RoxanneIt seems as if the coronavirus will never disappear. While this may create loads of anxiety, you should try to focus on things you can control.
Can you control COVID-19? Of course not. But you can control your time. And if you take the time to make the following moves, you should find yourself feeling a little better with all of the assistance these resources can provide.
1. Start by contacting 211
If you need help with housing, paying your bills, finding food, or pinpointing other critical services, you may not know where to start. That’s why calling 211 on your phone is a smart move, as they can instantly point you in the right direction when it comes to local help.
Instead of searching for assistance on your own, a 211 operator can connect you with local resources to fill whatever need you have.
To learn more about the different services 211 can provide during the pandemic and beyond, visit their website or give them a call.
2. Get in touch with your state and local health departments.
Are you worried about your health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you want to know where you can get a vaccine in your state?
If so, visit your state’s health department website.
If you want to learn more about how to stay safe during the pandemic and learn more about vaccines before scheduling an appointment to get yours, the CDC’s website can fill you in with all of the latest info.
3. Get help with paying your bills.
The coronavirus led to record job and income loss. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it also caused increased expenses for many families in childcare.
The combination of less income and more expenses has probably made it tough to pay your bills. Here are some resources that can offer assistance with paying your bills until you get your finances in order:
- Rent and mortgage help – Many folks found it impossible to pay their rent or mortgage due to all of the COVID-19 shutdowns. This led to the creation of protections against evictions. To see where your state stands, use this tool. You can also call 211 and ask for local help with housing.
- Unemployment benefits – Each state has its own Unemployment Insurance program that replaces income for families affected by job loss. Go here to find your state agency and see how you can receive these benefits to boost your income.
- Utilities – A lack of income and rising expenses can make it tough to keep your lights on. Since COVID-19 has negatively impacted so many households, local power and gas companies have created new payment plan options. Contact your power company to see how they can help you pay your electric bill. You can also see if you qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which could help you pay your utility bills.
- Other forms of government assistance – The government is continually changing its assistance programs in response to the pandemic. To stay up to date on all of those changes and see what’s currently available, visit USA.gov.
