Unemployed due to coronavirus? Here are some resources in Middle Georgia that can help

During the new coronavirus outbreak, many Americans and Georgians are out of work as businesses close their doors to prevent further spread of the virus.

More than 6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the week of April 4, and nearly 400,000 Georgians filed for unemployment benefits in the same week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Here is a list of resources for people in Middle Georgia.

What federal benefits are available to help me?

President Trump signed a bipartisan $2 trillion economic relief plan, called the CARES Act, to help millions of Americans face the economic crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The plan includes many different types of relief, but the main benefits to most Americans are stimulus checks and expanded unemployment coverage.

The IRS began depositing stimulus money in Georgians bank accounts on Tuesday, but the amount a person will receive depends on a person’s income. The IRS is planning to launch a new tool called “Get My Payment” on April 17 where people can track the status of their payment. People who did not file taxes in 2018 and 2019 can fill out a non-filer form at irs.gov to receive their payment.

Unemployment benefits have increased as well. More people are covered under the bill, and people will receive an extra $600 per week on top of what the state of Georgia would normally pay.

For more information about specific benefits of the bill, visit https://nyti.ms/2y2Gnlr.

How can I file for unemployment in Georgia?

To file for unemployment in Georgia, visit www.dol.state.ga.us. People filing for unemployment should read the Georgia Department of Labor’s page about Regular Unemployment Insurance.

People can file online if they have earned wages in the state of Georgia in the past two years. For questions regarding unemployment insurance in Georgia, call 404-232-3180 for visit the DOL’s FAQ page at dol.georgia.gov/faqs-individuals/individuals-faqs-unemployment-insurance.

If I can’t pay my rent, will I get evicted?

The Sheriff’s Office of Civil & Magistrate Court in Bibb County announced that eviction set outs have ceased until Gov. Brian Kemp’s state of emergency order expires, which currently will be April 30. If your landlord is threatening to evict you, please email breaking@macon.com.

What are utility companies doing to ease the burden of people losing their jobs?

Many utility companies have suspended disconnections for their customers who have missed a payment during the coronavirus outbreak, including the Macon Water Authority and Georgia Power.

The MWA suspended disconnections as well as all administration fees and late penalties on customer accounts, according to a news release.

“It’s a critical component of the public health system,” said Tony Rojas, the executive director and president of the MWA. “Family or business finances may be affected, and so it was a way to help mitigate those circumstances.”

Although Rojas said they have not decided when the MWA will start disconnecting services again, he said they will give customers plenty of notice. Customers can enroll in payment plans if they can’t pay the entire bill at once, he said. MWA also doesn’t report to credit agencies.

“We suggest that if you’re able to make some level of payment that you do that so that you’re not left with a large balance at the end of the period. Customers who are left with a balance when we return to normalcy, we’ll work with them on payment plans, and we’ll give plenty of notice,” he said.

Although MWA has closed its drive-thru, customers can still pay their bill by mail, auto draft, online through MWA’s website or by phone at (478) 464-5600.

Georgia Power has waived late fees as well and plan to work with their customers to create payment plans when the crisis is over. The company is working with the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange, a consumer reporting agency, to minimize impacts to customers who are suffering due to coronavirus-related effects, according to an email from John Kraft, with Georgia Power Media Relations.

Georgia Power is also investing $1 million to support the state of Georgia in recovery after the pandemic, according to a news release.

What resources can small businesses receive?

Businesses and nonprofit organizations with fewer than 500 workers are eligible for aid through the CARES Act, which includes two main aid programs.

The paycheck protection program offers businesses forgivable loans to pay for eight week’s of the business’s payroll costs, and the existing economic injury disaster loan program has been expanded so businesses can receive low-interest loans to cover expenses. A portion of the disaster loans do not have to be paid back.

The Small Business Administration is managing the programs. To learn more about coronavirus relief for small businesses, visit its website at www.sba.gov.

How can I receive guidance on how to navigate this crisis with a small business?

NewTown Macon announced a new coaching program to assist small businesses and nonprofits by providing access to benefit programs, financial tools and planning to help them survive the COVID-19 outbreak and be prepared to reopen and prosper when the crisis ends, according to a news release.

The Recovery Coaching Program will provide webinars that will be recorded and posted to their YouTube channel for people to view.

Participating organizations will also receive individual coaching assistance from a NewTown staff member, according to the release.

To register for upcoming courses, visit newtownmacon.com/powering-newtown/covid-19/.

How am I supposed to pay for taxes right now?

Well, you don’t have to. The IRS extended the deadline to file taxes to July 15, but the agency encouraged taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as soon as possible.

I’ve done everything, and I still don’t have enough money to make ends meet. What other resources are available?

The United Way of Central Georgia has a list of resources for families who are struggling during the coronavirus outbreak. Visit www.unitedwaycg.org/covid19resources to get information about meal sites for children and educational and financial resources.

The 2-1-1 Contact Center is a hotline people can call to get connected to community resources near them, including rent payment assistance, meals and much more. Either call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code and “need” to 898-211 or you can search their online database.