Older adults, 65 years and older, are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are learning more about it every day. Information is available in multiple languages.
Guidance for Older Adults at Higher Risk
0 Comments
by lynnfitchnews@ago.ms.gov<mailto:lynnfitchnews@ago.ms.gov> As rent and bills come due this week, many families are wondering how they will make ends meet. The health impact of the Corona virus has been severe, but we are just beginning to see the level of damage to our family finances. I want to thank the many businesses that have gone that extra mile to help their employees and their customers during this very difficult time, even as they suffer as well. It is heartwarming to hear about utilities suspending fees and landlords sitting down with their tenants to work out payment plans. We will get through this emergency and emerge stronger if we stand together. I have gotten several questions about these personal financial matters and the help that may be available. I wanted to share some answers with all of you and I hope this guide is useful to you and your family as you try to navigate this crisis. Rent and Mortgage Payments
Stimulus Checks
Unemployment Benefits
Student Loans
401(k) and Retirement Funds
Utilities Payments
Rent and Mortgage Payments
The CARES Act, often called the Corona virus stimulus package, included a temporary, nationwide eviction moratorium to renters whose landlords have a mortgage backed or owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or other Federal entities. The moratorium is in place for 120 days from the date of passage, which was March27. These landlords also can’t charge any fees or penalties for rent non-payment. To help landlords, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on March 23rd that, amongst other things, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer mortgage forbearance for multi-family property owners that suspend evictions for renters unable to pay rent as a result of this crisis.
I also want to thank the Mississippi Apartment Association and Mississippi Association of Affordable Housing Providers for their encouragement of apartment managers and landlords to work with renters who are unable to make their rent payments on time during this crisis. It is encouraging to see this kind of compassion and citizenship. Stimulus Checks
The CARES Act included direct payments to citizens to help ease cash flow and financial problems caused by this crisis. The checks will be based on 2019 income taxes or 2018 if you have not filed this year yet. Most adults will get $1,200 or $2,400 for a married couple. Those with adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) or less will get the full amount. The amount gets phased out as incomes rise to $99,000 for individuals or $198,000 for couples. Taxpayers filing as heads of household will get the full payment if they earn $112,500 or less. An adult who is claimed as a dependent cannot get a payment of their own. For families with children, payments will include an additional $500 for each qualifying child age 16 or younger.
Unemployment Benefits
The maximum Mississippi benefit is typically $235 per week. But, eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of State benefits. This extra payment will last for up to four months, covering the weeks of unemployment ending with July 31, 2020. The extra $600 counts as income when determining eligibility for some means-tested programs, but not for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Mississippi Department of Employment Services (MDES) has set up a call center to help people apply at 1-888-844-3577 and it is available seven days a week. You can also apply online at www.mdes.ms.gov<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QIbKv_cz-6KyvcHBPNNS5zx0fu_N_PcvySQHJZCw2DaDjRfcZyb1kfUiop4eWnt3lqi43amDJieYBKUE6dsvu1YU7MolWyBu5X3Z8FnwCO8MUZ8tuhjMM9Dux0tO6f0MhLd_Ez9Q4d1oI-AdpBg0XA==&c=iIR5dGcHtscuQ1ZvQTyyWJPnkCKN0WjUODK8hVNpuxDTWdsXhsIQBA==&ch=3TN-zDpGH9e2yVi9-KAnYI68gfjiRiQEyP0HV0IljZqO3h8ChdieqA==>. MDES has also set up an email address to help answer questions: cv19@mdes.ms.gov. Student Loans
401(k) and Retirement Funds
Utilities Payments
The stimulus package also included an additional $900 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Frequently asked Questions about the governor's Shelter in Place order FAQs HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST?
CAN I GO TO WORK?
CAN I GO TO THE PHARMACY TO FILL MY PRESCRIPTION?
CAN I GO TO THE DOCTOR/DENTIST?
CAN I GO TO SCHOOL OR TAKE MY CHILD TO SCHOOL?
CAN I EXERCISE OR WORK OUT?
CAN I GET MY HAIR AND NAILS DONE?
CAN I GO SHOPPING?
CAN I VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME?
