If you have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, find out if you qualify for unemployment benefits. Get government financial assistance for your small business. Learn about the CARES Act and how it can help you.
COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits
The federal government is allowing states to change their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Many states are ending their unemployment benefits related to COVID-19. Contact the office that handles your state's unemployment insurance program for the most up-to-date information.
The new American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized that:
Unemployment benefits were extended to people who already receive that benefit.
People who qualify for unemployment benefits will receive additional automatic payments of $300 per week.
Expand the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed and temporary workers.
Economic stimulus checks for COVID-19 for individuals
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued three Economic Impact Payments during the coronavirus pandemic to 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 debit card.
Find out when and how your stimulus check was sent
Go to the IRS Get My Payment webpage to find out if you qualified for help and when you should have received your payment.
What to do if you did not receive previous stimulus checks
Follow IRS instructions on how to claim these payments if you were eligible for them but did not receive them, or if the amount you received was incorrect.
Financial help for small businesses due to COVID-19
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs that can help your business if it has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended May 31, 2021. It offered loans to help small businesses and nonprofits keep their workers employed.
Get the latest information from the SBA on the Payment Protection Program , including program details and frequently asked questions.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) help small businesses and nonprofits that are losing money during the pandemic and need funds to meet their financial obligations and operating expenses.
The SBA will accept applications for EIDL loans through December 31, 2021.
SBA debt relief
The SBA debt relief program pays principal, interest, and fees for six months on 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans approved before September 27, 2020. Help will be extended to certain types of businesses such as non-profit organizations and entertainment venues.
For more details on small business debt relief, go to 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 ) .
Grant for operators of closed places
If you operate a theater, museum, movie theater or entertainment venue, or are a talent agent, you may be eligible to apply for a grant equal to 45% of your gross receipts.
Learn more about the closed premises operator grant and find out if you qualify to apply .