When things get tough, many people, organizations, and government services step up to help the people hardest hit. These unprecedented times are no different.
We’re keeping an eye out for resources that could help you get through this difficult time and listing them here. If you’ve got any tips for us to add, please share them on our Facebook page or email us at [email protected].
We’re in this together.
Who’s hiring
Looking for work during the coronavirus pandemic?
Californians will be matched with jobs and life services at OnwardCA, announced Governor Gavin Newsom.
LinkedIn launched a page for #CoronaVirusHiring with awesome insight into where to find your next temporary or permanent job at places like 7-Eleven, Pizza Hut, Dominos, grocery chains, and others.
Also, these national companies are looking for workers: Papa John’s, CVS Health, Dollar General, Amazon, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s, according to the Skimm.
And you can find a constant stream of gig opportunities through this app called Steady, plus they’re partnering with Amazon to help fill 100,000 new positions.
Finally, LiveOps is hiring about 1,000 new agents who can work flexible hours from home for call center services—answering calls, chats, emails, and more.
Before you land that job, recent changes to unemployment compensation will help you get through. Here are the facts.
Health & wellness
Med students battle misinformation by fact checking your COVID-19 questions, like can coronavirus survive on surfaces for days?
The rules of social distancing: How to go outside safely, shop at the grocery store, order in, set up play dates for your little ones, and more.
Are you experiencing coronavirus symptoms? Use Apple’s COVID-19 screening tool to understand what to do next.
Keep loving your pets. There’s not much evidence to support transmission of the coronavirus between animals and humans. A tiger did test positive, but the likelihood of transfer seems slim.
Know someone with stress or anxiety about coronavirus? The CDC offers tips on how to help them cope.
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems, and it doesn’t help protect you against COVID-19, from the World Health Organization. See the CDC tips on healthy ways to cope, above.
The #PublicChargeRule will not affect families seeking medical care for #COVID19. If you are feeling sick, you should seek help. Read more.
Take care of yourself if you’re in quarantine by following advice from the World Health Organization.
Be prepared if you care for others who are at risk: Know what to do in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, from the CDC.
Learn how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19, from the CDC.
Financial relief and economic impact payments
California is providing a one-time payment for undocumented adults: $500 per adult, capped at $1,000 per household, managed through non-profit partnerships. The following organizations are now accepting applications:
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) 213-201-8700
- Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) 213-315-2659
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice 213-241-8880
Illinois residents are getting some help from a new organization, GetMyPaymentIL.org, to make sure they get their economic impact payments.
The direct deposit deadline for economic impact payments has passed. If you are expecting one still, it will come by mail. Reminder, this payment is sent to you directly from the government as part of a coronavirus relief package. Here are the highlights. And here’s an easy-to-read, comprehensive Q&A.
You can check your payment status using this online tool from the IRS. If you didn’t file federal taxes for 2018 or 2019, you can register for the stimulus payments online.
Those without a Social Security number may not get the coronavirus stimulus payments. Learn more.
Prep and plan for government relief (see above). NerdWallet can help you get stared.
Personal finances & taxes
Protect your finances and be on alert for scams!
Credit reports are now free every week (previous is was once per year). Monitoring your credit report helps prevent identity theft and ensures your personal financial data is accurate. During this crisis, many lenders are allowing borrowers affected by COVID to skip payments without impacting credit scores if arrangement are made in advance (Oportun allows this for qualified borrowers), and you should check your report to verify that everything is reported as expected.
Get expert grocery shopping tips and strategies to help your wallet and peace of mind during the crisis.
Here’s a super easy-to-use tool for finding food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you live in Illinois, your state has taken steps to keep your utilities running and prevent evictions and car repossessions if you can’t make your payments.
Get FREE online help filing your taxes from VITA volunteers to maximize your tax refund.
Deadlines to file your state taxes could be different than filing your federal taxes. Check your state’s deadline.
You are now allowed to delay most tax filing and payments until July 15, 2020.
If you are owed a tax refund, the IRS urges you to file as quickly as possible. File electronically for free and learn more at IRS.gov/coronavirus.
While a number of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offices are closed, some remain open to help people who need assistance filing their taxes. Call 800-906-9887 or visit the VITA website to learn more.
If you’re looking for a bank account, nonprofit Bank On says these banks are safe and affordable, and accounts can be opened online (they’re in alphabetical order, no preference from us):
- Bank of America, Advantage SafeBalance Banking Account
- Chase, Secure Banking Account
- Citi, Access Account
- Dollar Bank, No Overdraft Checking Account
- First Commonwealth Bank, SmartPay Card
- KeyBank, Hassle-Free Account
- Northwest Bank, Compass Digital Account
- Truist Bank, Money Account (available at BB&T online)
- S. Bank, Safe Debit Account
- Wells Fargo, EasyPay Card
Need assistance finding food, paying household bills, or other essential services? Use United Way’s local 211 search or just dial 211 to speak to someone.
Protect your credit during the coronavirus pandemic by taking these actions, provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The information in this site, including any third-party content and opinions, is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Oportun product or service to your unique circumstances. Contact your independent financial advisor for advice on your personal situation.
Personal loans through Oportun subject to credit approval. Terms may vary by applicant and state and are subject to change. If you refinance, you may pay interest over a longer period of time or at a higher rate and the overall cost of your loan may be higher. Loans in NM and WI are originated by Oportun, Inc. California loans made pursuant to a California Financing Law license. NV loans originated by Oportun, LLC. In AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, and WY loans are originated by Pathward®, N.A.. Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply.
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