The BIG list of financial help and support: Nearly 1,000 links to programs, resources, relief, deals, discounts & freebies
Right now, the U.S. is facing unprecedented financial hardship as the Covid-19 pandemic has essentially driven our economy to a standstill, with millions of businesses shuttered and tens of millions of consumers unemployed or facing income reductions.
While it’s hard to say there are silver linings to this crisis, the good news is that help is available. From government programs to big banks, private grants, and a whole lot of companies who are trying to show their appreciation and keep their doors open, we’ve assembled a long list of resources, programs, deals, and information for you.
Of course, these aren’t perfect, as you still may need to do some research, go through the application process, and programs or deals may have caps or time restrictions. But something is better than nothing, as they say, and when we’re talking about financial help, any help is welcome for the average American family these days!
We hope you find this useful and lucrative, and feel free to share with friends, coworkers, and your community.
Remember that if you have any questions or need help improving your credit score, Blue Water Credit is offering complimentary credit evaluations and advice to anyone who needs them.
Just email jeff@sacramentocreditrepair.com to get started.
Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
Jeff Sipes,
President, Blue Water Credit
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Mortgage relief and forbearance:
Talk to a housing counselor about mortgage or reverse mortgage options, including a forbearance or modified payment.
Mortgage assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor/
Mortgage relief options from the Department of Consumer Finance
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/
If you have trouble with your mortgage bank or lender and want to file a complaint, go to the
Department of Business Oversight website
https://dbo.ca.gov/file-a-complaint/
Or contact DBO Consumer Services Office at (866) 275-2677 or (916) 327-7585 via email at Ask.DBO@dbo.ca.gov
If you’re having trouble paying your rent:
You can get rental assistance information and resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance
Also check your individual state’s resources on rental relief
Help with heat, energy, and utilities:
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded program that assists low-income households who are having trouble paying their home heating and cooling bills
https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/help/
Assistance with telephone, Wi-Fi, and telecommunications:
The Federal Communications Commission Lifeline program is in place to help people who are having trouble paying their phone and internet bills. Their program offers a monthly stipend of $9.25 towards those costs for eligible subscribers
Additionally, 100 companies have agreed not to cut off services to individuals and small businesses who cannot pay right now as part of the “keep American connected” initiative. You can find them all here at the FTC’s website
https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected#pledges
Additionally, the four largest phone providers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile) have agreed to help their subscribers and customers who are having financial problems, including keeping services connected, waiving late fees, and opening Wi-Fi hotspots.
Contact your provider for details.
Relief and loans for small business owners:
USA.gov offers information on disaster financial assistance for workers and small business owners.
https://www.usa.gov/disaster-help-workers-businesses
Information about benefits from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
https://www.benefits.gov/agencies/U.S.%20Small%20Business%20Administration
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is in place to grant low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations who are affected by the Covid-19
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1504
You can also research other business loan opportunities here
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Loans
And look up additional benefits provided for disaster relief
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Disaster%20Relief
The SBA’s COVID-19 Loan Guidance and Resource page outlines other resources they can offer to small businesses
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
The U.S. Department of Treasury started disbursing forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (until the funding ran out) of the CARES Act. However, a second round of funding was just announced so it’s worth applying for any small business that’s been financially affected
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses
General help with food, bills, and other relief:
The CARES Act outlines additional disaster relief financial assistance for food and paying bills
https://www.usa.gov/disaster-help-food-housing-bills
Another great resource for those who are struggling with food and nutrition
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Food%20and%20Nutrition
If you’re located in a declared natural disaster area:
If your city, town, or region was declared a natural disaster area, you may have resources available to help pay for food, bills, and much more
https://www.usa.gov/disaster-area-help
Student Loans & Education:
The best resource for educational information is the U.S. Department of Education’s COVID-19 page
https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus?src=feature
Nelnet, a large student loan servicer, is offering deferments, forbearance, and other options for student loan holders.
https://www.nelnet.com/welcome
or email Help@Nelnet.net or call us at 888.486.4722
Navient, a second large student loan servicer, is doing the same.
