Personal Finances for Mainers - COVID-19

We at MaineStream Finance, a 20-year old, mission-driven nonprofit community development lender and part of the Penquis CAP family, are open to serve you. There are so many concerns on how Mainers will access cash, be able to purchase goods, and make their budgets work, especially if paychecks are suspended. We are here to help you as much as we can. We have put together several resources and news on different personal finance below.

Here are our Top links to News and Tools for Personal Finance Topics. We have much, much more below on banking, donations, health insurance, COVID-19 scams (unfortunately), student loans, taxes, and unemployment.

Unemployment Insurance (see more under the Unemployment Section below)

Maine Dept. of Labor Unemployment claims site – registration and claims filing
Unemployment Insurance Benefits for [Maine] Workers Impacted by the Covid-19 Virus (Main Equal Justice Project)

Federal Aid – Stimulus Checks (see more under Public Benefits)

Got a $1,200 stimulus debit card in the mail? Yes, it’s real (June 2, BDN)
More than 400,000 Mainers got stimulus checks. Here’s what to do if you haven’t. (BDN – 4/26)

General Resources – Protecting Your Finances (see more under General Resources)

Maine Equal Justice Program (MEJP) Webinar: Public Benefits in the Time of COVID-19 (May 29 – 1 hr 26 mns) – TANF, SNAP, MaineCare, Unemployment
Your money and the pandemic: We answer your most pressing personal finance questions on the economic fallout of Covid-19 – Washington Post, Apr 17
US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – COVID-19 Resources
How to save money if you’re struggling during the coronavirus pandemic (Bangor Daily News)

Bangor-Brewer charities list (Salvation Army)Download

Consumer Alert and Disclosure

Please be very careful of who you work with or speak to about government checks, IRS taxes, working with a bank on SBA loans, etc. There are many, many scammers out there. If you do not recognize the person on the phone, tell them you will call them back at the company’s main line (found on their website). Be very wary of clicking on links in emails unless you know the person directly.

All decisions are yours to make. We are only providing information and options for you to choose. We do recommend you go directly to the source of a program to learn more, even if you talk to one of our advisors or counselors. We will help guide you to the right sources for more information.

MaineStream Finance is a 20-year old mission-driven, nonprofit home and small business community development lender and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penquis CAP, with offices in Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft, and Rockland. We are a US Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and are regulated by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection (BCCP) under NMLS for home lending.

Since 1999, MaineStream has served Maine homeowners, homebuyers, consumers, and entrepreneurs in securing the needed advice and financing they need to grow and thrive. We deliver these services through lending, savings products, classes, and 1:1 advisory support. We do not charge fees for our advisory support or counseling; only for our lending and home-buyer classes, do we charge fees and/or interest.

We work with and are supported by SBA and FAME and several local and national banks, particularly Bangor Savings Bank, Bank of America (BOA), Camden National Bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, First National Bank, Machias Savings Bank, People’s United Bank, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo. We promise to make sure you know all of your options and will never steer you to one financial institution over another due to our relationships. The best place to start for any help is to start with your current financial institution – i.e. who has your bank accounts and credit cards?

At this time, we at MaineStream are offering special COVID-19 related loan product called the business booster loan, particuarly for the self-employed who were not able to access SBA COVID-19 programs, like PPP or EIDL.
Contact MaineStream Finance
- For Personal Finance Coaching & Savings related needs at MaineStream, you can contact Rebecca Grant, rgrant@penquis.org, 207-974-2459.
- Want a quick question answered or link to the right resource? Message us on Facebook @mainestreamfinance / MaineStream Finance. We will be monitoring comments, chat, and the message inbox on our page here M-F 8 AM – 4:30 PM each week!
Have a question about housing or your small business during this time? See our resource pages on those topics here:
Contact Maine 211, or Mainers Together for more help. There is also a great discussion group for Mainers on Facebook called Maine Coronavirus Community Assistance with almost 20,000 members, where folks discuss unemployment, housing issues, who can help with groceries and other help. We may not know all the answers, but hopefully, we can connect you to who does know or get you started on the right path.
Highlights / FAQs - Personal Finance
- New: The IRS has created a portal for non-filers of taxes to enter their data so they can receive their stimulus checks: IRS Economic Impact Payments – check for eligibility, non-tax filers enter data
- Many are getting rebate checks from their auto insurers because we’re doing less driving!
- Maine DOL is making major changes to the unemployment system and hiring new people -so it should get better. BDN reports “On Monday [April 6], Maine people with last names beginning with letters A-H should call 1-800-593-7660 to file for unemployment; those with last names beginning with I-Q on Tuesday; and R-Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are open for those who miss their day. Those with online access should use it as the department works to get the 100 new employees answering phones by April 10, Commissioner Laura Fortman said Friday, April 3.”
- In early April, Gov. Mills has increased funding and relaxed rules for WIC/SNAP (groceries support) and General Assistance (funding support for immediate needs like shelter, food, etc)
- Until you hear differently from us or FAME, we suggest pausing on exploring the FAME Consumer Relief loan. No Maine bank as far as we know has picked this up for a variety of reasons. We do know that Bangor Savings, Camden National and University Credit Union (UCU) are offering their own consumer emergency loan.
- If you are recently unemployed and have children in the home, you may qualify for the WIC groceries program – they are taking new applicants. These are no longer “food stamps” like years ago but an EBT card just like a debit card. See below under donations – you can call your local office – there are 15+ offices across the state.
- Two major Maine health insurance providers, Aetna and Harvard Pilgrim (and many others), are covering 100% of the costs of the tests and 100% of out of pocket costs for treatment. Anthem will only cover test costs and telemedicine visits at this time. If you are having issues, lost coverage, etc., call Consumers for Affordable Health Care to see what can be done.
- If you do lose your job and lose your health insurance, you can sign up for health insurance on the State of Maine’s Health Insurance exchange – you do not have to wait for open enrollment.
- Most Mainers will be able to file for unemployment if they are not working due to COVID-19. The new Federal legislation (CARE Act) will allow self-employed to file for unemployment but may need time to take effect after March 27. If you are self-employed, we are told that you should not file for unemployment yet. Wait until there is clear guidance by Maine DOL – we will put it here ASAP. From what we can tell, the Maine Equal Justice Project (MEJP), your local Career Center, and Pine Tree Legal may be able to help you if you can’t get through the Maine Dept. of Labor – see below. Employers have a different number they call – your employer may be able to help as well. Just keep trying – you only have to apply once – but you do still need to do the weekly certification each Sunday as far as we can tell once you are approved. (They have apparently waived the weekly job search from what we can tell.)
- If you work in a company with more than 50 employees and less than 500 employees (51 to 499), then you are entitled to extended paid family medical leave or paid sick leave from April 1 to December 31 – we are not sure about companies less than 50 – though there may be an exemption announced in April.
- Most mortgage payments and other debt with the banks can be delayed by up to 90 days (but you’ll still have to pay it back!). Many have promised to waive late fees and overdraft fees. You can ask your bank about a FAME emergency personal loan if you need it. Be careful of taking on new debt though. Call your bank to check on these!
- For Student Loans, like other debt, you can ask for an “administrative forbearance.” ALL INTEREST on Student Loans through the Department of Education (private loans are not included) is waived for the time being. It is best to contact your loan servicer or the Dept. of Education to learn if your loans qualify and what you can do. With the CARES Act of March 25, all loan payments are now suspended through September 30, 2020.
- Utility companies and internet/cable companies will not cut anyone off during the crisis for non-payment.
- Most companies will refund you anything you have paid ahead of time through May that will likely be cancelled.
- Tax filings and tax payments are delayed until July 15 for both Federal and the State of Maine. The IRS has also launched the People First initiative (to work out and defer payment plans etc.)
- Beware of emergency-related scams out there – yes, they are popping up everywhere!
- CARES Act - Federal Stimulus - $1,200 Checks to [almost] every American
  For the Coronavirus $1,200 stimulus check:
  - The IRS has created a portal for non-filers of taxes to enter their data so they can receive their stimulus checks: IRS Economic Impact Payments – check for eligibility, non-tax filers enter data
  - IRS – March 30: Economic impact payments: What you need to know
  - See if you’re eligible, payment amount and how to get it
  - Calculator for how much you may receive.
  - [Excellent] F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Bill [NYT]
  - If you file taxes at the IRS or or are on Social Security (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSDI), you should be fine to receive the checks. if you do not file taxes and do not receive SSI or SSDI, you will likely need to file taxes.
  Other aspects to the Federal Stimulus Bill – CARES Act:
  
  The CARE Act economic stimulus bill for $377 billion is now passed and law, many are calling the “Main Street Assistance Program” was passed late March 26 that cover payments to individuals, and forgivable loans to small and large businesses who do not lay-off employees, and much more. Here is the link to the CARE Act Legislation – happy reading! Senator Collins office has sent this summary:
  - $250 billion set aside for direct payments to individuals and families. Individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less would get direct payments of $1,200 each, with married couples earning up to $150,000 receiving $2,400 — and an additional $500 per each child
  - Big question – when? Expecting within 3 weeks. But that may be really optimistic…
  - $250 billion in unemployment insurance benefits temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through Dec. 31, to provide payment to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others).
  - Additional $600 per week payment to each recipient of unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance recipient for up to 4 months.
  - Includes additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits through Dec. 31, 2020 to help those who remain unemployed after state unemployment is no longer available.
  - $48.5 billion for transportation and housing programs
  - $350 billion in small business loans
  - $500 billion in loans for distressed companies
  - Suspends student loan payments through the end of September, with no interest accruing, so borrowers will owe the same amount then that they do now (does not help borrowers not currently making payments). Also temporarily stops the involuntary collection of payments from borrowers who are in default, such as through wage garnishment and seizure of tax refunds. (Urban Institute)
  - For retirement accounts, you would not have to take minimum required distributions through 12/31/20. You can also withdraw early for emergency needs up to $100,000 without the 10% penalty with the ability to put it back over three years without taxation.
  - For credit reporting during the period beginning on Jan. 31 and continuing 120 days after end of the national emergency, lenders can your credit file as current, even if you avail yourself of payment modifications [but not necessarily if you were already in delinquency prior to the crisis].
  Tools for tracking the response:
  - COVID Money Tracker – Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
  - Tracker of Regulatory Agencies Coronavirus Emergency Responses (TRACER) – Better Markets
General Personal Finance Resources & News
Below are plenty of ideas, resources, and articles for saving money or finding financial support. Utility companies and internet/cable companies will not cut anyone off during the crisis for non-payment in Maine. Most companies will refund you anything you have paid ahead of time through May that will likely be cancelled – just call them.
- Maine 211 – COVID-19 Update (or call 211 Maine)
- Maine AARP
- Quarantin.io – People helping people find the supplies they need (mapping tool helping people find which stores have which supplies – created by a Mainer)
- Sen. Collins Office COVID-19 Resource Guide for Mainers
National
Surveys
- NerdWallet – CFPB – In the Pandemic, Complaints Against Financial Institutions Rise
- Linked In US Recovery Tracker (job seekers – job ads) (launched June 17)
- Federal Reserve Survey Shows Impact of COVID-19 on Communities Nationwide (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta) – May 4
- Positive News Stories on Finance - Stories of Hope
- US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Phone, Cable, and Internet Service Company Responses and Support
  - Get Connected Lifeline Support: Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill.
  - SPECTRUM Internet– offering 60 days of free wifi for low income families.
  - Charter COMCAST – Free Internet Service for Households with Children for two months – to enroll: 844.488.8395. Also offering free access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots for everyone, including non-subscribers, for 60 days.
    
