*Sourced from FREELANCERS UNIONWith cities across the country shutting down to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly every industry is feeling the pinch.
Government relief programs for freelancers
As policies are changing daily, your best bet to stay up to date on relief efforts in your area is to follow the local news (and call your representatives to demand they include freelancers in their work!). Here’s an incomplete list of the changes that have been made so far:
Paycheck Protection Program loans: The Small Business Administration is offering loans to cover eight weeks of payroll and business costs to self-employed people and independent contractors. The loan is fully forgivable if the money is used for the expenses specified by the SBA.
Unemployment insurance available: The federal stimulus bill passed on March 27 includes, for the first time, a provision that independent workers qualify for unemployment insurance, including an additional $600/week provided by the federal government. For a full breakdown of the bill, read our article here.
Tax filing deferred: The new federal deadline for tax filing and the first quarterly payment of the year is now July 15. State tax deadlines are up to their discretion, so make sure to double-check before you assume you’re off the hook on April 15.
Health insurance updates: In a number of states, including New York and California, the enrollment period has been reopened so you can buy health insurance on the marketplace for a limited time. In addition, many insurers (including EmblemHealth and Oscar, our partners in NY) are covering the costs of COVID-19 screening and tests, so if you’re feeling sick, you won’t pay out of pocket to get tested.
Evictions halted: Falling behind on rent or mortgage payments shouldn’t be another source of worry right now. Many cities have suspended all eviction proceedings, and the federal government has instructed HUD to do the same. If you live in a HUD property or have a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Authority, you’re safe from eviction and foreclosure right now.
Paid sick leave passed: Among the emergency measures signed into law so far is an act that extends paid sick leave and paid family leave to small business owners and freelancers, which can be claimed as a credit on your taxes. Get the details here.
Aid programs available: If you experience a loss of income, the federally funded LIHEAP program can help with your utility bills.
And be sure to check out these crowdsourced resource guides for lots more info on grants, free workshops, and mutual aid programs:
