Coronavirus Resources

We at The Ascent care about your needs during this difficult time and will be continually updating this page with available resources for the duration of COVID-19's impact. We'll be posting daily updates of relief options, personal finances tips, and more. We're here for you and will weather this storm alongside you.

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Resources and Relief

Personal Finance

Travel

FAQs

Resources and Relief

A check from the United States Treasury.

Will I get a second stimulus check?

The CARES Act provided a one-time check for millions of Americans. Now a second relief package, the HEROES Act, is working its way through Congress. Learn the latest about the bill and its status.

I've lost my source of income due to coronavirus. What can I do?

Look into the benefits you are entitled to receive, such as unemployment. A good place to start is the Department of Human Services website for your state. Many utilities, credit card companies, and other businesses are waiving late fees or interest for those who cannot pay.

Where can I find financial help during the coronavirus pandemic?

We are updating our list of resources available nationally, by industry, and by state daily during this time of high impact.

A man sitting with a laptop and notebook late at night.

I'm having trouble making ends meet. Could a loan help?

Coronavirus hardship loans are available through some lenders, banks, and credit unions.

A young couple looking up information on a laptop while sitting in their kitchen.

What federal relief options are available?

Stimulus checks are available to most Americans as well as extended unemployment benefits and other relief.

Man sitting on steps next to briefcase with head in his hands

How do I apply for unemployment?

Each state has a different process for applying for unemployment. For more info on how to apply, select your state below.

Alabama	Indiana	Nebraska	South Carolina
Alaska	Iowa	Nevada	South Dakota
Arizona	Kansas	New Hampshire	Tennessee
Arkansas	Kentucky	New Jersey	Texas
California	Louisiana	New Mexico	Utah
Colorado	Maine	New York	Vermont
Connecticut	Maryland	North Carolina	Virginia
Delaware	Massachusetts	North Dakota	Washington
Florida	Michigan	Ohio	Washington, D.C.
Georgia	Minnesota	Oklahoma	West Virginia
Hawaii	Mississippi	Oregon	Wisconsin
Idaho	Missouri	Pennsylvania	Wyoming
Illinois	Montana	Rhode Island

young man delivering groceries to senior woman.

I'm part of the high-risk populations. What resources are available?

Resources such as special shopping hours and delivery services can help to mitigate risk and protect your health.

A kindergarten classroom with colorful books, chairs, and decorations.

With many schools and businesses closed, what childcare resources are available right now?

While childcare services are currently limited, there are options including babysitting and distance learning that can occupy your child if needed.

A stressed woman sitting in front of a laptop at her kitchen table and looking at bills in her hand.

I can't afford to pay my bills right now. What can I do?

Many utility, credit card, and other companies are offering relief right now. Check with each issuer or company to learn the details of their programs.

A worried-looking man staring at his computer with his chin in his hand.

Concerned about your finances? You're not alone.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is currently in the process of shaking the world. Millions of people around the globe are worried about their health -- but COVID-19 is also causing dread around personal finances. The Ascent surveyed over 900 Americans to find out how coronavirus is affecting their finances and how they feel about their current situation.

A woman holding her credit card up to the payment reader at the pharmacy.

How to protect your credit score during coronavirus

Here are the steps to take to ensure your credit score doesn't take a hit.

A young man on his couch holding a credit card and his phone.

Are credit card companies offering relief due to coronavirus?

Nearly all credit card companies are offering some form of relief. Contact your issuer to learn what assistance may be available to you.

Are banks offering relief due to coronavirus?

Many, if not all, banks are offering relief. Contact your bank to learn what assistance may be available to you.

A stressed young woman looking out the window with her head resting on her crossed arms.

I'm worried about my mental health. Is there someone I can talk to?

The coronavirus pandemic can be source of anxiety or depression. If you need immediate assistance there are several online resources that can help.

Worried-looking woman on phone holding at prepaid card.

How to spot a coronavirus relief scam

With the country in disarray, it's important to look out for scammers.

Would forbearance let me reduce or suspend my mortgage payments?

If you are one of the millions of people struggling to keep up with your mortgage payments, find out what forbearance is and whether it might be an option for you.

Personal Finance

father working from home on laptop and kissing toddler sitting in his lap -- telecommuting

I'm concerned with what the coronavirus means for my finances. What steps should I take?

There are many steps you can take to protect your financial future. The first and most important step is to avoid taking action out of fear or hoarding goods.

A woman sitting next to her dog on her couch in the sun while holding a credit card and looking something up on her laptop.

How can I protect my finances from the coronavirus outbreak?

Don't sell investments out of panic or buy more supplies than you need, which could damage your savings or leave you in debt. Instead, try to cut expenses and shore up your savings, and consider taking advantage of historically low interest rates.