    Internet Essentials for Low income families
  - AT&T and Verizon are suspending the termination of wireless, home phone or broadband service when customers can’t pay their bills because of coronavirus disruptions.
  - T-Mobile: The mobile phone service provider is providing unlimited data to all current customers who have plans with data for the next 60 days. It will also provide additional data to mobile hotspot users.
  - Free & Low Cost Internet Plans – NDIA
  News:
- Utilities - electricity, water, etc
- Online Workshops/Events and Advice
  - New Ventures Maine online workshops on building savings, credit, budgeting, and money management – March – May 2020
  - Neighborhood Trust Partners – Trust Plus-Tools
    
    Neighborhood Trust’s COVID-19 Response
  - CFPB – Finding a Credit Counselor
  - Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA)
  - National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC – nonprofit cousnelors)
- News Articles and General Links and Resources for Personal Finances
  - Coronavirus: Six money-saving ideas for lockdown and beyond (May 8, BBC)
  - What if No One Pays Rent? (Apr 8 – Planet Money Podcast – 22 mns)
  - Your money and the pandemic: We answer your most pressing personal finance questions on the economic fallout of Covid-19 – Washington Post, Apr 17 (We’re fans of Michelle Singletary.)
  - Financial Empowerment Tips for COVID-19 – Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund
  - March 30: Social Security Benefits Will be Paid On Time and Other Updates Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
  - The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the routine out of doing errands
  - March 25: White House, Senate reach historic $2 trillion stimulus deal amid growing coronavirus fears
  - Money Crisis: What You Need to Do Now [Suze Orman]
  - Financial Tips for the Coronavirus Crisis
  - [Maine] Lawmakers pass emergency bills to help those out of work due to coronavirus
  - Help if You’re Struggling to Pay Bills During the COVID-19 Crisis
  - Everything to know about refunds after coronavirus canceled all your plans
  - Building Financial Security in the Face of Crisis
  - Why grocery shelves won’t be empty for long
  - Supply shortages should be temporary during the coronavirus outbreak, experts say
- Saving Money Articles - BDN Homestead section and HelloHomestead.com
  Maine Homesteaders (and survivalists – truth be told) are looking pretty prescient right now. BDN has a whole entire section on homesteading for those of us living the homestead life or like to pretend – as well as Hello Homestead-Bangor and Robin Follette’s blog, “A Life in the Wild”. There are some pretty practical tips here during COVID-19 for managing your budget (hint: a lot of it is DIY!)
  
  BDN
  Hello Homestead
Banking & Finance - accounts, debt, credit cards, other debt
Disclosure: MaineStream Finance is a mission-driven, nonprofit home and small business community development lender, and we work with and are supported by several local and national banks, particularly Bangor Savings Bank, Bank of America (BOA), Camden National Bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, First National Bank, Machias Savings Bank, People’s United Bank, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo. We promise to make sure you know all of your options and will never steer you to one financial institution over another due to our relationships. At this time, we are not offering any special COVID-19 related loan products like the SBA PPP loan. The best place to start for any help is to start with your current financial institution – i.e. who has your bank accounts and credit cards?

See our housing resource page for updates on COVID-19 support for home loan mortgages.

Most mortgage payments and other debt with the banks can be delayed by up to 90 days (but you’ll still have to pay it back!). Many have promised to waive late fees and overdraft fees. Be careful of taking on new debt though. Call your bank to check on these!

There are many aspects to the new Federal legislation around banking and finance. Here are a few:
- For retirement accounts, you will not have to take minimum required distributions through 12/31/20. You can also withdraw early for emergency needs up to $100,000 without the 10% penalty with the ability to put it back over three years without taxation.
- For credit reporting during the period beginning on Jan. 31 and continuing 120 days after end of the national emergency, lenders can keep your credit file as current, even if you avail yourself of payment modifications [but not necessarily if you were already in delinquency prior to the crisis].
National Resources – Banking
- Bank-On COVID-19 – Don’t have a banking account? Find Certified Bank On National Account Standards’ Accounts at these banks
- American Bankers Association (ABA) Coronavirus Response
- ABA list of all member banks and their responses (alphabetical)
- Consumer Bankers Association – COVID-19 Resource Hub
- America’s Credit Unions (list by state of credit unions and their responses)
- Forbes Up-to-Date List Of [National and Regional] Banks Offering Relief To Customers Affected By Coronavirus (COVID-19) (mostly large regional and national banks)
- US Government Banking Regulators
  - FDIC
  - Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
  - Federal Reserve System
    
