Money and Taxes - Government Response to Coronavirus

Federal, state, and local governments are working to respond to the growing public health threat of coronavirus, or COVID-19 . There are more and more reported cases in all the states. It leads to businesses closing down, unemployment, self-isolation and even quarantines. Consequently, US residents face financial problems as they lose a job, income, etc. To help the population the Federal Government has taken various measures improving health care, social programs, banking, as well as taxes and financial assistance.

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a domestic travel advisory for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut on Saturday night, the FDA approved a fast new coronavirus test and a naval hospital ship left Norfolk, Virginia, for New York City.
• President Donald Trump said earlier Saturday he was considering imposing a two-week quarantine on New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut to deal with the rapid spread of COVID-19. He later tweeted "a quarantine will not be necessary," saying the CDC's advisory would follow. 
• The U.S. counted more than 124,000 cases of coronavirus Saturday, with at least 2,100 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University data dashboard. More confirmations are expected as the U.S. ramps up testing. 
• About 660,000 people are known to have been infected with COVID-19 globally, and more than 30,000 have died. 

Financial protection during Coronavirus

If you experience problems paying your bills or loans, you have lost your income, or you may be targeted by a scammer, consider taking the following steps:

1. Contact direct lenders providing Payday Loans, Personal Loans, Student Loans, and other loan servicers. Explain your situation and ask about the options you can be offered such as waiving certain fees like ATM, overpayments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments. If you can't pay back your Auto Title Loan, try to change the date of your payment, apply for a payment plan, or a payment extension. If you have student loans, request a delayed or reduced payment program. Find out more about Trump Student Loans reform.
2. Contact housing and credit counselors to help you understand your options and ask them for free advice. You can apply to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or other credit counselors.
3. Address debt collectors to negotiate an affordable repayment plan. Find out current USA Laws and Regulations concerning debt collecting practices.
4. Check your credit reports to make sure there are no mistakes and do your best to improve your credit score.
5. If you've lost a job, look for the unemployment programs offered in your state. 

Need more help?

If you have a problem with a financial product or service, contact the company at first. They must respond within 2 weeks. If you can't reach the business or have a complaint, call (855) 411-23 or submit online.