Resources, including accessing benefits
Updated: Apr 7, 2020
Resources
Updated: TUE 4/7/2020
Accessing state and federal benefits
Unemployment (enhanced), federal CARES Act, etc
Federal CARES Act Summary: For more details (more components of the program) see my update of 3/29.
One time payments
Most adults (incomes up to $75K) will receive $1200, children garner $500. Here is a calculator to estimate your family’s payment. These payments will come to you automatically. Congressman Blumenhauer has a great info sheet on this one time payment. Long story short:
Payments will start April 13 and be directly deposited into the bank account that the government has listed for you through previous tax returns.
Social security recipients will get a payment.
If the government does not have bank direct deposit information from you, they will be sending you a check beginning May 5, starting with those at the lower income scale.
End of April: There will be a portal through the IRS to allow citizens to check the status of their payment and to update bank/direct deposit information.
Expanded unemployment coverage for jobs impacted by COVID19
Now includes self-employed, part-time and gig workers (previously not covered by unemployment insurance).
The NEW federal COVID19 benefits will add $600/week in unemployment benefit
Length of benefits: This package adds 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to the current period (26 weeks) for a total of 39 weeks. The $600/week federal addition is through 7/1/2020 (for now).
Oregon’s online system for applying for unemployment benefits, along with FAQs. AND Oregon is hiring claims specialists to help! Details here.
Small businesses/non profits/gig employees: “Paycheck Protection Program” APPLY NOW
Info on COVID-19 relief options for businesses in the greater Portland area here.
Banks/credit unions will provide loans to small businesses/non profits (less than 500 employees) who continue to pay their employees backed by the Small Business Association (SBA, a federal agency). Entities would not have to repay portions spent on paying employees (wages + benefits), rent, mortgage or utilities. The US Treasury will pay back the banks/credit unions. The amount borrowed needs to be used for qualifying expenses within 8 weeks. This applies to gig workers as well.
There is also a program directly from the SBA: Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Oregonians: Contact your bank. Here is an FAQ from NW Credit Union Assn.
Food/Nutrition
Portland Public Schools Meal Program:
Amazing resource!
Includes information on breakfast and lunch available M-F 11am-1 pm at 15 schools, including Markham Elementary in SW Portland.
Also links to food pantries at schools (once a week pickup), Sunshine Division food and clothing assistance and food finder.
Oregon Food Bank Food Finder
Meals On Wheels: 503-736-6325
Mental Health Issues etc
Lines for Life includes hotlines for Suicide Prevention (800-273-8255), Alcohol/Drug Helpline(800-923-4357), Military personnel Helpline (888-457-4838) and Youthline (877-968-8491)
Multnomah County Hotlines includes hotlines for Mental Health Crises, Domestic Violence , Abuse or Neglect, Military
211 Info
Dial 2-1-1, toll-free. Text your zip code to 898211. Search 211info.org
Up-to-date information on energy assistance, housing, food and hundreds of other local services.
Other
Oregon Emergency Management COVID19 Response
A good resource as well as a way to volunteer/donate goods and services