    FRB-Atlanta: Perspectives from Main Street: The Impact of COVID-19 on Communities and the Entities Serving Them (Apr)
  - National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) COVID-19 Information (Note: All credit unions are covered by NCUA insurance just like FDIC – so your credit union accounts are just as safe!)
- Local Maine Banks' Responses to COVID-19
  You likely have credit cards, car loans, home loans and checking and savings accounts with your local bank or credit union. Check out what they are offering for consumers in terms of support, grace periods, etc. And call them as soon as possible – if you tell them you have a hardship due to COVID, they are likely to give you some time or reduce your payments. Never hurts to ask!
  Individual banks and credit unions
  News:
- Auto Loan Relief Programs
  If your car loan is with your bank, call them as soon as possible to see what they can do in terms of payment relief. They are not required to defer or be flexible – but many are helping. Below are several articles and car company financing arms’ websites.
  [accordion-item title=”Car Company Financing Arms Response”][/accordion-item]
  - Ford Motor Credit/Ford Disaster Relief 1.800.723.4016
  - CarMax Auto Finance 1-800-925-3612
  - Chrysler Capital 1.855.563.5635 – CHRYSLER CAPITAL RESPONDS TO CORONAVIRUS IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS
  - Chevy Cares (same as GM Financial) 1.800.222.1020
  - GM Financial 1.800.284.2271 (waiving late fees through April 30)
  - Honda Financial Services
  - Hyundai Motor Finance
  - Kia Motor Finance
  - Nissan NMAC
  - Subaru Motors Finance (JP Morgan Chase)
  - Toyota Financial Services – COVID-19
- Credit Card Company Responses - Relief
  General Resources
  - Motley Fool Ascent – Coronavirus and Credit Card Relief
  - CFPB Credit card debt during coronavirus: Relief options and tips
  Credit Card Companies (per Maine SBDC)
  - American Express Cardholders who are having difficulties paying their bills can contact American Express by calling the number on the back of their card or by online chat or the Amex app to discuss their situation. Solutions are tailored to an individual’s situation. These might include offering flexibility in paying bills or directing them to American Express’s financial hardship program. Under the financial hardship program, consumers might be able to have reduced monthly payments, get temporary relief from late payment fees, get a temporary reduction in interest rates or prevent their accounts from going past due.
  - Bank of America Cardholders who have trouble paying credit card bills can submit a credit card payment deferral on the company’s website. Cardholders can “qualify for a payment deferral for future dates on or before May 15, 2020,” according to the company’s website. Through the bank’s Client Assistance Program, you can also request to have certain account fees waived or refunded.
  - Barclays You can request Payment Relief online by logging in to your account at the website listed on the back of your card, choosing Contact Us and then Payment Relief to submit a request.
  - CapitalOne 1-800-227-4825 Case-by-Case, to include skipping payments without interest. Must contact them.
  - Chase According to their website, “You can delay up to three payments on your personal or business credit card if you’ve been affected by COVID-19. We recommend that you enroll online because we’re experiencing extremely high call volumes and very long hold times.
  - Citi 1-888-287-7817 They do not encourage calls due to extremely long wait times. Waiver of minimum amount due for 2 business cycles. Encouraging sign up on-line, or by testing “APP to 692-484 & they’ll send you a link to message them in Citi Mobile App.
  News:
  - Millions stop paying credit cards (Apr 26)
  - Credit card issuers offer customer assistance in response to coronavirus
- US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Bank Rate - News & Tools
- Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) - Consumer Relief Loan
  While FAME technically has a Consumer Relief Loan available, please be aware that we have not found any bank or credit union in Maine offering this. We do know that Bangor Savings, Camden National, and University Credit Union (UCU) have all created their own consumer emergency loan. So we recommend pausing on exploring for this loan with anyone until new guidance comes out or a list of banks. We will update this page here.
  - Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) COVID-19 RELIEF CONSUMER LOAN PROGRAM
  - DECD/FAME Update: Helping individuals and the self-employed through short term loans.
  - Call: (800) 228-3734 or (207) 623-3263
- General Banking & Finance - News and Other Resources
Public Benefits - Donations/Grants - Financial Assistance - No Cost Help
Here are some of the best and primary “Search Tools for Finding Help” here in Maine:
- Maine Equal Justice COVID-19 Resources
  - Contact: Facebook chat, Email, Call: 1-866-626-7059 (call for help to figure out eligibility for programs and if you are having issues with the benefits provider)
  - Maine Equal Justice Program (MEJP) Webinar: Public Benefits in the Time of COVID-19 (May 29 – 1 hr 26 mns)
- Benefits Counseling Services – Maine Medical Center (SSI/SSDI, Medicare/Medicaid-also see Benefits worksheets at bottom of page)
- Maine 211 – COVID-19 Update (or call 211 Maine)
- Mainers Together (Maine People’s Alliance)– donations, food, assistance
- Good Shepherd Food Bank
- AARP Community Connections – find help for groceries, financial assistance in your local community.
- AAFP Neighborhood Navigator – local housing, groceries, money assistance providers
- Portland Herald Coronavirus outbreak: Where to turn for help
- Maine Needs (essentials, food donation – Southern Maine)
Local Government
- Office of Governor Janet Mills – Maine Helps – resource page
- State of Maine DHHS – Office for Family Independence (OFI) Temporary Changes in Benefits due to COVID-19 (summaries in other languages at bottom of page)
  - Summary of changes
  - Table of Benefits – COVID-19: Accessing Assistance Through
    Maine DHHS
  - My Maine Connection – application portal for public benefits, such as Food Supplement, Health Care, Cash Assistance and/or apply for Maine’s Child Care Subsidy.
  - Maine Bureau of the Budget – Relief Funding Tracking
- Maine Bureau of Veteran’s Services – Veteran;s Emergency Financial Assistance
- Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) – policy tracking and recommendations
- News
  - Maine lags neighbors in allocating $1B in federal virus aid, but millions more are being spent (June 17, BDN)
National Government
- Benefits.gov Coronavirus Resources (US Government Dept. of Labor portal for unemployment, food and nutrition, healthcare, business benefits, etc.), Help Center, and Benefit Finder
- Benefits.gov Finding the Right Help during the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Maine General Assistance Fund
  The new Federal stimulus package, CARES Act, contains flexible funding for state and local governments, which can be used to address housing needs, such as general assistance. Gov. Mills also bolstered Maine General Assistance and relaxed eligibility requirements.
  [accordion-item title=”Cities and Towns – General Assistance Programs”][/accordion-item]
- CARES Act - Federal Economic Stimulus Support - the "$1,200" check to [almost] every American
  If you file taxes at the IRS or or are on Social Security (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSDI), you should be fine to receive the checks. If you do not file taxes and do not receive SSI or SSDI, you will likely need to file taxes – if you do not earn income, you may well not receive a check and you will likely not receive a check if you make more than $100,000 annually.
  - A Guide to Economic Impact Payments for Advocates – May 18 – EITC Outreach
  - [Excellent] F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Bill [NYT]
  - CARE Act Stimulus Check calculator
  - IRS – March 30: Economic impact payments: What you need to know
    
    IRS Economic Impact Payments – check for eligibility, non-tax filers enter data
    
    Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here
    
    Special Help Phone line for taxpayers with questions about their Economic Impact Payments (EIP): 1-800-919-9835.
    