Just call 888-272-5543 or visit https://navient.com/covid-19
Likewise, SoFi is offering student loan relief and options by calling 877-292-7470, sending a message through www.sofi.mohela.com
https://www.sofi.com/faq/#alert
The federal government announced that all interest on federally-held student loans will be waived until September 30, 2020. However, that doesn’t apply to state, private, or Family Education Loans like Sallie Mae. For more info, go to
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Unemployment and income loss:
For those who have lost their job, suffered a severe cutback in hours and income, or facing a job lapse, here are some great resources into the benefits and programs available
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/91
Research your state’s unemployment programs
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Unemployment%20Assistance
And another state benefit matrix
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx?newsearch=true
If you’re having trouble qualifying for the most common forms of unemployment, there may be other options to gain benefits
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/597
You can always go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Coronavirus Resources page for more information
https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus
Healthcare and medical resources:
Benefits and information related to healthcare
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Healthcare%20and%20Medical%20Assistance
If you’ve lost your medical coverage due to a loss of employment, COBRA Continuation Coverage may help
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/4727
Other healthcare and medical assistance programs and benefits
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Healthcare%20and%20Medical%20Assistance
Medicare and Medicaid benefits
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Medicaid%20and%20Medicare
For veterans, military personnel, and their families, go to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Novel Coronavirus Page for healthcare resources
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/
IRS, Social Security, and stimulus:
The IRS is in the process of distributing stimulus checks for up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents will receive $500 for each qualifying child. For details, visit the IRS’ Economic Impact Payment Page.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
or this IRS link https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS also extended their normal April 15th tax due date to July 15th
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
If you have questions about Social Security during this COVID-19 pandemic, you can get more information and help at the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Coronavirus Disease Page
https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/
Private bank and lending institution resources:
Citi
Starting on March 9, 2020, Citi waived fees for:
- Monthly services
- Withdrawing CDs
- Remote deposits
- Monthly service fees
- And started offering credit line increases and forbearance programs for customers who qualify.
https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/pands/detail.do?ID=covid19
For eligible Citi mortgage customers: A range of hardship programs through their service provider, Cenlar FSB. Please contact them at 1-800-2CENLAR (1-800-223-6527) Monday-Friday 8:30am – 8pm ET and Saturday 8:30am – 5pm ET
Bank of America
Is offering some payment deferrals for up to 90 days if you qualify. You can apply here:
https://about.bankofamerica.com/promo/assistance/latest-updates-from-bank-of-america-coronavirus
Or receive other updates and assistance here:
https://about.bankofamerica.com/promo/assistance/client-assistance
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is offering help with consumer lending, small business, and deposit products by calling 800-219-9739.
You can find out more about Wells Fargo’s response to Covid-19 and resources here:
https://www.wellsfargo.com/jump/enterprise/coronavirus-response
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank has several discounts, resources, and specific products to help customers. For info, call 888-287-7817 or go to
https://www.usbank.com/splash/covid-19.html
Capital One
Capital One has a dedicated resource page for all updates and assistance for those affected by the pandemic:
https://www.capitalone.com/updates/coronavirus/
PNC Bank
If you’re a PNC Bank customer and suffer a financial hardship, they urge you to call 1-888-762-2265 (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET Saturday & Sunday). According to their website, they are offering a wide array of hardship relief options. Get more information here:
https://www.pnc.com/en/customer-service/coronavirus-update.html
Discover
Discover is “extending relief to qualified customers who are experiencing financial difficulty caused by the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Discover customers may receive assistance that can include support related to payment timing, fees and late payments.” Find out more here:
https://www.discover.com/coronavirus/
Grants & Funding:
The Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund has a program intended to help small businesses that are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly with grants business owners of color, women, and other marginalized groups. $10,000 grants will be offered to those who qualify.
