COVID 19 Business Resources
We at the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce want to make sure you are aware that the U.S. Government is stepping in to help people affected by the coronavirus. If you are directly affected, please make sure to take advantage of the new government benefits, like expanded unemployment benefits, extended emergency family and medical leave, free coronavirus testing and expanded food aid. More information on these benefits is available at the links provided below.
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Local information on the outbreak and availability of test kits www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs
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U.S. Small Business Administration www.SBA.gov/disaster has grants and loans available to small business that have been injured by the impact of the public health crisis. This assistance may help your business weather the disruption until the crisis passes.
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a range of resources for businesses: www.uschamber.com/coronavirus-response-toolkit
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The U.S. Department of Education www.ED.gov/coronavirus has preventive strategies for K-12 educators and higher education institutions. www.dallasisd.org/age31679
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development www.HUD.gov has information on local homeless shelters and other resources for those who may be the most affected in our community.
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For the latest on national news and recommendations log on to www.CDC.gov.
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For the latest on local news log on to: www.dallasnews.com -Mayor Eric Johnson Extends Emergency Declaration through April 29
For the latest updates from Governor Abbott’s visit:
• HHSC Community Partner Program (CCP)
• Information on IRS Extension Payments for extension of payment deadline for individuals and corporations for tax federal payments for 90 days, visit www.irs.gov
• National Conference of State Legislators for current legislative efforts to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.ncsl.org
Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus, visit www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs and
www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus
• For eviction suspensions, visit www.dallascityhall.com
• For price gouging and disaster scams, visit www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
TESTING
The bill requires private healthcare providers to cover COVID-19 testing without cost and waives cost sharing under Medicare, TRICARE and the VA. The law also gives states the option to expand Medicare to provide COVID-19 related coverage to those that are not insured.
If you or someone you know requires COVID-19 testing, please contact your primary care provider or local hospital for more information and next steps.
Expanded Unemployment Benefits
The bill covers costs for states that extend unemployment payments for six months beyond the usual six-month time limit. The benefit would apply only to states that see their unemployment rates rise by at least 10%. Each state’s rules may be different.
Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program to learn about and apply for unemployment insurance.
Women, Infants and Children Program
The bill provides $500 million for the Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program to provide mothers and pregnant women with access to supplemental foods, healthcare referrals and nutrition education.
If you are interested in this program, you will need to contact your relevant state agency and set up an appointment. Find contact information for your state agency at WIC State Contact Lookup.
Senior Nutrition Program
The bill provides $250 million for nutrition programs designed specifically for seniors. There are several programs available, including programs that offer food delivery services for older Americans. Learn more about available options and how to apply for them at Nutrition Programs for Seniors.
Enhanced Paid Sick and Family Leave
The bill also requires employers to provide 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave for workers affected by COVID-19. Please contact your employer if you have any questions regarding changes to your paid sick and family leave programs.
Emergency Food Assistance
The bill provides $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides essential food for Americans in need. The program distributes food through food banks across the country.
If you are interested in this program, contact your state distribution agency at Emergency Food Assistance State Contact Lookup.
Nutritional Assistance for U.S. Territories
The bill provides $100 million for nutritional assistance for U.S territories and Native American Reservations. To learn more about these programs at Territory Nutrition Assistance Programs