FEMA Funeral Fact Sheet

Q: If I haven’t filed my taxes for 2019, does that mean I don’t qualify for the economic impact payment?

A: The IRS will use your tax return from 2018. If you haven’t filed either of those, we strongly recommend you do so as soon as possible.

Q: My income/work history did not require me to file taxes for 2018 and 2019. How will I receive my economic impact payment?

A: You need to submit an abbreviated return form with the IRS.  The form can be found here.

Q: Is the economic impact payment taxable income?

A: No, the payment is not taxable income. 

Q: I receive Social Security. How will I be receiving my economic impact payment?

A: Social Security retirement, disability and survivors beneficiaries who are typically not required to file tax returns will not have to file an abbreviated tax return to receive their economic impact payment. The IRS will use SSA-1099 information they already have to automatically generate the payments to eligible Social Security beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in 2019 or 2018. However, Social Security recipients with qualifying children and who did not file a return in either of those years should use the IRS online tool to claim the additional $500 payment per child. These payments will be sent by direct deposit or paper check, just as one would normally receive their Social Security benefits.

Q: I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Do I qualify?

A: Yes. As of April 15, no further action is required on your part to receive your economic impact payment. However, SSI recipients with qualifying children and who did not file a return in 2019 or 2018 should use the IRS online tool to claim the additional $500 payment per child. These payments will be sent by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as one would normally receive their SSI benefits. Additional information for those receiving SSI benefits can be found here.

Q: I receive Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Do I qualify?

A: Yes. As of April 17, no further action is required on your part to receive your economic impact payment. However, VA beneficiaries with qualifying children and who did not file a return in 2019 or 2018 should use the IRS online tool to claim the additional $500 payment per child. Recipients will generally receive their automatic payments the way they receive their current benefits. Additional information for individuals receiving VA benefits can be found here.

Q: The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. Will I be able to provide that to receive my economic impact payment?

A: Yes, please visit the Get My Payment portal on IRS’s website, where you will be able to input your direct deposit information and check your payment status.

Q: I file my own taxes, but am listed as a dependent on my parents’ tax return. Do I qualify?

A: No, if you file your own taxes, you must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. 

For most up to date information regarding the economic impact payment, please visit the IRS website.

Q: How do I file an Unemployment Claim?

A: Follow the steps provided in this guide from the NYS Department of Labor

For more unemployment insurance benefits FAQs, please review this guide provided by the NYS Department of Labor.

Q: I heard the CARES Act created multiple funding options to help small businesses overcome these economic challenges due to COVID-19. What’s available?

A: Yes, there are multiple options:

• Businesses are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and an associated Emergency Economic Injury Grant of up to $10,000. To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here.
• For help keeping workers on the payroll, there is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Click here for more information on PPP.
• The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with a SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. For more info, click here.

For more information on SBA’s debt relief efforts, click here. 

Q: I’m trying to apply for the PPP, but the bank I work with is not on the list. What can I do?

 A: There is a process in place for all regulated financial institutions to participate in this program, so check with your bank if they are considering signing up. If your bank is not participating, you can go to another SBA certified lender near you. Click here to search for lenders in your area. 

Q: My bank is participating, but is not ready to accept applications. I’m worried the funds will run out.

A: You should fill out the application form that is available here and collect the necessary documents you’ll need to submit so you are ready to file everything when your bank’s program is up and running. As we start working on the next stimulus bill, Senator Schumer will be pushing for this critical program to have the required funding so no small business or nonprofit will be left behind.

Q: My house of worship is not technically a 501(c)(3). Does this mean we are excluded from applying for SBA programs?

A: Churches as well as temples, mosques, synagogues, and other houses of worship are not required to apply to the IRS to have the technical 501(c)(3) status. Instead, as long as they meet the requirements of being a 501(c)(3), they are automatically considered so for the purposes of the SBA’s programs. Please see this FAQ for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the PPP and EIDL loan programs.

Q: How can I get help if I’m having issues with applying for any of the disaster loans? 

A: You can call SBA’s disaster assistance customer service line at 1-800-659-2955 or email 24/7 at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 

You can also use this tool to find assistance in your area.

Q: It’s been 3 weeks since I applied for an EIDL and have not been able to get in touch with SBA. What can I do?

A: Please contact us by filling out the applicable online form and downloading the privacy release form here. Completed privacy release forms may be faxed to (202) 228-2838 or emailed to casework_schumer@schumer.senate.gov. Most of the time we cannot open an inquiry on your behalf until we receive your online form and your signed privacy release form.

For most up to date information regarding the implementation of these programs, please visit the following websites:

SBA – here you will find information on all COVID-19 related programs that SBA is providing, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Grants, and Small Business Debt Relief.

Department of Treasury – here you will find information on the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as other tax provisions meant to help employers, including non-profits.

Q: I am not allowed to visit my family member in a federal facility due to the coronavirus. What ways can I stay in touch with them?

A: The CARES Act instructs the Bureau of Prisons Director to provide enhanced use of video visitation, free of charge to inmates, to mitigate restrictions on in-person visits.

Q: I have an elderly or ill family member in the federal prison system. Could they qualify for early release?

A: Yes, the CARES Act gives the Attorney General and Bureau of Prisons Director expanded authority to release individuals to home confinement if they are serving their last year of their sentence. Read Attorney General Barr’s memo to the Bureau of Prisons providing guidelines for home confinement consideration here. 

For most up to date Bureau of Prisons information relating to the coronavirus, please visit their website here.