THIRTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

Dear Friend:

Our nation is facing unprecedented challenges to our health system and economy due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. I am closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak here in Georgia and want to assure you that my highest priority is keeping Georgians in the Thirteenth Congressional District safe, healthy and informed. Please know that I am working diligently in Congress on the federal emergency response to the pandemic, and my staff and I are here to support you for the long haul. Our Thirteenth Congressional District COVID-19 Resource Guide will help you understand benefits that are available to you during this pandemic as well as how to access them.

Please be sure to follow our office on Facebook and Twitter for updates. I recently held a telephone town hall with healthcare experts and labor and small business officials. You can listen to the town hall here. Finally, if I can be of assistance to you, please call my office at 770-432-5405 or 202-225-2939.

Sincerely,

Congressman David Scott

COVID-19 TESTING & SUPPORT

COVID-19 TESTING / Direct Patient Line
Clayton County Health District | www.claytoncountypublichealth.org | 678-479-2223
Cobb/Douglas Health District | www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org | 770-514-2300
Fayette/Henry District | www.district4health.org | 1-800-847-4262
Fulton County Board of Health | www.fultoncountygahealth.org | 404-613-8150

Georgia COVID-19 Hotline - Call (844) 442-2681 for information related to risks, prevention, symptoms, isolation, community resources and testing.

Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line – Call (866) 399-8938 for 24/7 confidential emotional support, crisis counseling or resource information. 

CDC - information about the COVID-19 virus, how it is spread and how to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV. 

DIRECT STIMULUS PAYMENTS

This week the IRS began issuing economic impact payments directly to help Americans experiencing cash shortages meet their financial obligations. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
U.S. residents who are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a work eligible Social Security number with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for head of household filers and $150,000 for married filing jointly are eligible for the full $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 married filing jointly. In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per qualifying child.

If you receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits or Railroad Retirement and Survivor Benefits, the IRS already has your information and you will receive $1,200. 
You do not need to pay income tax on the payment.  Rebates will not impact eligibility for other federal programs, as they are considered a tax refund.  

TRACK YOUR PAYMENT 
If you filed a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return, you may check your payment status, confirm your payment type: direct deposit or check, and enter your bank account information online: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.   

NONFILERS
If you did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) or you weren’t required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons, you may provide simple information so you can get your payment online at: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.  

BEWARE OF SCAMS
Unfortunately, bad actors are not wasting any time in their attempts to cash in on this stimulus relief.  Be alert and follow these helpful tips to avoid scams: 

• You do NOT need to register or apply to receive a rebate.  
• Do not provide any personal information over the phone.  
• There is no expedited processing fee. 
• Beware of fraudulent checks.  
• Do not click on suspicious links.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

With mass layoffs and furloughs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more Georgians than ever are eligible to receive expanded unemployment insurance. Through July 31, 2020, the federal government will provide temporary Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation of $600 a week for any worker eligible for state or federal unemployment compensation (UC) benefits. The FPUC will be paid in addition to and at the same time (but not necessarily in the same check) as regular state or federal UC benefits. The federal supplement will not affect eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Additionally, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will provide unemployment benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for them including individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, employees of churches, employees of non-profits 501C3s, or those with limited work history who do not qualify for state unemployment benefits.

To file a claim for unemployment benefits or check the status of a pending claim, contact the Georgia Department of Labor: https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment-benefits.

STUDENTS

STUDENT LOAN RELIEF
To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 crisis, Congress secured forbearance relief that automatically placed  federal loan borrowers in an administrative forbearance on March 13, 2020 and allows borrowers to temporarily stop making monthly loan payments through September 30, 2020. Additionally, students who must drop out of school due to COVID-19 will have the portion of their student loan taken out for the semester (or equivalent) canceled; and students who received a Pell Grant or subsidized student loan this term will not have those types of financial aid counted toward their lifetime limits. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus. 