    IRS Why the Economic Impact Payment amount could be different than anticipated – May 11
    
    See if you’re eligible, payment amount and how to get it
  - FDIC Receiving IRS Economic Impact Payments guidance and finding a bank
  - The list of who won’t get a $1,200 stimulus check is growing – and includes some surprising groups
  - Social Security Recipients Will Automatically Receive Economic Impact Payments
  - CFPB How to use your Economic Impact Payment prepaid debit card without paying a fee (May 20)
  News
  - Maine DHHS awards CARES Act funding to support essential workers and child care providers in response to COVID-19 (June 12 – Maine DHHS)
  - Got a $1,200 stimulus debit card in the mail? Yes, it’s real (June 2, BDN)
  - 700,000 Mainers received stimulus payments. More will come by check or debit. (BDN, May 24)
  - Economic Impact Payments – IRS Updates, April 10
  - More than 400,000 Mainers got stimulus checks. Here’s what to do if you haven’t. (BDN – 4/26)
  - Maine consumers should avoid paying high fees to cash stimulus checks [says credit unions] (BDN – Apr 24)
  - Some banks keep customers’ stimulus checks if accounts are overdrawn (call us if your bank does this – ask for Chris Linder – 973-3500)
  - Maine banks recovering after stimulus checks create online traffic jams (Apr 16 – Portland Herald)
  - Glitches prevent $1,200 stimulus payments from reaching millions of Americans (Apr 16 – Portland Herald)
  - US relief checks begin arriving as economic damage piles up (Apr 15)
  - Stimulus checks are arriving, and people are mostly spending them on food (Apr 14)
- WIC/SNAP Maine (Groceries/Food)
  WIC can provide food support through an EBT card, like a debit card, for low income families with children. If you are recently unemployed and have children in the home, you may qualify for the WIC groceries program – they are taking new applicants. These are no longer “food stamps” like years ago but an EBT card just like a debit card. You can call your local office – there are 15+ offices across the state. The WIC program just received additional funding in early April
  - Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) – to replace school lunches
    
    MEJP explains P-EBT
  - WIC Maine (find your local office here – 15+ across the state – on right side of page)
  - call: (207) 287-3991 / 1-800-437-9300
  - email: wic.maine@maine.gov
  - WIC pre-screening tool to see if you are eligible
  - Maine DHHS/Gov. Mills Office Mills Administration Acts to Ensure Basic Necessities for Maine People in the Face of COVID-19
  - Bangor WIC program services available for current and new participants
  - Benefits.gov summary of Maine SNAP and WIC
  - Maine Farm Food Access Program created to reimburse direct-market farms and farmers’ markets SNAP/EBT equipment
  - Maine Harvest Bucks (allowing for SNAP/EBT purchases) with farmer’s markets (and doubling the produce amount)
  - Pine Tree Legal – Maine Food Supplement Estimators
  - Fresh EBT app – track SNAP benefits (and some funds are being matched through GiveDirectly)
  Other private/government providers
  - Good Shepherd Food Bank – COVID-19 in Maine (with food bank openings and closing across Maine)
  - USDA Food Finder
- Direct Sources to Cash Relief/Donations
  Mutual Aid Lists
  - Mutual Aid Hub
    
    Maine Coronavirus Community Assistance (FB)
    
    Community Investors of Knox County
    
    Maine Mutual Aid Sheet (mostly Southern Maine-Portland)
    
    Midcoast Maine Helpers
    
    Mutual Aid Maine
    
    Scarborough Helps
  - Database of Localized Resources During COVID 19 Outbreak and Relief Funds
  Actual donations
  - Expensify.org – $50 reimbursement for groceries spent on SNAP EBT card
  - Give Together Now – Stand Together and Family Independence Initiative
  - Leveler – Peer to Peer Wealth Distribution (focused on freelancers – service workers, and gig economy workers)
  - One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
  - Freelancers Relief Fund
  - Family Worker’s Fund (not taking applications yet as of 4/14/20)
  - GiveDirectly.org
    
    COVID-19 response for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP families
    
    Propel COVID-19 Response for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) families
  - National Domestic Worker’s Alliance Coronavirus Care Fund
  - Working Lab – Worker’s Fund
  Hospitality/Restaurant Workers
- Maine Organizations Taking Donations to Help
- Legal Aid
  Also see our housing info site during COVID-19 for more legal resources
  - Maine Free Legal Answers (American Bar Association)
- Donations - News and Resources
  - Fewer Mainers turned to the state’s safety net for help in May (June 10, BDN)
  - More Mainers turn to the state’s safety net as the pandemic drags on
  - Feeling Powerless About Coronavirus? Join a Mutual-Aid Network
  - They asked for firewood, food, even medication, and strangers across Maine delivered
  - Council on Foundations – A Call to Action: Philanthropy’s Commitment during COVID-19
  - Needy Will Face Hurdles to Getting Coronavirus Stimulus (if you file taxes or get SSI or SSDI – you will be fine – if you do neither – you will need to file taxes with the Federal government)
Health and Health Insurance
Two major Maine health insurance providers, Aetna and Harvard Pilgrim (and many others), are covering 100% of the costs of the tests and 100% of out of pocket costs for treatment. Anthem will only cover test costs and telemedicine visits at this time. If you are having issues, lost coverage, etc., call Consumers for Affordable Health Care to see what can be done.