MAY I HELP AN ELDERLY SHUT-IN RELATIVE BUY GROCERIES, DELIVER MEDICINE, OR TAKE THEM TO AN ESSENTIAL DOCTOR VISIT?
CAN I GO TO THE GROCERY STORE?
WHAT IF I’M LAID OFF WHILE MY BUSINESS IS CLOSED DURING THIS COVID-19 EPIDEMIC?
MY FAMILY REUNION WILL HAVE MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE ATTENDING, MAY I STILL GO?
MAY I STILL VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN QUARANTINED BECAUSE OF A KNOWN CONTACT WITH AN ACTIVE DIAGNOSED CASE OF COVID-19?
I HAVE A COURT APPEARANCE SCHEDULE DURING THIS SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER, MAY I ATTEND?
WHAT IF MY CITY OR TOWN HAS ADOPTED MORE STRICT REGULATIONS?
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL?
CAN I TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK IF I LIVE IN THE COUNTY AND WORK OUTSIDE THE COUNTY?
WHEN I’M TRAVELING, HOW CAN I ESTABLISH THAT I WORK FOR AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OR OPERATION?
CAN I TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE COUNTY TO VISIT FAMILY?
HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST?
It will be in effect from Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM until Monday, April 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM. CAN I GO TO WORK?
CAN I GO TO THE PHARMACY TO FILL MY PRESCRIPTION?
Yes. Travel for health and safety is permitted. CAN I GO TO THE DOCTOR/DENTIST?
CAN I GO TO SCHOOL OR TAKE MY CHILD TO SCHOOL?
Travel to or from schools is allowed for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, to receive meals, and for other education related purposes. CAN I EXERCISE OR WORK OUT?
CAN I GET MY HAIR AND NAILS DONE?
No. Salons, barbershops and other similar personal care and grooming facilities are closed during this Shelter in Place. CAN I GO SHOPPING?
Yes, but only for food or supplies needed to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of your home or for other people who are unable to or should not leave their home. CAN I VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME?
No. Most visits are not allowed. For the safety of residents, patients and staff, visits to hospitals and nursing homes are prohibited except to visit those individuals receiving imminent end-of-life care, or as otherwise allowed by that healthcare facility. MAY I HELP AN ELDERLY SHUT-IN RELATIVE BUY GROCERIES, DELIVER MEDICINE, OR TAKE THEM TO AN ESSENTIAL DOCTOR VISIT?
Yes. Travel is permitted for health and safety, or to get necessary food, services or supplies for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons. CAN I GO TO THE GROCERY STORE?
WHAT IF I’M LAID OFF WHILE MY BUSINESS IS CLOSED DURING THIS COVID-19 EPIDEMIC?
MY FAMILY REUNION WILL HAVE MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE ATTENDING, MAY I STILL GO?
No. All non-essential, social gatherings of more than 10 people scheduled during the Shelter-In-Place must be cancelled or rescheduled. This includes gatherings like weddings, funerals, reunions, and backyard barbecues. MAY I STILL VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN QUARANTINED BECAUSE OF A KNOWN CONTACT WITH AN ACTIVE DIAGNOSED CASE OF COVID-19?
No. Please consult with the appropriate medical and health officials on specific instructions. I HAVE A COURT APPEARANCE SCHEDULE DURING THIS SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER, MAY I ATTEND?
Yes. Courts are an Essential Business or Operation. But please consult with your attorney and court personnel to be sure of the date and time, or to learn if it has been postponed or rescheduled before traveling. WHAT IF MY CITY OR TOWN HAS ADOPTED MORE STRICT REGULATIONS?
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL?
Essential Business or Operations are established by Executive Order 1463. That order is available on the Secretary of State’s website under Communications and Publications/Executive Orders at https://www.sos.ms.gov/Education-Publications/Pages/Executive-Orders.aspx CAN I TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK IF I LIVE IN THE COUNTY AND WORK OUTSIDE THE COUNTY?
Yes. This shelter in place applies to your County. But you should consider taking your most recent pay stub or other record to establish where you work. WHEN I’M TRAVELING, HOW CAN I ESTABLISH THAT I WORK FOR AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OR OPERATION?
