Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Whether you lost your job as a result of the pandemic or are facing increased expenses for necessities like childcare, there are resources available to provide you the bill assistance you need.  

• Unemployment Benefits: If you were laid off or otherwise separated from your job because of the pandemic, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI). UI is managed by each state and provides individuals with replacement income. To review eligibility requirements and apply, find your state agency here.
• Rent/Mortgage: If you can no longer make your rent or mortgage payments, refer to this tool created by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Standford Law School. It provides searchable information about eviction and rent protections by state. For more local resources, contact your local 211. 
• Utilities: Many local power and gas companies are offering payment plan and deferral options for households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, so contact your utilities companies to explore your options first. You may also qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. To find out whether you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office.
• Other Federal Assistance Options: For the latest updates on government assistance programs, visit usa.gov. This webpage hosts information on resources like the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

More information is available on our Paying Bills page here.

If a member of your household had their work or schooling moved to an online format but cannot afford home internet access, the following providers offer affordable options:  

• Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households.  

• Comcast Internet Essentials is a similarly priced package for qualifying individuals and households. Due to COVID-19, it is currently available for free for the first two months.  

• Mediacom Connect 2 Compete offers internet access to students at a reduced rate.  

• Verizon Lifeline provides reduced-fee internet services at a 3-tier level for low-income customers.  

If you have an existing provider, they may be making special accommodations in response to the pandemic. Visit their website or contact them via phone for more information.  

The devastating circumstances of the pandemic may have your family facing food insecurity for the first time. Regardless of your situation, there are many available resources to get you the food you deserve.  

• Your local 211 can provide information about nearby food banks and resource centers. Many of these organizations are now offering delivery services; you can inquire about this possibility via phone. 
• If you have not previously been a member of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you may now qualify. Visit the official SNAP Eligibility Page to view the latest criteria. Applications vary by state. You can reach out to your local SNAP office for more information and an application form.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased feelings of anxiety, stress, and isolation for millions of Americans. 

• If you or someone you love is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

• To speak to someone about how you are feeling, dial 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

  When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

For more mental health resources, visit our Mental Health page or contact 211 for local options.

• When The Paycheck Stops - An AFL-CIO Survival Guide to Unemployment
• Cuando El Sueldo No Lluega - Una guia de supervivencia de AFL-CIO en caso desempleo
• COVID-19 Resources from AFL-CIO
• Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the Workplace
• OSHA: Protecting Workers During a Pandemic fact sheet
• OSHA: Information for Workers and Employers About the Coronavirus Outbreak
• OSHA: COVID-19 Control and Prevention

View the list of United Way Labor Engagement Staff & Local Labor Partners here.