New Orleans DSA

Worker’s Guide to the COVID-19 Relief Bill

Edit

$1200 RELIEF CHECK

What is it?

A one-time check of $1,200 distributed by the federal government to offset the economic impacts of COVID-19. The relief check is not considered income therefore will not be taxed or affect eligibility for federal assistance/benefits (e.g. SNAP, WIC).

Who qualifies?

You’re eligible for the full $1,200 relief check if you have a social security number, cannot be claimed as a dependent, filed your 2018 or 2019 taxes, and last year made:

• $75,000 or less as Single Person (tax status)
• $112,500 or less as Head of Household (e.g. single parent)
• $150,000 or less as Married, joint filers

If you made more than the amounts listed above you may still qualify for some amount less than $1,200.

Who doesn’t qualify?

• Married, Joint filers: if one of you doesn’t have a social security number, you are not eligible, unless you are a member of the military.
• Are claimed as a dependent:  this may apply to you if you are 24 or younger.  If you cannot talk to who may have claimed you as a dependent, you can electronically file to find out. If someone claims you as a dependent after your electronically file, you may have to call the IRS.

I haven’t filed taxes recently. Do I still qualify for benefits?
If you haven’t filed taxes for either 2019 or 2018, you must file immediately, or you won’t receive this check. Even if you don’t usually file taxes because of low income, you still must file to receive this check.

How will I get this money?

Via check in the mail or direct deposit. The IRS is required to inform you how and where it’s sent, and how to contact them if you don’t receive it.^[1]

• Deposited electronically, if you’ve paid taxes or received former tax refunds using your current bank account info in 2019 or 2018^[2],^[3]
• If not, you'll get a check in the mail. NOTE that the IRS has not released a plan for this, stay updated here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

When should I expect my check?

The Treasury secretary said three weeks^[4] as of 03/28/2020, but this may change.

If the IRS does not have your bank account information for direct deposit it may take longer.^[5] 

If you have debt from child support, this relief check may be reduced to cover that debt. All other forms of debt won’t reduce this check.

EXPANDED UNEMPLOYMENT

What is it? How is this different from regular unemployment?

More people are now eligible for unemployment, you can receive unemployment for longer (39 weeks), and you’ll receive an additional $600/week on top of what you qualify for from Louisiana unemployment. These changes are temporary.

Who qualifies?

Those who lost their job, can’t work, or are working less because of Covid-19 should apply for regular unemployment and may receive the additional $600/week.

If you were already receiving unemployment assistance, were a part-time worker, or supported by a family member who is now sick or has died, you are probably eligible.

Check our website for more detailed information.

Who doesn’t qualify?

If you are able to work from home, receive sick leave, or paid family leave, you are not eligible.

If you were in the job market, but did not have a job lined up you may not be eligible. 

When will expanded unemployment benefits kick in?

• You should apply for Louisiana unemployment as soon as possible. These benefits should go into effect immediately.
• If you already receive Louisiana unemployment benefits, you should reapply to receive the additional 13 weeks and $600/week benefits.

If I apply today, how long will it take me to get my money?

• There is no waiting period to apply, but there is a wait due to the unprecedented number of claims right now. Apply as soon as you can and during off-peak hours if possible. You should receive more information about when you’ll receive your first check once your claim goes through.

I left my last job voluntarily (AKA quit), will I still qualify for expanded unemployment benefits?

It’s unclear if you will qualify, but you should apply anyway.

I’m a tipped worker, and don’t report my cash tips to the IRS, or my most recent employer didn’t require me to report my cash OR credit tips to the IRS. Will this affect my benefits?

Yes. It will limit the amount you’re able to receive in unemployment from The State of Louisiana, but it won’t limit you from receiving the additional $600/week from the CARES act.

Anything else we need to know?

If you still have questions about unemployment or your relief check (taxes), these organization can help:

• Southeast Louisiana Legal Services