CAN I TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE COUNTY TO VISIT FAMILY?
2020 Census: An Opportunity to Move Mississippi Forward* Monday, March 30, 2020 With so much uncertainty surrounding our country, one constant is the need for adequate federal funding and representation in Washington, D.C. Our founding fathers knew the importance of accurate representation in congress and implemented the census as a way to proportionally distribute federal funds and congressional seats. The census process is a staple of American government that continues to be an important mandate for our nation’s functionality. Information collected from the census is beneficial to both local governments and the private sector. Institutions across the country, including cities and municipalities, small businesses, and nonprofits often rely on census results to outline where services are most needed and to promote economic development. We all can do our part to better our state by participating in the 2020 Census. Completing the census takes less time than ever before. By answering 10 questions about your household taking no more than 10 minutes, you can help positively impact our state for the next 10 years. The best part is you can now complete this process while social distancing in the comfort of your own home. Fill out your census online at 2020census.gov, over the phone by calling (844) 330-2020, through the mail or by calling CLIMB CDC at 228-864-6677 or by visiting the Morning Star Baptist Church 2050 Thornton Avenue Gulfport, Mississippi Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There you will be provided access to a computer for the purpose of responding to the Census survey and you will have assistance available should you need it. *This message is a modified excerpt from one released this date by Secretary of State Michael Watson. 2020 Census: An Opportunity to Move Mississippi Forward* Monday, March 30, 2020 With so much uncertainty surrounding our country, one constant is the need for adequate federal funding and representation in Washington, D.C. Our founding fathers knew the importance of accurate representation in congress and implemented the census as a way to proportionally distribute federal funds and congressional seats. The census process is a staple of American government that continues to be an important mandate for our nation’s functionality. Information collected from the census is beneficial to both local governments and the private sector. Institutions across the country, including cities and municipalities, small businesses, and nonprofits often rely on census results to outline where services are most needed and to promote economic development. We all can do our part to better our state by participating in the 2020 Census. Completing the census takes less time than ever before. By answering 10 questions about your household taking no more than 10 minutes, you can help positively impact our state for the next 10 years. The best part is you can now complete this process while social distancing in the comfort of your own home. Fill out your census online at 2020census.gov, over the phone by calling (844) 330-2020, through the mail or by calling CLIMB CDC at 228-864-6677 or by visiting the Morning Star Baptist Church 2050 Thornton Avenue Gulfport, Mississippi Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There you will be provided access to a computer for the purpose of responding to the Census survey and you will have assistance available should you need it. *This message is a modified excerpt from one released this date by Secretary of State Michael Watson.
Video - PSA Grocery Shopping Tips in COVID-19 (See Important Notes Below) www.DrJeffVW.com
As of posting date (March 24, 2020), this is the most current video for New CDC data, safe takeout food practices, and an updated practice for safe grocery shopping/handling. Correction: Rinse fruits and vegetables with water - no soap. Correction: NIH Data - COVID-19 lives on cardboard for 1 day. Clarification: Perishable foods like meat should be brought in the home and refrigerated. Clarification: Only disinfect the outside packaging. Note: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-... for info on disinfectants, etc.
Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week[1] This week is designated as Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, and we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the increased threats of identity theft during this time of year. Tax season is a busy time for fraudsters, as documents containing personal information like W-2s and 1099s are being mailed or posted online. If compromised, this information can be a source for identity theft and the creation of synthetic identities; tactics often used by fraudsters to file false returns and fraudulently apply for credit. Fraudsters gain access to valuable personal and payroll information by impersonating the IRS or other tax entities via phishing, malware and various forms of business email compromise. For instance, recently fraudsters claiming to represent the IRS have contacted potential victims asking for personal information, threatening that the victim’s Social Security number could be suspended or canceled if they did not comply. It is important to understand that the IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text message or social media channels to request personal or financial information, including passwords and PIN numbers. Any such attempt should serve as an alarm. Provided below are some considerations for your protection during tax season:
[1] Although we are not in the endorsement business I want to acknowledge that this letter was modified from a letter originally sent out to businesses by Regions Bank.
|