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Coronavirus Related Changes, Offers and Deals
We'll use this topic to list Coronavirus related changes, offers and deals that may save some money as we proceed through the next few months.
Let us know if you're aware of other money-savings offers related to coronavirus by "replying" to this post and we'll add them to the list.
Coronavirus Financial Relief Options
As more and more workers are affected by furloughs, reduction in hours and outright layoffs as a result of the actions taken to combat the coronavirus spread, financial relief and assistance are becoming top of mind.
If that's you, or someone you know, be aware that the federal government is taking action to put money directly into your pockets.
Individual Relief
Below are the details for individual financial relief from the federal government.
- $1,200 per adult, married couples eligible for $2,400
- An additional $500 per child under 17
- A married couple with two children would receive $3,400
Payments will scale down for individuals who make more than $75,000 per year, $112,500 for heads of household (usually single parents) and married couples that make more than $150,000 per year.
Income will be based on 2019 federal tax returns - 2018 federal tax returns if a 2019 return has not yet been filed.
Individuals making more than $99,000, and married couples that make more than $198,000 will not be eligible for direct assistance.
Money should be distributed via direct deposit to bank accounts on file with the IRS within three weeks of President Trump signing the bill. If you don't have a bank account linked to the IRS, paper checks will likely be mailed, taking longer to receive.
You must have a Social Security number to get a payment. Dependents on someone else's tax return who aren't a child will not get a payment.
Small Business Relief
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that was just passed included $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed.
The loans that will be provided by local banks, and backed by the federal dollars allotted in the bill, may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
As with any legislative plan, the devil is in the details. And there are still some details to be smoothed out.
But, the bottom line of this program, keep people employed during the current economic downturn, is the best option for both small and medium-sized businesses and the people they employ to make it through this situation.
If you’re a small business owner – and it appears even individuals who operate as a sole proprietor, independent contractor or are considered self-employed will qualify for this program – you want to look at this program.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has published a guide and checklist for this program. I’ll provide its link below. Talk with your banker or local Chamber of Commerce this coming week if you think this program can help you and your workers.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist Document
Unemployment Benefits
If you are one of the millions who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – or for any reason, really – there are and will be benefits to help.
First, you need to contact your local/state unemployment office to begin the application process. Unfortunately, reports indicate this can be a frustrating experience due to the volume of unemployed accessing the systems. Keep at the application process. The benefits are there for you, and the recently passed federal relief bill will provide additional assistance.
Unemployment insurance benefits vary by state, so you’ll need to check with your specific state to determine base benefits. However, the federal relief bill has added to the benefits offered by states.
Specifically, the federal relief bill will:
- Expand eligibility to include people who are not typically eligible for benefits, including self-employed people, those seeking part-time employment and independent contractors.
- Include people who are diagnosed with coronavirus, have a household member with coronavirus or are unable to go to work because of quarantines.
- Increase unemployment assistance in every state by $600 a week for up to four months.
- Lengthen the duration of benefits by an additional 13 weeks above what individual states provide.
Additionally, these expanded benefits/eligibility should extend to those who were receiving unemployment benefits before the coronavirus outbreak and passage of the relief bill.
Again, unemployment benefits begin with application to your local/state unemployment office. The expansion/eligibility of benefits should be automatically recognized at that level.
These payments may, or may not, be enough to help affected workers make it through this crisis. If not, here are some suggestions.
Credit Card, Bank and Other Lender Loans
All financial institutions are well aware of the current coronavirus and economic issues facing customers.
If you are having difficulty paying all your bills, a call to your credit card issuer or lender may result in payment flexibility.
For credit cards, use the telephone number on the back of your card.
For bank or other lender loans, use the customer service number on your statement.
Or, check the website of your financial institution. Many have already published announcements online regarding coronavirus relief.
During the call, tell them your situation and ask what payment flexibility options may be available.
Utilities and Telecommunications
Many utilities and telecommunications companies have already instituted forms of assistance for those in need.
Many electric and gas companies are suspending service disconnections for customers with unpaid bills during this time period. Additionally, they may offer payment plans for those affected by job loss.
A number of the wireless providers and cable and Internet providers have signed the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge which will waive late fees, suspend service terminations and open hot spots for Internet access.
To get the assistance, though, you have to ask.
If you’re having a difficult time paying your bills as a result of coronavirus and the actions taken to curb its spread, make the call to your service providers.
Many companies already have a plan in place to work with affected customers.
Lowered payments, waived late fees and a halt to disconnections are a few of the options that may be available to you.