To fill out an application, go to:
The Red Backpack Fund
Spanx is donating $5 million to support women business owners who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. 1,000 female business owners within the United States will receive up to $5,000 of funds, with applications open until August 1.
https://www.globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund/
The largest social media platform in the world is donating $15 million to help small business owners who are suffering due to Covid-19 closures. 50% of the grant money will go to minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. For info and to apply, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants/application-guide
Other Covid-19 deals discounts, and freebies:
For 172 more deals, discounts and freebies that are being offered to consumers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, visit this site
https://www.claritywave.com/coronavirus-deals/
All of the Free Meals and Food Deals Available Nationwide:
According to GoodHousekeeping.com, here is a list of deals, freebies, and free delivery as part of the Covid-19 response:
&pizza: All health care workers and hospital staff get a free pizza with a valid hospital ID or texting 200-03 #HERO for free delivery.
https://andpizza.com/home-heropies/
Boston Market: All online and app orders come with free delivery. Get a free cookie when you join Boston Market’s Rotisserie Rewards program.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Get BOGO traditional wings on Tuesdays, and BOGO boneless wings on Thursdays. All orders placed online and through the app are eligible for free delivery.
https://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/
Burger King: Orders $10 and up are eligible for free delivery, depending on location.
The Cheesecake Factory: From now through May 10, get a bonus $10 e-gift card with every $50 gift card purchase.
https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com
Chili’s: Get free delivery on all orders over $15. Guests in California and Tennessee can also order $5 Presidente Margaritas® and $7 Patron Margaritas for curbside pickup and delivery.
Chipotle: All orders over $10 are eligible for free delivery. Now through May 31, purchase a Healthcare Heroes e-gift card to support healthcare workers on the frontlines, and they’ll match and donate 10% to Direct Relief.
Cracker Barrel: Get free, contactless delivery for all orders over $5.
Cumberland Farms: Healthcare professionals get a free cup of hot or iced coffee in any size.
https://www.cumberlandfarms.com
Del Taco: All orders are eligible for contact-free delivery on Grubhub, Postmates, and Doordash. Download the app or sign up for eclub to get 2 free Del Tacos.
IHOP: Use code IHOP20 at checkout to get 20% off your first online order. Free delivery with no minimum required.
https://www.ihop.com/en
Krispy Kreme: Every Monday from March 30 to May 6, health care workers get free dozens of Original Glazed® Doughnuts. On Saturdays beginning March 28, Krispy Kreme will add a free dozen Original Glazed® Doughnuts to every pick-up, drive-thru, and delivery order that includes a full price dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts or more.
Little Caesars: Get free delivery on online orders over $10. You can “Pie it Forward” by donating a pizza to their nearby hospitals, police, and fire departments during checkout online or the Little Caesars app.
https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/
McDonald’s: Healthcare workers and first responders can get a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner “Thank You Meal” by showing their badge. Order McDelivery® on Uber Eats or DoorDash. Select locations are giving free meals to kids. Call your local chain to get more information.
https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html
Olive Garden: Get two meals for the price of one — $12.99 — with their “Buy One, Take One” promotion. Free, no-contact delivery is available on orders with a $40 minimum.
https://www.olivegarden.com/home
Panera Bread: Feed the whole family starting at $29 with Family Feast, which comes with two half sandwiches, two kid sandwiches, one salad, one family-size mac and cheese, and one whole French baguette.
https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html
Red Lobster: All orders are eligible for free touchless delivery.
Saladworks: Get a $5 gift card with a purchase of $20 or more. All orders come with free delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats, and score $4 off $20 orders on Grubhub.
Subway: Get a free Footlong when you order two Footlongs for takeout. Use code SUBWAYNOW for free Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub, and Seamless delivery.
Starbucks: All frontline responders get a free tall hot or iced coffee.
TGI Friday’s: Use code FREEKIDS to get a free kids entrée with online orders of $20 or more.
Wendy’s: All orders $10 are eligible for free delivery on Grubhub and Postmates.
7-Eleven:
Get free delivery on orders placed through the 7NOW delivery app.
CNN.com has a great list of brands offering discounts to healthcare workers:
Publishers Weekly list of resources:
PublishersWeekly.com also has a huge list of resources, discounts, and freebies, including a whole lot for kids and families who are home-schooling:
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We hope this helps! Please feel free to share.
If you’re a Realtor, mortgage lender, or business owner and would like a PDF version of this list with YOUR logo and contact info on it so you can email it out to your audience, just let us know – we’ll be happy to prepare that for you!
