Coronavirus Stimulus Package: What it Means For You

What coronavirus benefits are available to you if COVID impacts your finances this year?  Can you expect help with your debts if you or a family member becomes seriously ill? Or if your employer goes out of business?

In 2020, a $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill was signed – the largest emergency spending package in U.S. history. The stimulus bill provided aid for struggling industries, help for workers, and assistance to homeowners, renters, the unemployed, and low-income individuals. 

However, most of that aid expired and is no longer available in 2022. 

The following information explains the coronavirus stimulus package and focuses on provisions in the bill to help everyday workers and families. However, in 2022, most assistance is coming from the private sector – and if you experience debt problems, you’ll probably have better luck negotiating with creditors than applying for expired programs with the government

Cash assistance for individuals and families

The direct payment of cash to taxpayers and their families was one of the most talked-about provisions of the stimulus bill during negotiations. Cash is expected to be disbursed around mid-April, either by direct deposit (if you e-filed your 2018 or 2019 taxes) or a mailed check.

Lawmakers settled on the following:

• $1,200 for individuals who earned less than $75,000 in 2019

• $2,400 for married couples who earned less than $150,000 in 2019

• $500 for each child under 17 years old

Higher earning individuals will see a $5 payment decrease for every $100 earned over the $75,000 limit, while those who earned $99,000 or more ($198,000 for couples) will not receive cash assistance. The IRS will provide updates on the status of this one-time payment.

You May Like These

Coronavirus Program Tracker: Government Benefits and Private Programs for Americans

Bankruptcy: Understand Your Options

4 Questions to Ask a Debt Settlement Company Before You Sign Up

Boost to unemployment insurance benefits

In an effort to provide help for workers who have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis, the stimulus bill expands unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility and increases weekly payments. Those filing for unemployment can receive an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020, on top of their regular state benefits (which average $200 to $550, depending on the state). The law also permits states to extend their UI benefits for up to 13 weeks, and there’s talk of extending the $600 weekly federal amount as well.

In addition, the stimulus bill expands the eligibility criteria to include those who are partially unemployed, still employed but unable to work because of the outbreak, independent contractors, the self-employed, and others who don’t traditionally qualify for UI. This means the growing segment of so-called “gig economy” workers would qualify. And instead of the usual one-week waiting period, the relief package calls for checks to be sent immediately upon filing.

Student loan payments, interest, and collections

If you have student loan debt, the stimulus bill could provide relief in a few different ways. Many of these provisions expand on the President’s executive actions, which included halting collections on defaulted student loan debt. Economic stimulus related to federal student loan debt includes:

• Freeze on monthly payments until Sept. 30 (this is optional, but you will not incur a penalty or accrue interest if you take advantage of this moratorium)

• If you are pursuing (or plan to pursue) a student loan forgiveness program, those six months ending Sept. 30 will count regardless of whether payments were made during that time

• Eligibility of your employer to pay up to $5,250 of your student loans, tax-free

• Suspension of federal student loan debt collection against borrowers who are in default; retroactive to March 13 and continuing indefinitely

New York State also halted student loan payments related to state universities and suspended the accrual of interest and fees on outstanding student (and medical) debt.

Protection against foreclosure and eviction

Since the combination of stay-at-home orders and a suddenly slowing economy could create real stress when it comes time to pay the rent or mortgage, the stimulus bill also protects many people from eviction and foreclosure.

Specifically, any homeowner facing hardship as a result of COVID-19 is eligible for:

• Forbearance on their federally backed mortgage loan for up to 60 days. This can be extended for up to four 30-day periods, as needed.

• Servicers of federally backed mortgages may not start the foreclosure process for 60 days (beginning March 18), during which lenders may not charge interest, fees, or penalties.

If you have a federally backed mortgage and rent any portion of that property to tenants:

• You may not evict them (or charge any penalties) for a 120-day period solely for failure to pay rent.

• California banned the eviction of those directly affected by the coronavirus crisis or its economic impacts through the end of May.

A few more things to know

People will be affected by the coronavirus crisis in different ways. Depending on your situation, this $2 trillion stimulus bill may offer additional relief, including:

• Direct medical care for military veterans and care for homeless veterans

• Nutrition assistance, particularly a $15 billion increase in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Various relief services for Native American communities

• $900 million increase in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• Additional funding for the non-profit Legal Services Corporation to assist families and small businesses facing legal issues as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

Need help with your finances during this trying time? We’re here to help.

The coronavirus stimulus bill should help ease some of your anxiety as we all hunker down and stay safe. But if you’re struggling with your debt or concerned about making your payments, you may want to take additional actions. Freedom Debt Relief is here to help you explore your options, including our debt settlement program. Our Certified Debt Consultants can help you get a solid footing and chart a path toward a better financial future. Find out if you qualify.

Editor’s Note, May 22, 2020: This post was updated with information and links to reflect the latest changes in government support and benefits.