The stock market is down. Should I be cutting back on spending?

With so much uncertainty around the coronavirus, it's difficult to know what the future may look like. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses can help you save money and establish an emergency fund.

What will happen if I miss payments on my credit cards or loans, and how will this affect my credit rating?

Missing even a single payment can be devastating to your credit. That said, nearly all credit card issuers are doing a great job of working with their customers, so give them a call if you're having trouble. You may be able to temporarily suspend payments, which is a much better outcome than missing a payment.

A young couple sitting at their dining table with notebooks and reviewing their finances on a laptop.

What can I learn from the coronavirus?

The biggest takeaway is to be financially prepared. Having money saved in an emergency fund can help to cover expenses when unexpected events arise.

Woman and dog on floor with papers and calculator

What is the most affordable way to borrow during coronavirus?

Here are your options to borrow if you need to right now.

A man filling out an application form at a sunny desk.

Should I apply for a new loan or credit card during coronavirus?

It might not be a bad idea to have additional funds and resources right now. Here's what to know.

How to rebuild your emergency fund after coronavirus

If you're dipping into your savings to stay afloat during coronavirus, here's how to rebuild afterward.

How might the coronavirus change your attitude toward money?

This pandemic will eventually pass, and life will return to a new normal. What can we learn from the crisis, and how can we be better prepared for the next financial emergency?

MLMs come in many guises. Don't let yourself be pulled in

There's been a rise in multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes promising quick, easy cash to people who are struggling to make ends meet. Learn to recognize and avoid them.

Should I put my stimulus check in a savings account?

Many Americans will receive a CARES Act stimulus check. Find out whether a high-yield savings account is the best place to put yours.

I'm strapped for cash. Should I rely on my credit cards right now?

We're often warned of the dangers of credit cards, but if you're feeling the pinch, they might be a lifesaver. What’s more, when used responsibly, credit cards could actually save you some money.

I'm worried I might lose my job. What can I do to prepare?

Millions of Americans have been laid off during the COVID-19 crisis. If you've kept your job so far but are concerned that you'll soon become unemployed, here are three things you can do to soften the blow.

I've lost my income. Should I get a personal loan?

If you've suffered a job loss -- or just want to be prepared for the next unexpected emergency -- you might be tempted to take out a personal loan. Find out if this is a good idea for you.

Travel

A busy airport security entrance with lots of people rushing through.

Will travel insurance cover coronavirus-related cancellations?

Most travel insurance will not cover pandemic-related cancellations. However, you may be covered for medical treatment while abroad, and there are steps you can take to protect future travel plans.

man standing on subway platform wearing a mask due to coronavirus pandemic.

Can I change my travel plans due to coronavirus?

Every travel provider has its own set of policies, but most are waiving fees for changes or cancellations.

FAQs

A man pushing a shopping cart through the aisles of a warehouse store.

Are there jobs that are in high demand because of coronavirus?

Although many companies have reduced their workforces, a few industries are hiring to account for increased demand for certain products and services.

A stressed-looking man staring at his computer while sitting alone in a dark office.

As a business owner, how can I keep my customers and employees safe?

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have the latest. Additionally, our sister site, The Blueprint, has resources for small-business owners during COVID-19.

A woman standing at the window in her home and looking out at the neighborhood.

How can I best support my community and local businesses?

If you're financially able to do so, ordering food and local goods can help local businesses that have remained open. There are also several cost-free ways to support your community, such as volunteering at a relief center or picking up groceries for high-risk neighbors.

A woman looking at her laptop in her pottery studio.

Is there a way for me to make money online while my normal job is shut down?

It depends on what you do (or can do), but thanks to online freelance marketplaces like Upwork, it's easier than ever to check.

A mom chatting with her teen daughter as she works on her homework.

What important lessons can I teach my children about money?

With many children home from school, now is an excellent time to teach them about budgeting, household duties, how credit cards work, and more.

A woman looking at jars of food in an empty grocery store.

What should I stock up on to prepare for isolation?

If you're forced to isolate yourself or your family at home for a few weeks, there are some essential items you'll want on hand. The key is to buy only what you need to avoid hoarding and diminishing supplies for others.

Jar full of money with plant growing out of it.

Is now a good time to invest?

It's always a good time to invest from a long-term perspective, and that's especially true when the market has dropped significantly. That said, in the near term, we don't know whether stocks will drop further or rebound. Make sure you're mentally prepared for both scenarios. For more information on investing check out The Motley Fool.

A woman working at home with her dog in her lap.

I'm working from home due to my office closing. How can I stay productive?

It can be a challenge to be away from the office, but creating a dedicated workspace and setting a routine can help you stay safe and productive.

Still have an unanswered question? Feel free to email us.