As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, more people are being asked to stay home until further notice. Not everyone has the luxury of working from home, and most are finding themselves in tough financial situations. Layoffs, furloughs, and terminations are causing employment panic and dire situations. New job opportunities may seem like a rare commodity, but we’re sharing relief options and money-making tips to help you get through these uncertain times.
Finding Government Resources During COVID-19
The U.S Government has created multiple resources to aid in the financial support of Americans impacted by the coronavirus. Below we are going to share details about emergency aid packages, private resources, and job opportunities.
Families First Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act law went into effect on March 18, 2020. This relief package gives extra unemployment benefits, free Coronavirus testing, and paid sick leave provisions, and more. With unemployment rates starting to rise due to COVID-19, states like Nevada are waiving unemployment work search requirements and approval wait periods.
This part of the legislation is a bit tricky to understand. If you find yourself unable to work because of school and daycare closures, you may be able to get paid sick leave AND family and medical leave. You can get up to three months of leave, receiving no less than two-thirds of your income. For self-employed individuals, you’ll get a tax credit equivalent to the paid sick leave amount. Here’s a great explanation of potential benefits.
Small Business Loans
The U.S Small Business Administrative (SBA) is providing targeted low-interest loans to small businesses to help overcome the loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan interest rate for small businesses is 3.75%. You can use these loans to cover payroll, debts, accounts payable and more.
For more information, please visit their website.
Nutrition Assistance
Close to a billion dollars have been made available for those who need meal assistance. These funds are split between the emergency food assistance program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Legislation suspended work requirements and expanded waiver requirements to allow more applicants eligibility. Many schools are still offering low or reduced price meals even while closed. Call your school for information and to see if you qualify.
For more information on these programs, please visit USDA.
Finding Private Resources
For most affected individuals, you may want to look for alternative routes for immediate help. Private funds, grants, and GoFundMe accounts might be able to help you with financial relief. Check out this list of city, state and national resources available to restaurant workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Applying to each grant only takes a few moments and you may be required to do a telephone call to verify your information.
How To Make Money During COVID-19
Check out our tips on how to make extra money during a national pandemic.
Get Hired on the Spot at a Grocery or Retail Store
While most industries are negatively hit from this pandemic, there is one that’s thriving. Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, and Albertsons are advertising thousands of positions, particularly in inventory stocking and delivery. Amazon is looking as well. Some of these stores are recommending to come into your local store during specific hours for on-the-spot interviews. Many drugstores like CVS are looking for workers too. Find a list of more retailers and stores hiring here.
Apply for Online Jobs
A quick google search for online jobs should fill up some of your free time. Upwork and Fiverr are great freelance online job search websites for odds and ends work. Simply make an account and connect with businesses worldwide to provide digital services. From graphic design work to basic administrative jobs, there’s plenty of work to go around.
Become a Delivery Driver
Many restaurants have closed their doors to help flatten the curve of the virus. But they’re offering curbside pick-up and delivery. Increased orders are forcing restaurants to hire extra help to keep up with demands. DoorDash, UberEats, and Postmates are food delivery companies, and you can make tips!
Ask Your Boss for Alternate Responsibilities
Most businesses haven’t experienced this type of required closure and you may be able to offer alternative services to them. Ask your boss if there is any work that needs to be done during this time. Can you help them clean and disinfect the workplace? If you are a server, can you work in the kitchen to help keep up with carry-out orders? Are you able to promote their business via social media? If there is a will, there is a way!
Making Money In Hard Times
Although the world seems to be panicking during the COVID-19 pandemic, MoneyLion is here to ease your mind. Think outside the box! This might be the perfect time for you to clean up your resume and find that remote job you’ve been thinking about. Here are some more tips for earning extra income.
For more resources, keep checking the COVID-19 section of our blog here. We’ll be updating it with new information regularly.
