Coronavirus – Governments and Corporations Provide Financial Assistance

The coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) hit America with a vicious blow that left a nation and its people stunned and staggering. But only temporarily. Despite the heartaches and uncertainties that this silent enemy laid on our doorsteps, it is proving once again how resilient we are as a nation. Collectively, we are making progress and we will get through it – smarter and stronger!

In recognition of the hardships that many Americans face, the federal, New York, New York City, and local governments (even private corporations) have expanded financial assistance for those in need.

The following are examples of direct financial assistance and/or deferred payments that are available to qualifying individuals:

Federal one-time tax payment up to $1,200 for individuals and an additional $500 for each child under the age of 17;
Expanded state unemployment benefits;
Federal unemployment benefits administered through the state offices;
Expanded sick pay benefits;
Under many circumstance payments to companies can be deferred for:
1. cell phone bills;
2. utility bills;
3. student loan debt;
4. car payments; and,
5. mortgage payments;
No evictions for up to ninety days for failure to pay rent; and,
Governmental assistance for food

Attached are links to many websites that provide guidance and contact information for available assistanceFor specific county, city, town or village websites, benefits can most often be found by using search terms such as community service, temporary assistance, financial assistance, etc.

This information is being provided courtesy of Salvo Park Funding, LLC. Salvo Park is a litigation funding firm that provides cash advances to wrongfully injured parties for the cost of living expenses, while lawsuits for such injuries are in process.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, New York state residents should determine what type of financial assistance is available through governmental agencies or private companies (E.g. cell phone companies, utilities, etc.) before seeking a cash advance from any litigation funding company. Under the Covid-19 environment, individuals may be able to rely more heavily on outside assistance than ever before.

FEDERAL

General Federal Website
https://www.benefits.gov/help/faq/Coronavirus-resources

Individual One time Payments for People Who Do Not File an individual Tax Return
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

Student Loans
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

NEW YORK STATE

General Website
https://www.ny.gov/

Prescreen Available Benefits – NYS
https://mybenefits.ny.gov/screening/ScreeningWelcome_input.nysmybw

Mortgage & Rental Payments and Other General Information
https://hcr.ny.gov/covid-19-helpful-links-and-faqs

NYS State Suspends Evictions
https://ny.curbed.com/2020/3/26/21192343/coronavirus-new-york-eviction-moratorium-covid-19

Unemployment Assistance
https://www.ny.gov/services/get-unemployment-assistance
Phone Number 888.469.7365

NEW YORK STATE CONT'D

Assistance for Self-Employed- FAQs
http://search.its.ny.gov/search/search.html?q=self+employment+covid&site=default_collection
Includes Several Contact Numbers

Website for Summary of benefits
https://mybenefits.ny.gov/

NYS Coronavirus Hotline 888-364-3065
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Know Your Rights
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/know-your-rights

CAR PAYMENTS, CELL PHONE, UTILITIES

Cell Phone and Internet Provider
https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/covid-resources/utilities-internet/

Inability to Make Car Payments
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-your-car-payment

Advice from Edmunds Re: Car Payments
https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/coronavirus-car-payment-relief-programs.html

Cell and Internet Provider
https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/consumer/clark-howard/coronavirus-what/TKTARQRRK7XGTQS62BPQ62A7DI/

NEW YORK CITY INFORMATION

New York City
https://www1.nyc.gov/
Bronx County
Kings County (Brooklyn)
New York County (Manhattan)
Queens County
Richmond County (Staten Island)

NYC Update – Benefits
https://access.nyc.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/