Disaster Financial Assistance for Workers and Small Business Owners

If you’ve been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, learn how you could qualify for unemployment benefits, paid leave, and more. Get financial help from the government if you own a small business.

• COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits
• COVID-19 Stimulus Checks for Individuals
• COVID-19 Small Business Loans

COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

The federal government allowed states to change their laws to provide COVID-19 unemployment benefits for people whose jobs have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Many states are ending their COVID-related unemployment benefits. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program for the most up-to-date information. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 temporarily authorized:

• An extension for people already receiving unemployment benefits
• Automatic, additional payments of $300 per week to everyone qualified for unemployment benefits
• Extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed or gig workers

COVID-19 Stimulus Checks for Individuals

The IRS issued three Economic Impact Payments during the coronavirus pandemic for people who were eligible:

• $1,200 in April 2020
• $600 in December 2020/January 2021
• $1,400 in March 2021

These payments were sent by direct deposit to a bank account or by mail as a paper check or a debit card.

Check On Your Stimulus Payment

Check the Get My Payment page from the IRS to find out if you qualified and when you should have received your payment.

What to Do If You Didn’t Receive This or Earlier
Stimulus Checks

Follow the directions from the IRS on how to claim these payments if you were eligible for but did not receive them, or if the amount you received was incorrect.

COVID-19 Small Business Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs that can help your business if it’s been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. It offered loans to help small businesses and non-profits keep their workers employed. If you follow the guidelines, your loan may be forgiven.
Learn about the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, including program details and frequently asked questions.

Need help with PPP Loan Forgiveness?

 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

An Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) helps small businesses and nonprofits that are losing money during the coronavirus pandemic and that need funds for financial obligations and operating expenses. SBA is accepting applications for EIDLs until December 31, 2021. Apply online for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

 

Need assistance with Disaster Loans and Grants?

SBA Debt Relief

SBA’s Debt Relief Program pays the principal, interest, and fees for six months for 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed before September 27, 2020. Beginning in February 2021, that relief was extended for certain businesses. For details, see the “Small Business Debt Relief Program” section, page 9 of the Small Business Owner’s Guide to COVID-19 Relief Legislation (PDF, Download Adobe Reader).

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

If you’re a talent representative or operate a theater, museum, or a live performing arts or event venue, you may qualify for a grant equal to 45% of your gross earned revenue.

Learn more about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and see if you qualify.