Team,

Since the passage of the CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package, many Americans have asked when they'll receive desperately needed assistance.

If you've recently lost your job, lost hours, or become sick due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for benefits now. New Jersey residents can learn more about who is eligible for unemployment benefits here.

Many more Americans will also be eligible for direct relief payments to help them get through the economic crisis caused by this pandemic. The IRS will make about 60 million payments through direct deposit in mid-April, using direct deposit information from 2018 and 2019 tax returns.

In the beginning of May, the IRS will begin sending paper checks to many others. These checks will be sent at a rate of 5 million per week in order of lowest to highest adjusted gross income, in an effort to ensure that families who need assistance most will receive it first.

Thanks to the efforts of Andy and his colleagues, millions of veterans, seniors, and low-income families who receive Social Security benefits, but do not file taxes, will also be able to receive direct payments without further action or red tape.

Small business owners can now apply for help from the Small Business Administration to do the right thing and keep their employees paid and their businesses afloat. The CARES Act provides $375 billion in small business relief, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Interested business owners should learn more and apply as soon as possible by clicking here.

New Jersey business owners may also be eligible for assistance locally. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has begun taking applications for its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program.

This National Public Health Week, it's important to remember that though the road through this crisis is long, help is available. If you have general questions about COVID-19, need assistance or support, or want to learn how you can help your neighbors, the United Way is partnering with local and state officials to answer questions and provide support by phone at 211 and online at 211.org.

As Andy continues to fight for our families as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it's critical that we all do our part by staying home and staying healthy. Together, we will make it through.

In solidarity,

Team Kim