If you have recently lost your job, you may be eligible for what is called COBRA coverage, which continues your health coverage when you were employed for up to 9 months (though you must keep paying into it) or to switch to the Maine Health Exchange or check CoverME.gov.
- CoverME.gov: learn more about health care coverage in Maine during COVID-19
  - call: 1-800-965-7476
- Benefits.gov COBRA Continuation Coverage eligibility checker
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – COBRA Continuation FAQs (Public Sector)
- US Dept of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration – COBRA Continuation Coverage (Private Sector for businesses with 20 or more employees)
  - FAQs on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage for Workers
  - Continuation of Health Coverage – COBRA
- Maine Bureau of Insurance – mini COBRA – for businesses with 20 employees or less
- Healthcare.gov (US Government) health insurance links on health exchanges non-employer based), Medicaid and Medicare
- Health Insurance Providers in Maine - list
- Maine Bureau of Insurance
- Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) - Maine Health
  - MaineCare/Medicaid
  - Benefits.gov summary of Maine MaineCare (Medicaid)
  - Benefits.gov summary of Maine MaineCare (SCHIP) for families with young children
  - Health Insurance (general)
  - Mills Administration Launches Campaign to Remind Maine People to Explore Their Health Coverage Options in the Face of COVID-19 – May 13, 2020
    Those who have lost a job or income can visit CoverME.gov to learn more and apply
- Maine Consumers for Affordable Healthcare
  If you are having trouble with insurance, lost your insurance, or need insurance, you can call Maine Consumers for Affordable Healthcare.
  - Maine Consumers for Affordable Healthcare Main Page
  - COVID-19 Updates
  - call 1-800-965-7476
- Health Insurance - News and Other Resources
Scams - Consumer Alerts
Beware of emergency-related scams out there – yes, they are popping up everywhere! Never click on links in emails unless you know the person or institution and if you are unsure about a phone call – look up the organization’s main number online and tell them you will call them back. Beware of organizations reaching out to you on social media platforms too like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram – and again beware of links. Look them up online, google “[Company Name] and “fraud” or “scam”. If it’s too good to be true, be very, very wary. You can call us to help you figure out if something is real or not. Never pay someone to help you get Federal funds, or IRS checks, or mortgage help – especially don’t go buy a bunch of gift cards – and don’t share your social security number, account numbers, or things like your mother’s date of birth until you log-on directly to the organization’s website like your bank or call them directly at their main 1-800 customer service line. Unfortunately, there are terrible people in the world – it is less than 1% of us – but with technology now, that small percentage can do a lot of damage – be very skeptical – make Pyrrho proud (the father of skepticism).

US.gov reports that the three most common COVID-19 scams are:

1) Testing and treatment scams (answer: go to your doctor, health insurer, or nearest urgent care center instead)

2) FDIC and banking scams (answer: get your bank’s phone number directly and call them directly – do not reply to them via email or click on an email link or chat with them on Facebook)

3) Checks from the government (answer: never share your personal information like social security until you call them back directly – call the government organization who is supposedly issuing the checks directly – call the State of Maine Attorney General’s office, call US FTC, or call us at MaineStream.)

Here are resources and places you can call for help:
- US.gov Common Scams – Corona Virus Scams and Price Gouging
- US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Coronavirus Scams
- Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection (BCCP)
- Maine Attorney General – Office of Consumer Complaints
  - Call: (207) 626-8849
- AARP – Scams and Fraud
  - Help line: 877-908-3360
- US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Better Business Bureau, serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT
- Scams - News and Other Resources
Student Loans and Aid
For Student Loans, like other debt, you can ask for an “administrative forbearance.” ALL INTEREST on Student Loans through the Department of Education (private loans are not included) is waived for the time being. It is best to contact your loan servicer or the Dept. of Education to learn if your loans qualify and what you can do.

The new Federal Legislation, the CARES Act, suspends Federal student loan payments through the end of September, with no interest accruing, so borrowers will owe the same amount then that they do now (does not help borrowers not currently making payments). Also temporarily stops the involuntary collection of payments from borrowers who are in default, such as through wage garnishment and seizure of tax refunds. (Urban Institute).

It has been revealed that the Maine colleges and universities will be receiving CARES act relief for at least $20 million in emergency aid to students: Maine colleges to receive $41M in emergency aid; transit gets $83M – Maine Biz Apr. 14.
- US Department of Education
  - READ THIS: Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents
  - US Department of Education COVID-19 Information and Resources
  - Student Loan Repayment Resource Page
  - Student loan deferments and forbearances – what are they?
  - Information for Financial Aid Professionals (financial aid departments of schools)
  - Contact Dept. of Ed.:
    
    1-800-4-FED-AID
    
    StudentAid.gov/login
  - Contact your loan servicer
  News & Resources
  - MDRC Providing Emergency Aid to College Students in a Time of Crisis toolkit and resources for advice on how to distribute US Dept. of Education Coronavirus Aid
- Local (Free) Advice: FAME, UMaine/MEOC, Mainespark
  You can contact any of the following organizations for free advice on how to finance your education. All are based here locally in Maine.
  - Finance Authority of Maine
    
    The Loan for ME – student borrowing resource page
    
    Contact their Advisors (free): 1-800-228-3734
  - Mainespark – Adult Promise Navigators
  - U Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC)
    
    Session Schedule – Drop in Hours and Essentials of College Planning
    
    Contact
- Sallie Mae / SLMA - Private Education Loans
  If you don’t have a Department of Education Loan, you may have a Sallie Mae loan or two. They are one of the largest providers. For help with payments of existing borrowers, they say this:
  
