Bookmark this page. CalEITC4Me will be updating it regularly as new information and resources become available. Below you will find details and links to programs that can help you and your family stay healthy, safe and financially stable throughout the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
In response to the economic fallout felt by millions of Americans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is providing individuals making $75,000 or less -- or $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly -- with stimulus checks of $1,200, plus $500 for each qualifying child. Payments phase out above these income thresholds.
To determine who is eligible for these payments, the federal government will rely on information collected by the Internal Revenue Service through income tax returns.
In order to receive your stimulus check, you must have filed a tax return for either 2018 or 2019. Those who do will automatically receive a payment.
If you haven’t filed a tax return for either of those years, you can find online resources here to help you file safely from your home.
For those who have set up direct deposit with the IRS (in previous tax filings), the IRS will provide your stimulus check via direct deposit instead of mailing you a paper check.
If you do not have direct deposit set up with the IRS and you’ve moved to a new address since filing your most recent tax return, you should submit a change of address form in order to ensure that your check is mailed to the correct address.
Yes. During this time of great uncertainty, filing a tax return could help your family access significant cash back in tax credits.
In addition to economic stimulus payments in response to COVID-19, people who typically don’t file a tax return because their income is below the requirement could still be eligible for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in tax credit refunds through the California and federal Earned Income Tax Credits if they file.
To find out if you qualify for cash back through the California and federal EITC, you can use our eligibility calculator.
Both the federal government and the state of California have moved their tax filing deadlines back 90 days to July 15. However, if you or your family need cash to help you weather the economic fallout from COVID-19, there’s no reason to wait until July 15 to file. In order to receive your stimulus check and a cashback refund from the Earned Income Tax Credit, you must file a tax return. You can find resources to file now for free online here.
Financial help and grants are available in all cities and counties including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. In addition to the programs listed, find government assistance as well as charities in California that can provide help with paying bills, rent, deposit or mortgage payments, transportation, medical care, and other expenses.
Learn more: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com
The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) represents over 40 food banks throughout the state. Use CAFB's food bank finder tool to locate a food bank in your area.
Food bank finder tool: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food-bank
If you're unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional). Short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
Approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income); ranges from $50-$1,300 a week for up to 52 weeks.
EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers, and delivering digital skills trainings.
Learn more: https://www.Everyoneon.org/eitc
If you're unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional)
Up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member.
Approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income); ranges from $50-$1,300 a week for up to 6 weeks.
If you or a family member are sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine. The leave you have accumulated or your employer has provided to you under the Paid Sick Leave law — paid to you at your regular rate of pay or an average based on the past 90 days.
Learn more about your eligibility for Paid Sick Leave
If accrued sick leave is denied, file a Wage claim
California Paid Sick Leave FAQ: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/paid_sick_leave.htm
If you have lost your job or have had your hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19. Partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own.
Range from $40-$450 per week for up to 26 weeks.
Learn more about your eligibility for Unemployment Insurance
File an Unemployment Insurance claim
EDD (English): 1-800-300-5616
EDD (Spanish): 1-800-326-8937
EDD (Chinese): 1-800-547-3506, 1-866-303-0706
EDD (Vietnamese): 1-800-547-2058
EDD website: https://www.edd.ca.gov
If you are unable to do your usual job because you were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of your work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Benefits include temporary disability (TD) payments, which begin when your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days or you are hospitalized overnight. You may be entitled to TD for up to 104 weeks. TD stops when either you return to work, your doctor releases you for work, or your doctor says your illness has improved as much as it's going to.
TD generally pays two-thirds of the gross wages you lose while you are recovering from a work-related illness or injury, up to maximum weekly amount set by law. In addition, eligible employees are entitled to medical treatment and additional payments if a doctor determines you suffered a permanent disability because of the illness.
Learn more about your eligibility for Workers' Compensation benefits