You’re probably tired of hearing all of this by now, but it’s the reality that we are living in. I hope that you will find this post to have some value to you, a loyal reader, and bring some important issues to your attention.
Coronavirus Relief Package or CARES Act
So, you’ve probably heard a lot about this $2 Trillion relief package that was passed and that you’re expected to receive a check sometime soon. There are multiple groups and industries that will likely take a hit from this pandemic including; state and local governments, small businesses, public health, big corporations, education, and individuals living in the United States. What the bill is doing, is providing money or “relief” to these groups in our society.
What you need to know about is the coverage of individuals in the CARES Act. There has been estimated $560 billion dollars put aside in this act to be distributed among those who are eligible. All information that the government has on you is based on your 2019 tax returns, so if you are making less than you were last year, you’re out of luck.
- If you make less than $75,000 annually you are eligible to receive a cash payment of $1,200
- If you are married and have children, you will receive $500 per child
- If you make more than $99,000 as an individual or $198,000 as a couple, don’t expect a check.
- If you are a young person who was claimed dependent on your guardian’s 2019 tax return, you will not receive a check. (But your guardian will receive that $500).
- Attribution to this information:
Now, you may be thinking, “$1,200 is great and all, but that ain’t going to pay the bills!” You might want to consider filing for unemployment so that you can receive benefits. In addition to the unemployment checks you would receive, the CARES Act will add $600 to that weekly check until July 31st. They are also offering an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to what the state is offering you. The good news is, you might be eligible. https://blog.nolo.com/blog/2020/03/30/congress-expands-unemployment-benefits-in-2-trillion-stimulus-package/
“Workers who have been furloughed but are still on their employers’ payrolls are eligible, as are those whose hours have been significantly reduced and those who’ve quit for fear of exposure to the virus… Those who are self-employed with a limited liability company or S corporation can also qualify. Typically, these workers are excluded.”
According to Sarah Foster at Bankrate.com
If you need to file for unemployment find your state’s website. Since ShoutOut! is based at James Madison University in Virginia, here is the link for our Virginian readers.
https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/online-services/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
Stay Inside Order Exclusions
Right now, you are probably inside on your laptop/tablet/phone reading this blog post on the brink of a mental breakdown because you cannot go on your distressing Target run to get absolutely nothing. However, you come back with two throw pillows, a new mascara, and stationary that just needed to be picked up off the shelf. I feel you, I understand. All of this is because of the stay inside orders that have been issued by governors nationwide. But not quite all of them are on board, or get the idea.
The rule is no more than 10 people can gather in one place. Welp, seems that Florida Governor Rob Desantis and 11 other governors think the people cannot get Coronavirus in church. Basically there are 12 states currently that are allowing religious gatherings despite the stay inside orders per CDC’s suggestion. Now, I get maybe limiting the gatherings to 10 people who are 6ft apart. But in Florida, that just isn’t happening. Here’s the thing; In the first amendment it is written that we have the freedom of practicing religion. The entire concept of separation from church and state as coined by Thomas Jefferson is stated right there in the establishment clause. So, what can be done? Not much.
The reason that Desantis is getting so much flack is becuase of his late action to the stay-inside order of Florida. He also claimed religious worship to be an “essential activity.” Let me remind you that essential activities in many states include, going out to get prescriptions and groceries, and exercise for an hour a day. I’m not saying worship is not essential but is can definitely be done virtually.
The important thing to take away from this is, if you are in a state that is not under a stay-inside order (ND, SD, NEB, IOWA, ARK) or a state that has religious exclusion (NM, FL, SC, WV, PA, CT, MI) you might want to consider being extra cautious about going out and about.
Tax day
Lastly, tax day has been moved to July 15th 2020. So you have some time to get those returns into your accountant and the federal government.
For More Information…
Check out our previous posts about Coronavirus.
- https://shoutoutjmu.com/2020/03/28/surprise-its-about-the-coronavirus/
- https://shoutoutjmu.com/2020/04/01/how-covid-19-is-affecting-the-queer-community/
- https://shoutoutjmu.com/2020/04/03/abortion-rights-being-threatened-once-again/
- https://shoutoutjmu.com/2020/04/08/the-coronavirus-and-subtle-racism/
- https://shoutoutjmu.com/2020/04/09/fatphobia-during-the-corona-pandemic/
- https://shoutoutjmu.com/2020/04/11/loving-from-a-distance-part-1/
ShoutOut! James Madison University 
Super duper helpful! I actually shared this article with some of my family members because you brought such helpful clarity to the unemployment supplement and more! Thanks!
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