How do I find Financial resources during COVID-19?

These exceptional times have caused so many things in our day-to-day lives to fall outside of our control, which is scary, to say the least. Although a lot of things about our current situation are unsettling, one truly amazing thing that we have recognized is the strength of our community.  

So many people, businesses, and officials have come together, and so quickly, to offer help with everything from financial aid and childcare. While all these resources are remarkable, having so many of them, in various places, can make it challenging to know what to look for and where. 

That is why we have compiled a list, gathering information from various sources, to help you easily access the support you need to take care of yourself and your loved ones, and start feeling in control again. For additional information, we’ve also created blog posts on exercise, mental strength, and how to find community during quarantine.

External support – resources to help maintain your basics needs.  

One of most comprehensive lists of resources we have found comes from Portland Community College. PCC has information to assist you with finding food, health insurance, access to technology, housing options, work opportunities and more. A good place to begin any search is their Community Resources and Funding Assistance page. 

Stimulus package

On March 27, 2020, the president signed a $2 trillion stimulus relief package (CARES) to help families and businesses. The package grants relief in the form of weekly payments, expanded unemployment benefits, paid sick leave, temporary student debt relief and more. For details and links, visit this website.  

Taxes

Both the Oregon State and Federal tax deadlines have been extended to July 15, 2020. This extension is for filing the returns as well as any payments.

Student Loans

Forbes has put together a quick true and false article to help you understand all your options when it comes to your student loans. 

Rent

Multnomah County has passed a temporary, emergency law to protect people’s housing during these times. This link provides insight into the law as well as guidance on how to address the situation with your landlord.

Mortgage

The CARES act also included assistance for mortgage holders for up to 1 year, but you can’t just stop paying, you must apply for mortgage relief through your lender and it comes in 90 day increments & then you apply again (during that 90 day period) for the next 90 days.  Not sure if your mortgage is backed by Federal funds or think that you  might be backed by private funds instead, you’d be surprised how many are ultimately Federally funded.  To find out if you loan is from Freddie Mac, click on this loan lookup.  To find out if its held by Fannie Mae, click on this loan lookup.

Credit Cards

Most major card issuers have voiced their willingness to help customers during this challenging time. You may be able to skip payments, avoid late fees and receive lower interest rates, depending on your individual situation. For more information visit here. 

Car Insurance

As the pandemic has caused financial hardships for many, several insurance companies have started offering refunds & discounts to customers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. So call your insurance agent and see if you can get that discount.

Transportation

Bus: Beginning April 5, 2020, TriMet will be reducing their services. This does not mean that routes will be cut altogether, but there will be modifications to the schedules and a reduction in the frequency of pickups. This mean that you will have to plan your trip accordingly. TriMet is striving to keep the community going during this time in order to help people access food, medicine and essential employment. You can find the new schedules here.  

Uber/Lyft: Both Uber and Lyft will continue providing transportation services with no change in their rates. While single passenger rides are still being offered, ride-sharing is no longer an option during this time. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI, Reynolds Defense Firm is the specialized DUI team that you want on your side. Our expertise allows us to be the absolute best we can be in the one area of law that our clients hire us for – DUI defense.  We hope you never need to call us, but if you or someone you believe in needs help, please contact us today, at 503.223.3422.  You can also do a live chat on our website to learn more about how we represent good people facing DUI charges.