  “If you’re a Sallie Mae private student loan customer, we can help you postpone payments while keeping your account in good standing. You can chat with us via SallieMae.com or access your account anytime by using SallieMae.com or the Sallie Mae App to view transactions, check a balance, make payments, change passwords, and more…”
- Scholarships - Grants
  - Maine Community Foundation – scholarships by county
- Student Loans - News & Resources
  - Fewer students are applying for financial aid for college — a worrying sign about who will show up this fall (June 4, BG)
  - Colleges consider a tuition freeze amid pandemic (May 7, CNBC)
  - UMaine System processing federal relief payments to students (May 8, Portland Herald)
  - Managing Student Loans During COVID-19 (webinar: 65 mns – JP Morgan Chase amd Institute of Student Loan Advisors)
  - How the CARES Act Changes Health, Retirement and Student Loan Benefits (IRS will not tax student tuition support from employers as income to the employees)
  - What Does the COVID-19 Fiscal Relief Package Mean for Student Loan Borrowers?
Taxes
Tax filings and tax payments are delayed until July 15 for both Federal and the State of Maine. The IRS has also launched the People First initiative (to work out and defer payment plans etc.)
- US Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Free Tax Filing Resources
  - Tax Free File
  - H&R Block Free File
  - TurboTax Free File
  - United Way – H&R Block – MyFreeTaxes
  - United Way of Eastern Maine and AARP Taxaide free tax prep update:
    
    All in-person sites closed
    
    Mail tax documents to: PO Box 1387 Bangor, ME 04402
    
    Preparers will call you with questions/confirmation
    
    Due to Coronavirus Concerns, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Suspends Service Until Further Notice
- Maine Revenue Services (MRS)
  Maine State tax filings are extended to July 15. If you’re expecting a refund, best to file now.
  - Maine Revenue Service website
  - March Tax Alert
  - April 1: Governor Mills Extends State’s Property Tax Exemption Deadline
  - Janet Mills moves Maine’s income tax filing deadline to July 15
  - They are willing to answer questions and help you file, M-F/8 AM to 4:30 PM:
    
    207-624-9784
    
    taxpayerassist@maine.gov
- Taxes - News and Other Resources
  - Here’s what you need to know about paying taxes on unemployment benefits (May 18, CNBC)
  - How the CARES Act Changes Health, Retirement and Student Loan Benefits (IRS will not tax student tuition support from employers as income to the employees)
  - Needy Will Face Hurdles to Getting Coronavirus Stimulus (if you file taxes or get SSI or SSDI – you will be fine – if you do neither – you will need to file taxes with the Federal government)
  - Tax and financial planning strategies to make bear markets bearable
Unemployment - Job Seeking - Worker Benefits & Rights
Filing for unemployment is driven by the State of Maine Department of Labor – so that is the main player you will need to interact with. There is help through Maine Equal Justice, Maine Career Centers, and Pine Tree Legal if you get stuck or rejected. Keep trying – they will catch up eventually. Employers have a different number they call – your employer may be able to help as well. Just keep trying – you only have to apply once – but you do still need to do the weekly certification each Sunday as far as we can tell once you are approved. (They have apparently waived the weekly job search from what we can tell.)

New: Maine DOL is making major changes to the unemployment system and hiring new people -so it should get better. BDN reports “On Monday [April 6], Maine people with last names beginning with letters A-H should call 1-800-593-7660 to file for unemployment; those with last names beginning with I-Q on Tuesday; and R-Z on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are open for those who miss their day. Those with online access should use it as the department works to get the 100 new employees answering phones by April 10, Commissioner Laura Fortman said Friday, April 3.”

If you work in a company with more than 50 employees and less than 500 employees (51 to 499), then you are entitled to extended paid family medical leave or paid sick leave from April 1 to December 31 – we are not sure about companies less than 50 – though there may be an exemption announced in April.

In the new Federal Stimulus Package, there are additional benefits to what the State of Maine has announced. They have not yet come into effect. A key one is that this allows the self-employed to file for unemployment – but don’t do it yet until Maine DOL announces it.
- $250 billion in unemployment insurance benefits temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through Dec. 31, to provide payment to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others).
- Additional $600 per week payment to each recipient of unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance recipient for up to 4 months.
- Includes additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits through Dec. 31, 2020 to help those who remain unemployed after state unemployment is no longer available.
Here are good resources from the Main Chamber of Commerce and Southern Maine Worker’s Center for employees and employers:
- Maine Chamber of Commerce Maine DOL Unemployment FAQ (early April)
- Southern Maine Worker’s Center – COVID-19 Workers Resources & Information
- If you are self-employed, go to our COVID-19 Small Business Resource Page under “Self-Employed”.
- Maine Unemployment Insurance Assistance – FB Discussion Group – sponsored by Maine AFL-CIO, Southern Maine Workers’ Centers, Maine Equal Justice, and Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project
- Maine Department of Labor - MAINE DOL
  Self-Employed
  
  Maine DOL – unemployment for the self employed program or PUA: Unemployment for the self-employed in Maine starts May 1. Directions of getting started are on the following webpage:
  - Maine Department of Labor – Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Page for the self-employed (Opens Friday, May 1)
  - Official Press Release: Department of Labor to Accept Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Applications May 1
  - After delay, Maine says self-employed workers can file for unemployment on Friday (BDN, 4/28)
  - Self-employed people—who are understandably eager for the roll out of this program–can start preparing to apply by gathering the following tax schedules: Federal Tax Return -1040 (2018 or2019), Schedule C- sole proprietor, Schedule F- Farmers, Schedule J— Fa
  - Info sheet for self-employed: basic guidance is to gather your tax returns for 2019. Other Federal programs have allowed 2018 and interim 2019 Schedule Cs, etc. So probably should have 2018 ready and prep for 2019 as much as you can)
  - Unemployment Insurance FAQs Regarding COVID-19 (pp. 8-10)
- US Department of Labor - US DOL
  Here you will find resources on unemployment, leave, etc. at a Federal level, but all programs and payments are managed through Maine DOL.
  News
  - Part-Time Workers Can Get $600 CARES Payout, DOL Says (May 11)
- Contacts for Help: MEJP, Career Centers, Pine Tree Legal
  [accordion-item title=”Maine Equal Justice Program (MEJP)“][/accordion-item]
  
