amounts. Apply for this fund here.
Tax + Fee Extensions
The following obligations have been temporarily deferred or extended:
Business and Occupation Taxes: If you owe B&O taxes, you can request that they be deferred until late 2020 by emailing tax@seattle.gov.
Utilities + Food
Seattle residents can access the following resources during this pandemic:
Utility Shutoffs: Utilities will not be shut off during the outbreak. Households struggling financially can request a deferred payment plan with reversed late fees here.
Additionally, you may be eligible for the Utility Discount Program, which helps lower Seattle City Light and Public Utility bills by 50-60 percent. Learn more here.
Evictions are officially halted until the publicly-declared Civil Emergency ends. FAQs about this policy here.
Internet: Comcast is offering 2 months free to new Internet Essentials customers. Learn more here.
Food Pick-Ups and Deliveries for Families in Need:
Food banks and other free meal options are listed on this map.
Local organizations offering grocery drops, pre-packaged food pickups, and more, listed here.
Free School Lunches: Available to all Seattle Public School students, these lunches are distributed from 11 AM - 1 PM every weekday at 25 school sites. More information available here.
Additionally, families with students at Chief Seath, Evergreen, Rainier Beach, and Tyee schools can request free groceries delivered to their home. Learn more about this service here.
Meals for Seniors: Seniors ages 60+ who can’t leave the home are able to request home-delivered meals here.
Seniors also have exclusive shopping hours at most grocery stores in Seattle. See hours and specifics here .
Emergency Food Vouchers: Certain families can receive vouchers worth $400 a month to spend at Safeway stores. More information can be found here.
Health + Well-Being
Free and Charitable Clinics: Depending on your county, you may have access to free medical clinics. You can see the list of locations here.
No Co-Pays or Deductibles for COVID-19 Testing: Until May 4, 2020, Washington state health insurers are required to waive co-pay and deductible fees related to COVID-19 testing. For more details, you can read this press release.
Health Insurance: If you don’t currently have health insurance, you have until May 8, 2020 to shop for a plan through Washington’s health insurance exchange. Compare plan options here. Inside tip: If you lose your job, you have a 60-day window to find new health insurance. Find your plan here.
Free Shower Program: Five Seattle-based recreation facilities will stay open for vulnerable populations who rely on those centers for hygiene services. Showers, bathrooms, and hand washing stations will remain open. See the locations and schedules here.
Mental Health Line: You can access this peer support line for help with anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health struggles during this time. Calls are answered by specially-trained volunteers who have dealt with mental health challenges themselves. Call 1-866-427-4747 or visit this website for more information.
Childcare
Public School Child Care is currently available; the program prioritizes students of families who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program, as well as children of essential workers. You can see programs with availability for more children here.
Emergency Child Care: This service offers free childcare for front-line essential workers (e.g. healthcare, emergency services, grocery sectors). Your employer should know if you are eligible for this benefit. You can also read more information online here.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are currently out of work, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state, such as Paid Sick Leave, Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and Industrial Insurance. Use this infographic as a helpful checklist to determine whether or not you may eligible for any of these benefits.
Unemployment Insurance: This benefit, paid by the state, provides weekly compensation for the time you are out of work. You should apply online for the fastest results. You may be eligible for unemployment insurance during this pandemic if:
Your hours are reduced
Your children’s school is closed
Your employer shuts down your business
You are subject to quarantine (or advised to self-quarantine because you are immunocompromised)
Paid Family and Medical Leave: This program provides paid time off to workers who are very sick due to COVID-19, as well as workers caring for sick family members. You can apply online here.
Other benefits
The Seattle Public Library is allowing locals to apply for a digital library card. This provides access to their extensive digital resources available online here.
For a full, updated list of Seattle’s resources and programs, check the city’s COVID-19 page here.
For additional COVID-19 resources, please visit our guide here.