COVID-19 Financial Resources
The State Controller’s Office has compiled the following resources for navigating financial concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website for more information.
Individuals and Families
Employment
- Assistance for Undocumented Adults: Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) provides a one-time payment to undocumented adults who are ineligible for other forms of relief because of their immigration status.
- Unemployment Insurance (UI): The Employment Development Department administers California UI benefits, which range from $40 to $450 weekly for workers who have been laid off, had hours reduced, or must miss work through no fault of their own (e.g., school closures). EDD will pay another $600 on top of the weekly benefit amount as part of the federal CARES Act.
- Paid Leave: The Labor and Workforce Development Agency compiled a list of all paid leave benefits available to workers, including several programs for people who are unable to work due to COVID-19 illness or caregiving for someone due to COVID-19 impact.
- Finding Work: OnwardCA is a new coalition of government, tech companies, businesses, colleges, and universities linking Californians with work opportunities after job loss due to COVID-19.
Health Care
- Free Medical Advice: Medi-Nurse is California’s free advice line that can connect you with a nurse to talk about COVID-19 symptoms.
- Affordable Health Insurance: Covered California connects Californians with brand-name health insurance under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A special enrollment period is open for people who need coverage due to the effects of COVID-19.
- Low-Cost or Free Health Care: Medi-Cal is the state version of federal Medicaid, a public health insurance program that provides low-cost or free health services for low-income individuals and families.
Food and Nutrition
- Food Benefits for Children: Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits help families in California buy food when school is closed. Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school will get extra food benefits.
- Food Banks: Food banks distribute food to local pantries and residents. The California Department of Social Services compiled a county-by-county list of food banks.
- Food Assistance Finder: The California Association of Food Banks offers food assistance resources searchable by ZIP code.
- Meals for Kids: Many school districts are continuing to provide meals to children. The California Department of Education offers an app to find meals during school closures.
Housing
- Renters: The State of California issued a moratorium on residential evictions for renters who cannot pay their rent due to COVID-19-related hardships.
- Homeowners: The State of California secured agreements from many financial institutions to provide mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days beginning March 16, 2020. The state also issued a moratorium on home foreclosure sales or evictions for 60 days beginning March 16, 2020.
- Hotel Rooms for Health Care Workers: The Non-Congregate Sheltering for California Healthcare Workers program was created to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Eligible employees can stay near their workplace at a participating hotel for free or at a discount.
Small Businesses
State Assistance
- Tax Relief: The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is providing relief and extensions for filing business tax returns.
- Business Loans: The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank provides loan guarantees to small businesses needing assistance to overcome economic injury caused by COVID-19.
- Unemployment Benefits: As part of the federal CARES Act, EDD is providing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to unemployed Californians who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, or who have limited work history or not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits, and who are out of business or have significantly reduced services as a direct result of COVID-19.
U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Assistance
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan: The EIDL program provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are experiencing temporary difficulties due to COVID-19.
- SBA Express Bridge Loans: EBL is a pilot program available to small businesses that have a current relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 in expedited SBA-guaranteed financing.
- SBA Debt Relief: SBA is offering debt relief options to small businesses who have an existing loan through SBA.