EMERGENCY CASH GRANTS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Congress also secured $6 billion in funding to provide emergency cash grants for college students whose educations have been interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak. $203,059,634 has been made available to Georgia's colleges and universities. Students in Georgia may obtain grants to meet unexpected and urgent needs for expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. Further, students who are currently participating in the Federal Work Study program can continue to receive work-study payments if they are unable to work due to closures. 

SMALL BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS & FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

During this global pandemic, small businesses have suffered substantial economic losses. Congress acted swiftly to help small businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations by approving $350 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and by authorizing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). Designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed, PPP provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs, including benefits, as well as to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The EIDL program provides qualifying small businesses (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons) and non-profits with working capital up to $2 million, low interest rates, terms extending up to 30 years and an advance payment portion to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

I am fighting in Congress to replenish funds for both the PPP and EIDL recovery programs, which were fully expended this week. Small businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations in our community have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak and need federal relief now to survive. 

SBA Resources During COVID-19: www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources.

Georgia Manufacturers and Distributors Able to Aid with Critical Health Care Needs: https://www.georgia.org/covid19response.

HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS ASSISTANCE

MORTGAGE FORBEARANCE
Under the CARES Act, Congress secured provisions allowing federally-backed residential mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA) or homeowners with loans held by Fannie and Freddie a period of forbearance if they are experiencing hardship as a result of the pandemic. The initial forbearance period is for up to 180 days.  At the request of the borrower, it can be extended for up to 180 more days.  While in forbearance, the borrower’s loan cannot incur any additional fees, penalties, or interest other than what would normally accrue.  

FORECLOSURE AND EVICTION MORATORIUM
Beginning on March 18, 2020, a 60-day moratorium went into effect for all federally-backed mortgage loans (FHA, VA, USDA, or loans backed by Fannie and Freddie).  Borrowers in these loans cannot be removed from their homes due to foreclosure during this time.  Similarly, Congress established a rental eviction moratorium for renters living in federally-subsidized housing, such as public housing, Section 8 rental assistance vouchers, USDA rental assistance, or properties receiving Low Income Housing Tax Credit.  The moratorium also protects renters in properties where the owner has a federally-backed mortgage loan (FHA, USDA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac).  

HOUSING RESOURCES
If you are facing housing insecurity, contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1- or (404) 614-1000. Seniors and persons with disabilities in the Atlanta Metro area can also contact the Atlanta Regional Commission at 404-463-3333.

VETERANS

Congress passed the CARES Act to provide nearly $20 billion in funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for equipment, tests, telehealth capabilities services necessary to support veterans and the health care workforce at facilities nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critical services funded include: 

• Over $2 billion for veterans who need urgent or emergency care for COVID-19.
• Over $600 million for the VA to retrofit its hospitals and clinics to increase the number of beds and treatment rooms to care for veterans with COVID-19 and deploy mobile treatment units.
• $590 million for homeless and elderly veterans in community living centers and assisted living facilities.
• Ensuring that VA health care providers who are putting their lives on the line to treat veterans are paid for the overtime hours they work.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Congress provided additional funding and expanded eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and emergency SNAP.  To apply for SNAP, visit www.dfcs.ga.gov or call 877-423-4746.

The Atlanta Food Bank partners with organizations across the region to provide resources for Georgians who are food insecure.  Call (404) 892-9822 to find a food pantry nearest you. 

Meals on Wheels provides meal deliveries for low-income seniors.  Call 404-351-3889 for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

WorkSource Georgia is a free, federally funded program that helps put people to work by providing financial assistance, training, skills assessment, and professional support. Contact a local WorkSource office today for assistance with your job search and to learn more about specialized training and certified program opportunities. 

WorkSource COBB - www.worksourcecobb.org
WorkSource METRO ATLANTA (Clayton/Douglas/Fayette/Fulton/Henry) - https://atlworks.org

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

If you lost your job or health coverage due to the coronavirus outbreak, you may be eligible for coverage through a special enrollment period on the health care exchange. Visit www.healthcare.gov for more information on available health coverage.