The U.S. economic situation is bad and getting worse as the coronavirus, and actions to address it, take hold in our country. Many Americans are going to be facing the same financial hardships. We’re all aware of what’s going on, and together, with the assistance of government, business and each other, we’ll get through it.
Federal Student Loan Payment Suspension
Update 4/17/20 - The federal government is extending the suspension of monthly payments and interest accruals on federally held student loans to September 30, 2020.
The federal government has temporarily suspended all payments on federally held student loans.
According to President Trump, the suspension will be in effect for "at least the next 60 days, and if we need more, we'll extend that."
Last week, President Trump had announced a waiver of 60 days on the payment of interest on federal student loans...now with the suspension of payments altogether, the interest waiver's a moot issue.
Keep in mind, this is for federally held student loans only.
Due to the significant changes we're seeing to many government policies and programs on a daily basis, details are likely just making their way to the departments that oversee these loans.
Still, contact your lender for more information, or check the website, before skipping your upcoming payments.
Federal Tax Payment - and Filing - Deadline Extended
The federal government is giving taxpayers - both individuals and corporations - an extra 90 days to pay federal taxes owed.
Individuals who owe up to $1 million in taxes and corporations that owe up to $10 million in taxes will be eligible for the 90-day deferral.
During the 90-day extension, taxpayers won't be subject to interest and penalties.
Filing of tax returns, however, is still required by April 15, 2020. A recent change has included the filing of tax returns in this extension, as well.
Now, filing of federal tax returns and payment of tax due have been extended to July 15, 2020.
This is for federal tax filing/payments only. Check with your state for any payment/filing extensions it may be offering.
Verizon Wireless Additional Data and Free International Calls to Level 3 Countries
In an effort to help everyone stay better connected during this coronavirus pandemic, Verizon Wireless is offering an additional 15GB of data to its wireless customers. The extra 15GB is valid 03/25/20 to 4/30/20 5/31/20 and will be added to your account automatically. This is good on postpaid data plans, prepaid plans and jetpack. You can see details at the Verizon link below.
Additionally, Verizon is offering free international long distance calling to countries identified by the Center for Disease Control as level 3 impacted by COVID-19. This offer includes customers on both prepaid and postpaid plans.
Charges are waived as of the date the country was added to the Level 3 list. You can view the current list of Level 3 countries at this link.
The free international calling plan is valid through April 30, 2020.
GM Offering 0% Financing for 7 years with 4 Months Deferred Payments
The automakers are expecting difficult times ahead.
Make no mistake, this deal is only for those who are extremely confident in their financial situation now, and in the coming months.
GM Financial is offering 0% financing for seven years – two years more than recent programs – and four months deferred payments for those with A+ credit. People with a lower rating of A1 can qualify for the deferment, however not the 0% financing according to a GM spokesperson.
The offer is valid through March 31, 2020, at this point.
Check with your local dealer if you're interested or read the article here.
Comcast Xfinity Data Caps Suspended
Comcast is suspending its Xfinity data caps (typically hit at 1TB) beginning March 15, 2020, through May 13, 2020. Obviously, we're in an evolving situation, so these dates may change.
If you pay an extra $50 per month for unlimited data, that should be credited to your account during the time period above. Although some are reporting being told by Comcast customer service reps to remove the unlimited data package during this time and then add it back once data cap suspension is ended. That'll save you the $50 per month charge and you won't have to worry about credits happening or not.
The Comcast press release also mentions free access to Xfinity wifi hotspots for everyone (Comcast subscribers and not). That appears to be for a select number of hotspots, not every hotspot...although that may change.
You can read the full Comcast press release at this link.
T-Mobile Unlimited Smartphone Data
ALL current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming).
T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers will also receive an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot / tethering service for the next 60 days.
You can read the full T-Mobile COVID-19 Response Press Release at this link.
ABC Mouse Free Online Educational Programs Kids Pre-K Through 6
Various educational programs for Pre-K-6 kids are now free on ABC Mouse when the promo code: SCHOOL7771 is used.
You can sign-in/use the promo code at the links below.
ABC Mouse Early Learning Academy - Pre-K through 2
Reading IQ - Pre-K-6
Academic Adventures - 3rd - 8th grades
With many kids (and parents) being home over the coming weeks, this is a good way to occupy some time while utilizing different learning skills platforms for free.
Walgreens Free Shipping and 10% Off
Walgreens is offering free shipping on everything on walgreens.com with no minimum purchase requirement.
Additionally, you should be able to receive 10% off by using the promo code: NEW10 when checking out.
Not guaranteeing how much will be in stock on the Walgreens website, or if pricing will be decent when comparing to other retailers, even with the NEW10 discount, but it's an option of which to be aware.
