HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has caused many changes within our local and national economies. While military members have relative stability of pay, even during difficult times, many families rely on a second income to make ends meet. Due to quarantine, furloughs, or layoffs, that second critical income may not be available.
The Airman & Family Readiness Center has a significant role in personal financial services to the military family which includes spending plan development, assistance prioritizing payments and debts, financial education from car buying to retirement, referral to virtually every financial service you may need; even spouse employment assistance. Experts at the A&FRC are available to help and ensure you have the resources you need.
Federal Resources:
The recently approved CARES Act promises funds directly to your bank account via direct deposit authorized to every tax paying adult. If you have filed taxes you do not need to do anything to receive this money. Each adult will receive up to $1200 and each child up to $500. This is a one-time payment that is based on earnings, therefore, if you earn higher amounts, you may not receive the full amount or it may be phased out due to income level. Please note there are factors other than income that may affect your payment. You may find additional information at:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
(Remember, the IRS doesn’t call or email you requesting information; that is a scam.)
Federal tax filing dates have been extended until July 15, 2020. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020
If your address has changed since you last filed taxes, you may update your information by filing IRS form 8822. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf
The U.S. Small Business Administration has funds to assist small businesses. The funds require you to meet very specific eligibility criteria. To access additional information and apply, please see: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ut/salt-lake-city
Federal student loans are also impacted. In order to help student loan borrowers, accounts will automatically be placed in an administrative forbearance which allows you to stop paying on the loan temporarily until September 30, 2020. This does not apply to private student loans you may have. They will still accrue interest during this time of deferral. Please see how this applies to you by going to: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/cornavirus
For those members and families who may be impacted by the stop movement order, and or by mandated isolation/quarantine you may find information at the following sites: https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/news_Coronavirus.cfm
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2127448/fact-sheet-covid-19-military-personnel-pay-and-benefits-policy/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/what-do-travel-restrictions-mean-for-service-members
Utah State Resources:
Governor Herbert issued a moratorium that will allow rent to be deferred until May 15 for people impacted by COVID-19. Landlords cannot initiate evictions prior to that date. This does not mean you don’t pay your rent. Please speak with your landlord if you are having difficulty paying rent due to COVID-19 related financial difficulties and make arrangements to pay. https://governor.utah.gov/2020/04/01/gov-herbert-issues-moratorium-on-residential-evictions-for-tenants-impacted-by-covid-19/
Unemployment Benefits. If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, please see the information and application process at https://jobs.utah.gov/iu/home
Local Programs:
SNAP is the federal food stamp program. You may check eligibility and apply locally at https://jobs.utah.gov/customereducation/apply/index.html
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a food program for families with young children and expectant mothers. You may check eligibility and apply at https://wic.utah.gov
Food pantry listings can be found at https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ut/Layton
Another great place to look for local resources is 211.org
If you need help with utilities and more, please look at the Utah Department of Commerce Office of Consumer Services at: https://ocs.utah.gov/assistance.htm
Air Force Aid Society may be able to provide military families with emergency assistance through grants or interest free loans. Visit AFAS.org to apply and contact the Airman and Family Readiness at 801-777-4681 to arrange to meet with a counselor.
If you have questions or need assistance, financial or otherwise please call the Hill AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center at 801-777-4681
With the pandemic being an evolving situation, resources are subject to change.