  You can contact MEJP if you are having trouble with the application process or were incorrectly rejected.
  - Maine Equal Justice COVID-19 Resources
  - Unemployment Insurance Benefits for [Maine] Workers Impacted by the Covid-19 Virus
  - Contact:
    
    Facebook chat
    
    Email
    
    Call: 1-866-626-7059
  [accordion-item title=”Pine Tree Legal“][/accordion-item]
  
  Pine Tree Legal has also been helping folks through the unemployment process. Contact your local office (by county).
  [accordion-item title=”Maine Career Centers“][/accordion-item]
  
  There are 15+ Career Centers throughout Maine – connected to Maine DOL. If you are having trouble getting through the Maine DOL system for unemployment, local Career Centers have been taking calls and walking people through the process. Career Centers can also help you seek a job or get the right credentials for your next weekend.
  - Maine.gov Career Centers/American Job Centers
  - Locations (18 across the state)
    
    Bangor-EMDC/ (207) 561-4050 or 1-888-828-0568 / Facebook
    
    Belfast/Workforce Solutions / 207-930-7047
    
    Machias-EMDC/Washington Cty 207-255-1900/1-800-292-8929/ Facebook
    
    Rockland / (207) 596-2600 or 1-877-421-7916 / Facebook
    
    Other Eastern Maine (EMDC) / (207) 942-6389 / workforce@emdc.org
    
    Dover-Foxcroft / (207) 564-8196
    
    Ellsworth/ (207) 610-1521
    
    E. Millinocket / (207) 746-9608
  [accordion-item title=”Maine AFL/CIO Unemployment Insurance Assistance”][/accordion-item]
  - COVID-19 Pandemic Resources for Workers
  - If have questions or issues, reach out to AFL/CIO here / 207-622-9675.
- Seeking Employment/Jobs
  National
  - Drafted network – Help people affected by layoffs
  - Flex Jobs (site for Remote/WFH jobs)
  - Layoff Network – connecting those laid off with open jobs with employers
  - Yelp: Coronavirus Economic Impact Report – this will give you an idea of what industries are doing well and where you might want to focus your job search
  - Linked In Essential retail jobs draw a crowd
    
    Here’s who’s hiring (April 29)
  Maine
  - Live & Work in Maine
  - Maine Career Centers Job Link (your local career center counselor can also help you)
  - Jobs in ME
    
    Virtual Job Fairs on May 28 and July 23.
  - Training & Education
    
    Eastern Maine Development Corporation presents new educational services and resources for job seekers
    
    Manpower Maine – providing skills training for free to up-skill for your next job
  News
  - Anticipating farm labor shortages, Maine ad campaign targets newly unemployed (June 8, MB)
  - Coronavirus: Job-hunting advice for graduates, from the Class of 2008 (BBC, June 5)
  - Here’s who’s hiring right now (Linked In – larger National Organizations)
  - Here’s who is hiring right now, amid a bleak jobs picture (CNBC)
  - Who’s Hiring Amid Coronavirus Layoffs
- Worker's Rights/Protections
  - How exposed is your job tool. (BBC)
  - Aspen Institute COVID-19 Tools and Resources (May 11)
- News Articles and General Links for Unemployment and Leave
Retirement Funds & Saving
Under the CARES Act Relief legislation for retirement accounts, you would not have to take minimum required distributions through 12/31/20. You can also withdraw early for emergency needs up to $100,000 without the 10% penalty with the ability to put it back over three years without taxation.

Resources
News

MaineStream Finance

Article Title: Personal Finances for Mainers – COVID-19

Article Content

Consumer Alert and Disclosure

Contact MaineStream Finance

Highlights / FAQs - Personal Finance

CARES Act - Federal Stimulus - $1,200 Checks to [almost] every American

General Personal Finance Resources & News

Positive News Stories on Finance - Stories of Hope

US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Phone, Cable, and Internet Service Company Responses and Support

Utilities - electricity, water, etc

Online Workshops/Events and Advice

News Articles and General Links and Resources for Personal Finances

Saving Money Articles - BDN Homestead section and HelloHomestead.com

Banking & Finance - accounts, debt, credit cards, other debt

US Government Banking Regulators

Local Maine Banks' Responses to COVID-19

Auto Loan Relief Programs

Credit Card Company Responses - Relief

US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Bank Rate - News & Tools

Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) - Consumer Relief Loan

General Banking & Finance - News and Other Resources

Public Benefits - Donations/Grants - Financial Assistance - No Cost Help

Maine General Assistance Fund

CARES Act - Federal Economic Stimulus Support - the "$1,200" check to [almost] every American

WIC/SNAP Maine (Groceries/Food)

Direct Sources to Cash Relief/Donations

Maine Organizations Taking Donations to Help

Legal Aid

Donations - News and Resources

Health and Health Insurance

Health Insurance Providers in Maine - list

Maine Bureau of Insurance

Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) - Maine Health

Maine Consumers for Affordable Healthcare

Health Insurance - News and Other Resources

Scams - Consumer Alerts

US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Better Business Bureau, serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT

Scams - News and Other Resources

Student Loans and Aid

US Department of Education

Local (Free) Advice: FAME, UMaine/MEOC, Mainespark

Sallie Mae / SLMA - Private Education Loans

Scholarships - Grants

Student Loans - News & Resources

Taxes

US Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Free Tax Filing Resources

Maine Revenue Services (MRS)

Taxes - News and Other Resources

Unemployment - Job Seeking - Worker Benefits & Rights

Maine Department of Labor - MAINE DOL

US Department of Labor - US DOL

Contacts for Help: MEJP, Career Centers, Pine Tree Legal

Seeking Employment/Jobs

Worker's Rights/Protections

News Articles and General Links for Unemployment and Leave

Retirement Funds & Saving

Donate