Resources for Coronavirus Relief
The global coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on communities across New York State.
I want to assure New Yorkers that we are all in this together. My office is here to help as you navigate these uncertain times. We’ll update this page as we have new information to share—and if you don’t see what you need here, be sure to contact one of my offices across the state. Make sure to take care of yourself and your loved ones. —Kirsten
The American Rescue Plan
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law on March 11, 2021, delivering the resources necessary to end this pandemic, re-open safely, and get real relief directly into the hands of struggling families.
Unemployment Assistance
The American Rescue Plan extended $300-a-week unemployment benefits until Sept 6, 2021. If you’ve lost your job because of the pandemic, learn more about these benefits here:
Stimulus Checks
You could be eligible for $1,400 checks for you, your spouse and for each of your children or adult dependents. Learn more about if you qualify and how you will get your check here:
Small Business Relief
The American Rescue Plan provides:
- $7 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- $25 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- $1.25 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
More information will be available from the Small Business Administration soon about how to apply for grant funding.
If you are interested in applying for PPP loans or other relief for small businesses, learn more here:
Tax Credits
The American Rescue Plan expanded the now fully refundable Child Tax Credit to $3,600 for children under 6 years old and $3,000 for those between the ages of 6 and 17.
The Child Tax Credit alone will help the families of 3.5 million New York state children under 18 years old, and is enough to cut child poverty across the country in half.
The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Earn Income Tax Credit (EITC) so it will be available to more low-income earning families.
Relief for Renters and Homeowners
The American Rescue Plan provides $1.015 billion for emergency rental assistance in New York State.
It also provides $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers, $100 million for housing counseling, $100 million for rural housing emergency assistance, $9.961 billion for the Homeowner Assistance Fund, and $4.75 billion for assistance for those experiencing homelessness.
Nutrition Assistance
To fight the hunger crisis caused by this pandemic, Senator Gillibrand successfully pushed to extend the temporary 15% increase in maximum SNAP benefits and to extend the P-EBT program through the summer. She also secured $1 billion in nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico and territories.
Senator Gillibrand also successfully pushed for an emergency temporary increase in the Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Cash Value Vouchers to up to $35 per month for women and children.
Emergency Paid Leave
The bill provides tax credits to employers that voluntarily offer two weeks of paid sick leave for COVID-19 illnesses and 10 weeks of paid family leave for pandemic related reasons through October 1.
Heating Assistance
Senator Gillibrand secured $4.5 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the American Rescue Plan to help struggling families cover their heating bills.
COBRA and ACA
The American Rescue Plan will help make health insurance more affordable by covering 100% of COBRA premiums through September. It also caps premiums for ACA and state exchange benchmark plans at 8.5% of your income.
Safely Reopen Our Schools
The American Rescue Plan provides $8.9 billion to New York States’ public K-12 schools and $2.6 billion to colleges and universities to implement CDC guidelines, repair and upgrade ventilation, hire more staff, purchase PPE, and cover budget holes for higher education so that schools can reopen safely.
Help Child Care Providers Safely Re-Open
The American Rescue Plan provides $1.8 billion to help stabilize child care providers in New York State so they can safely reopen.
HEALTH CARE RESOURCES
Protect yourself, your family and your neighbors—if possible, stay home, practice social distancing, and listen to advice from health professionals. The CDC and the New York State Department of Health have put together exhaustive guides on how to protect and prepare yourself and your loved ones. Find those resources here:
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COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to build protection and will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic. The CDC and the New York State Department of Health have put together exhaustive information and frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 Vaccination. Find those resources here:
FEDERAL - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Testing, Supplies, and Equipment
We answer questions about COVID testing and supplies and point to resources for those looking to help.