Quote from Savings Beagle on March 16, 2020, 11:02 amWe'll use this topic to list Coronavirus related changes, offers and deals that may save some money as we proceed through the next few months.
Let us know if you're aware of other money-savings offers related to coronavirus by "replying" to this post and we'll add them to the list.
Coronavirus Financial Relief Options
As more and more workers are affected by furloughs, reduction in hours and outright layoffs as a result of the actions taken to combat the coronavirus spread, financial relief and assistance are becoming top of mind.
If that's you, or someone you know, be aware that the federal government is taking action to put money directly into your pockets.
Individual Relief
Below are the details for individual financial relief from the federal government.
- $1,200 per adult, married couples eligible for $2,400
- An additional $500 per child under 17
- A married couple with two children would receive $3,400
Payments will scale down for individuals who make more than $75,000 per year, $112,500 for heads of household (usually single parents) and married couples that make more than $150,000 per year.
Income will be based on 2019 federal tax returns - 2018 federal tax returns if a 2019 return has not yet been filed.
Individuals making more than $99,000, and married couples that make more than $198,000 will not be eligible for direct assistance. Tax advisor near me...Money should be distributed via direct deposit to bank accounts on file with the IRS within three weeks of President Trump signing the bill. If you don't have a bank account linked to the IRS, paper checks will likely be mailed, taking longer to receive.
You must have a Social Security number to get a payment. Dependents on someone else's tax return who aren't a child will not get a payment.
Small Business Relief
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that was just passed included $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed.
The loans that will be provided by local banks, and backed by the federal dollars allotted in the bill, may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
As with any legislative plan, the devil is in the details. And there are still some details to be smoothed out.
But, the bottom line of this program, keep people employed during the current economic downturn, is the best option for both small and medium-sized businesses and the people they employ to make it through this situation.
If you’re a small business owner – and it appears even individuals who operate as a sole proprietor, independent contractor or are considered self-employed will qualify for this program – you want to look at this program.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has published a guide and checklist for this program. I’ll provide its link below. Talk with your banker or local Chamber of Commerce this coming week if you think this program can help you and your workers.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist Document
Unemployment Benefits
If you are one of the millions who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – or for any reason, really – there are and will be benefits to help.
First, you need to contact your local/state unemployment office to begin the application process. Unfortunately, reports indicate this can be a frustrating experience due to the volume of unemployed accessing the systems. Keep at the application process. The benefits are there for you, and the recently passed federal relief bill will provide additional assistance.
Unemployment insurance benefits vary by state, so you’ll need to check with your specific state to determine base benefits. However, the federal relief bill has added to the benefits offered by states.
Specifically, the federal relief bill will:
- Expand eligibility to include people who are not typically eligible for benefits, including self-employed people, those seeking part-time employment and independent contractors.
- Include people who are diagnosed with coronavirus, have a household member with coronavirus or are unable to go to work because of quarantines.
- Increase unemployment assistance in every state by $600 a week for up to four months.
- Lengthen the duration of benefits by an additional 13 weeks above what individual states provide.
Additionally, these expanded benefits/eligibility should extend to those who were receiving unemployment benefits before the coronavirus outbreak and passage of the relief bill.
Again, unemployment benefits begin with application to your local/state unemployment office. The expansion/eligibility of benefits should be automatically recognized at that level.
These payments may, or may not, be enough to help affected workers make it through this crisis. If not, here are some suggestions.
Credit Card, Bank and Other Lender Loans
All financial institutions are well aware of the current coronavirus and economic issues facing customers.
If you are having difficulty paying all your bills, a call to your credit card issuer or lender may result in payment flexibility.
For credit cards, use the telephone number on the back of your card.
For bank or other lender loans, use the customer service number on your statement.
Or, check the website of your financial institution. Many have already published announcements online regarding coronavirus relief.
During the call, tell them your situation and ask what payment flexibility options may be available.
Utilities and Telecommunications
Many utilities and telecommunications companies have already instituted forms of assistance for those in need.
Many electric and gas companies are suspending service disconnections for customers with unpaid bills during this time period. Additionally, they may offer payment plans for those affected by job loss.
A number of the wireless providers and cable and Internet providers have signed the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge which will waive late fees, suspend service terminations and open hot spots for Internet access.
To get the assistance, though, you have to ask.
If you’re having a difficult time paying your bills as a result of coronavirus and the actions taken to curb its spread, make the call to your service providers.
Many companies already have a plan in place to work with affected customers.
Lowered payments, waived late fees and a halt to disconnections are a few of the options that may be available to you.
