Stay informed of the current COVID-19 situation by visiting the government agency pages below. These state-sponsored sites have the necessary guides to help you protect your health and manage your personal or business finances.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Key Resources
- U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 Guidance & Debt Relief Options
- Protecting your finances during the coronavirus pandemic – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Your Frequently Asked COVID-19 Legal Questions
Here are the answers to your most frequently asked coronavirus questions regarding:
Rentals & Real Estate
Can I get evicted during the coronavirus pandemic?
The coronavirus relief bill, CARES, includes a federal eviction moratorium prohibiting landlords from serving tenants eviction notices or charging fees for late rent until July 25, 2020. Individual states have issued their own relief programs and legislation during COVID-19. Consult your state’s laws to find out what measures are being taken to protect renters in your area. You can find out if the property you’re renting is protected from eviction by entering your address in a searchable database.
Is there relief for renters during the coronavirus pandemic?
You may be eligible for rent forbearance (postponement of rent payments) or rent assistance from a state, local, or social service agency.
Contact the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to learn more about rental assistance, housing vouchers, public housing, and housing for the elderly.
Many states have issued a utility moratorium suspending the disconnection of public utilities in the event of nonpayment due to financial hardships during COVID-19. Consult your state’s utility commission to find out what protections apply to you.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has temporarily suspended usage requirements, recertification, reverification de-enrollment, and general de-enrollment procedures for Lifeline services (communication services for low-income consumers) until August 31, 2020.
Contact the following organizations if you live in a property protected by the eviction moratorium and have been issued an eviction notice by your landlord.
How does mortgage forbearance work under the CARES Act?
You may be eligible for mortgage forbearance (delay of foreclosure when the borrower is unable to meet repayment agreements) under the CARES Act if your mortgage is backed by a federal agency such as:
- Fannie Mae
- Freddie Mac
- Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Private mortgage loans are not eligible for forbearance under the CARES Act. Contact your mortgage provider to inquire if they have payment assistance programs available.
Business
Can small businesses apply for any kind of benefit because of coronavirus?
Small businesses have access to the following relief assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Deferment of existing loans guaranteed by the SBA for 6 months
- Paycheck Protection Program loans at an interest rate of 1%
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $10,000
- Forgiveness of funds from the Paycheck Protection Program used for payroll (75%), mortgage interest payments, rent, and utilities
- Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC): 50% payroll tax credit on wages up to $10,000 per employee
- Delay of payroll tax payments: 50% of delayed payments will be due on December 31, 2021, and the remaining 50% on Dec 31, 2022
You may be able to find other assistance for your small business through other government resources or nonprofit initiatives.
How do I apply for self-employment benefits or a small business loan?
If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, you can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program which offers forgivable funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities payments.
Visit www.sba.gov for a list of participating lenders and the full terms of the program.
Finances
Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?
According to the IRS, if you filed your tax return for 2018 or 2019, you’ll automatically receive the full Economic Impact Payment amount.
Even if you haven’t filed tax returns, you may still be eligible to receive the Economic Impact Payment. Non-filers can find information on how to apply through the IRS.
Estate Planning
What forms are needed to plan my estate?
Estate planning during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential, but the documents you require will depend on your unique circumstances and desires.
These 9 end-of-life-planning documents will help outline your medical and financial wishes in your estate plan: