JAMESTOWN, N.D. (GPHA) – The Great Plains Housing Authority and other public assistance programs would like to provide clarification to on the CARES ACT and benefit programs.
On March 27, 2020 President Trump signed the CARES Act into law that was to provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. People receiving governmental assistance are also impacted by the CARES act. The CARES Act is specific to COVID-19 efforts and economic impacts.
The Stimulus Fund for eligible individuals is based on the household’s 2019 income tax return. Households that receive social security benefit payments will generally receive their payment without registering on the IRS website. The one-time payments are not considered taxable income. This fund provides the following benefits for income eligible households:
• $2,400 to each married couple filing jointly or $1,200 to each other individual and
• $500 for each independent who is under the age of 17 as of December 31, 2020 Individuals are encouraged to use the funds to help stimulate the local economy. Clients on public assistance do not need to report the stimulus payments to assistance providers.
Unemployment insurance has expanded available programs.
• Regular State paid unemployment insurance is counted as income on public assistance programs.
• The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation additional $600 per week is taxable but considered temporary and is excluded as income for assistance programs.
Clients receiving public assistance are required to report their unemployment benefit payments. Unreported income can jeopardize future assistance. More information about the available programs can be found online at www.jobsnd.com.
SNAP recipients may have received extra benefits in March/April and may receive additional increases for the length of the COVID-19 emergency declaration. These extra payments are to help households secure food and household goods during the stressed economic time.
The CARES Act aides many households and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic with financial assistance. Households receiving federal benefits should report all income changes to the respective agencies.