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In this time of uncertainty, USA TODAY is working to find answers to your money questions – anything from finding a job or unemployment benefits to your 401(k) or retirement plans. We want to help you navigate your personal finances during this crisis so USA TODAY Network’s top financial journalists are finding answers to your questions.
You can submit your questions here and read answers to others below.
We will be updating the Q&A frequently, so be sure to check back often. New answers are added to the top.And, for more money advice, sign up for our newsletter, The Daily Money.
If you want to share your personal finance experience during the coronavirus crisis, you can email Josh Rivera at [email protected].
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Will homeowners get relief with mortgages?
The CARES Act gives homeowners with federally backed loans two types of relief. First, it prevents lenders from beginning foreclosure proceedings on federally backed loans for at least 60 days after March 18. Second, homeowners who experienced financial hardship from the pandemic can request a forbearance for up to 180 days, which may be extended for an additional period of up to six months if borrowers are still under financial duress.
… How can I postpone my mortgage payments?
To receive forbearance through the CARES Act, you must contact your loan servicer. There won’t be any additional fees, penalties or interest added to your account through this deferment, but regular interest will still accrue.
— Jessica Menton
Follow Jessica on Twitter @JessicaMenton.
Will adults with disabilities, who are dependents on a caregivers’ tax returns, receive a stimulus check?
No. The new law that set up the stimulus check program says that individuals who are claimed as dependents by someone else are not eligible for a stimulus check.
— Michael Collins
Follow Michael on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
Will retired people get a stimulus check?
Retirees will be eligible for a stimulus check, as long as they meet the other criteria. In other words, you will receive a check as long as your income does not exceed $99,000 ($198,000 for joint filers).
— Michael Collins
Follow Michael on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
The IRS doesn’t have my direct deposit, how do I add it?
The Internal Revenue Service has not indicated, as of April 7, when the online portal will be up and running. For updates, go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
— Michael Collins
Follow Michael on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
I receive Social Security and did not file taxes for 2019, will I get a stimulus check?
If you have not filed your income taxes for 2019, the IRS will use your 2018 returns to determine if you are eligible for a check.
— Michael Collins
Follow Michael on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
Can I apply for unemployment benefits for a second, part-time job?
Losing a second job makes you eligible for partial unemployment insurance. States have different rules regarding part-time positions, but the federal CARES Act does say part-time workers who are affected by the ramifications of COVID-19 can get assistance. Check with your state, but you should be able to get some aid.
… I work 2 part time jobs, one of which I had my hours cut way back. I am still working about 20 hours a week in one job. Can I collect unemployment insurance on a part time job?
It depends on the state whether part-time workers can receive unemployment benefits. California for instance does pay out such funds. The federal CARES Act also says part-time workers are entitled to assistance if their hours are cut for reasons out of their control. So you may be able to get the $600 federal benefit as well, but again, it’s best to check with your state unemployment office
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
Will Social Security recipients receive a stimulus check?
Social Security beneficiaries and other Americans who haven’t filed income taxes for the past two years won’t have to take any extra steps to receive one-time checks.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the IRS will use Social Security data to generate payments to recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.
— Michael Collins
Follow Michael on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
Will people in retirement get a stimulus check?
As long as your adjusted gross income in 2019 was no more than $99,000 (if you file separately) or $198,000 (if you file jointly), you will receive some money. The law does not make a distinction between those who are working and those who are retired.
— Ledyard King
Follow Ledyard on Twitter @LedgeKing.
When will the $600 federal unemployment check be paid?
… I got my first unemployment check but not the $600.
The pipeline for these payments is still unclear.
… I’ve been unemployed since January 2020. Is the $600 weekly benefit retroactive from then or just from the date it was announced?
Depending on when your state entered into an agreement with the federal government, the $600 weekly benefit could be retroactive back to March 28. It ends July 31.
… Are furloughs eligible for the federal $600?
Yes. If the person isn’t being paid, they are considered unemployed and can receive that federal assistance.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
My pay is based on commission, can I file for unemployment?
Specifically, if your hours have been cut or your office is closed for reasons related to COVID-19, you should be able to receive unemployment benefits. You would file in the state you work.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
My unemployment expired in February. Will I be eligible for any benefits now?
Yes. If you are still out of work, you should be eligible for the 13 weeks of unemployment benefits that the federal government will pay, along with the extra $600 federal payment per week.
… I’ve recently exhausted my unemployment about a month ago, but I’m not able to file online due to my initial claim.
A lot of websites are unfortunately still catching up with the additional benefits offered by the CARES Act. Reach out to your phone company to tell them your situation. You may be able to get a reprieve on your payment. And continue to call. The log jam will hopefully lessen as more staff is brought in.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
Does a moratorium on rent mean I never have to pay rent for that month?
No, it just means the rent is deferred. That can leave tenants with several months of back payments due when the emergency is over.
— Paul Davidson
Follow Paul on Twitter @PDavidsonusat
What is unemployment insurance and how do I get it?
Unemployment insurance is a joint program between the federal government and the states set up to provide some money to people who are trying to get a job but can’t find one. The benefit has been expanded by a $2.2 trillion relief package – called the CARES Act – passed by the federal government last week to help soften the blow of the coronavirus pandemic, which shutting down businesses across the country and forcing layoffs of millions of people.
“Every one of the 50 states has an online application system,” says Michele Evermore, senior researcher and policy analyst for the National Employment Law Project.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
How much unemployment will I get?
The maximum weekly benefit varies by state. For instance, in Florida, it tops out at $275, while in New York the maximum is $504. But under the federal relief law, everyone will get an additional $600 a week until July 31.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
How long do unemployment benefits last?
Some states offer fewer weeks of benefits than others. But with unemployment now expanded, anyone who is still out of work when their state benefit period runs out will be able to get payments for an additional 13 weeks from the federal government.
Those who worked in states like Florida where the initial period is only 12 weeks, would be eligible for the unemployment insurance specifically pegged to the pandemic which tacks on another 14 weeks.
Through these various steps, all those who are out of work will be able to get assistance for up to 39 weeks.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
Can I file a jobless claim if I work for myself or in the gig economy?
Yes. Independent contractors, freelancers and gig workers will be able to get the same benefits through a new pandemic assistance program established by the CARES act.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
How much money can I get?
If you’ve already filed your 2019 taxes, the Internal Revenue Service will use those returns to determine your payment. If not, your 2018 returns will be used to calculate your check.
Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will be eligible for a one-time payment of up to $1,200 ($2,400 for joint tax returns) and $500 for each qualifying child. Those with little or no tax liability also will get $1,200 ($2,400 for joint returns).
The payments will start to phase out for Americans who earn more than $75,000, or $150,000 for a joint return. The amount you receive will be decreased by 5% of the amount your income exceeds $75,000.
— Charisse Jones
Follow Charisse on Twitter @charissejones.
Do freelancers, gig workers qualify for unemployment?
Under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, included in the stimulus bill, freelancers and gig workers can receive half the average unemployment benefit in their state and an extra $600 per week.
— Coral Murphy-Marcos
Follow Coral on Twitter @CoralMerfi
What companies are hiring right now?
Companies in the health care industry, as well as food, grocer, convenience stores, retail and delivery companies are currently in the process of mass hiring. For a list of the employers, click here.
— Jazmin Goodwin
Follow Jazmin on Twitter @jazminkgoodwin.
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