The U.S. economic situation is bad and getting worse as the coronavirus, and actions to address it, take hold in our country. Many Americans are going to be facing the same financial hardships. We’re all aware of what’s going on, and together, with the assistance of government, business and each other, we’ll get through it.
Federal Student Loan Payment Suspension
The federal government has temporarily suspended all payments on federally held student loans.
According to President Trump, the suspension will be in effect for "at least the next 60 days, and if we need more, we'll extend that."
Last week, President Trump had announced a waiver of 60 days on the payment of interest on federal student loans...now with the suspension of payments altogether, the interest waiver's a moot issue.
Keep in mind, this is for federally held student loans only.
Due to the significant changes we're seeing to many government policies and programs on a daily basis, details are likely just making their way to the departments that oversee these loans.
Still, contact your lender for more information, or check the website, before skipping your upcoming payments.
Federal Tax Payment - and Filing - Deadline Extended
The federal government is giving taxpayers - both individuals and corporations - an extra 90 days to pay federal taxes owed.
Individuals who owe up to $1 million in taxes and corporations that owe up to $10 million in taxes will be eligible for the 90-day deferral.
During the 90-day extension, taxpayers won't be subject to interest and penalties.
Filing of tax returns, however, is still required by April 15, 2020.A recent change has included the filing of tax returns in this extension, as well.Now, filing of federal tax returns and payment of tax due have been extended to July 15, 2020.
This is for federal tax filing/payments only. Check with your state for any payment/filing extensions it may be offering.
Verizon Wireless Additional Data and Free International Calls to Level 3 Countries
In an effort to help everyone stay better connected during this coronavirus pandemic, Verizon Wireless is offering an additional 15GB of data to its wireless customers. The extra 15GB is valid 03/25/20 to 4/30/20, and will be added to your account automatically. This is good on postpaid data plans, prepaid plans and jetpack. You can see details at the Verizon link below.
Additionally, Verizon is offering free international long distance calling to countries identified by the Center for Disease Control as level 3 impacted by COVID-19. This offer includes customers on both prepaid and postpaid plans.
Charges are waived as of the date the country was added to the Level 3 list. You can view the current list of Level 3 countries at this link.
The free international calling plan is valid through April 30, 2020.
GM Offering 0% Financing for 7 years with 4 Months Deferred Payments
The automakers are expecting difficult times ahead.
Make no mistake, this deal is only for those who are extremely confident in their financial situation now, and in the coming months.
GM Financial is offering 0% financing for seven years – two years more than recent programs – and four months deferred payments for those with A+ credit. People with a lower rating of A1 can qualify for the deferment, however not the 0% financing according to a GM spokesperson.
The offer is valid through March 31, 2020, at this point.
Check with your local dealer if you're interested or read the article here.
Comcast Xfinity Data Caps Suspended
Comcast is suspending its Xfinity data caps (typically hit at 1TB) beginning March 15, 2020, through May 13, 2020. Obviously, we're in an evolving situation, so these dates may change.
If you pay an extra $50 per month for unlimited data, that should be credited to your account during the time period above. Although some are reporting being told by Comcast customer service reps to remove the unlimited data package during this time and then add it back once data cap suspension is ended. That'll save you the $50 per month charge and you won't have to worry about credits happening or not.
The Comcast press release also mentions free access to Xfinity wifi hotspots for everyone (Comcast subscribers and not). That appears to be for a select number of hotspots, not every hotspot...although that may change.
You can read the full Comcast press release at this link.
T-Mobile Unlimited Smartphone Data
ALL current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming).
T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers will also receive an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot / tethering service for the next 60 days.
You can read the full T-Mobile COVID-19 Response Press Release at this link.
ABC Mouse Free Online Educational Programs Kids Pre-K Through 6
Various educational programs for Pre-K-6 kids are now free on ABC Mouse when the promo code: SCHOOL7771 is used.
You can sign-in/use the promo code at the links below.
ABC Mouse Early Learning Academy - Pre-K through 2
Reading IQ - Pre-K-6
Academic Adventures - 3rd - 8th grades
With many kids (and parents) being home over the coming weeks, this is a good way to occupy some time while utilizing different learning skills platforms for free.
Walgreens Free Shipping and 10% Off
Walgreens is offering free shipping on everything on walgreens.com with no minimum purchase requirement.
Additionally, you should be able to receive 10% off by using the promo code: NEW10 when checking out.
Not guaranteeing how much will be in stock on the Walgreens website, or if pricing will be decent when comparing to other retailers, even with the NEW10 discount, but it's an option of which to be aware.
thank you for the detailed information!