Rep. Morelle Announces Financial Resources for New Yorkers During Pandemic

WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-New York, issued the following news release:

Congressman Joe Morelle announced that New Yorkers can now receive additional financial assistance through programs included in the American Rescue Plan. Recently passed into law, this package includes several measures to aid in economic recovery for individuals and families across our community.

"The American Rescue Plan delivers additional financial resources to New Yorkers beyond stimulus checks that many people might not be aware of," said Congressman Morelle. "I'm proud to have helped enact these programs that help support our hardworking families during these difficult times. I encourage all New Yorkers to review the opportunities available to them to maximize their benefits."

Opportunities for financial support and details on how to apply are below:

Additional relief of up to $1,600 per child through the Child Tax Credit to the families of 3,564,000 children, lifting 242,000 children out of poverty.

* This benefit requires no application and will be paid out automatically to those who qualify, delivering the credit as a periodic payment, through the IRS, starting in July of this year.

Earned Income Tax Credit Nearly Tripled to $1,502 for 915,000 childless workers, including many in frontline jobs.

* According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this will benefit 17.3 million workers without children across the country, including roughly 2.8 million Black, 2.8 million Latino, and 678,000 Asian American workers. More information is available here (https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-tax/american-rescue-plan-act-includes-critical-expansions-of-child-tax-credit-and).

Additional tax credits to lower health insurance premiums

* This could mean savings of $663 per month for a 60-year-old couple earning $75,000 per year. Current enrollees, including those who recently enrolled through the 2021 Special Enrollment Period, can update their applications and enrollments to get new eligibility results starting April 1. Individuals will need to reselect their current plan for the changes to take effect to reduce your premiums for the remainder of the year. More information is available and people can update your plan here (http://www.healthcare.gov/).

Increased funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

* The relief package provides $4.5 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).This funding will help pay for heat, electricity, water, and other critical utilities. In New York, individuals can apply for this benefit by calling 1-800-342-3009 or online.

Enhanced Child and Dependent Care Credit

* Families will receive a tax credit on their childcare expenses for children younger than 13, amounting to $4,000 for one child and $8,000 for two or more children. This benefit also includes credit for the care of adult dependents such as a spouse or elderly parent. This IRS publication provides more information on qualifying for this tax credit.

Food assistance benefits for missed school lunches

* The American Rescue Plan provides Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits to all households with children who receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act and whose school was closed or operating with reduced in-school attendance due to COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 academic year. Find information on this program in New York, and answers to frequently asked questions here (https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Pandemic-EBT.asp).

Increase in SNAP benefits

* The 15 percent increase in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will provide approximately $28 more per person, per month, or more than $100 more per month for a household of four, in additional SNAP benefits. New Yorkers can apply here (https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-snap).

COVID-19 funeral expenses

* For those who have lost a loved one during this pandemic, please know that the American Rescue Plan provides funds for reimbursement of COVID-19 related funeral expenses. Beginning in April, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin processing these repayments. Apply here (https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq)

Food assistance for older Americans

* The American Rescue Plan includes $37 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to help feed low-income seniors. If you are age 60 or older, find out if you qualify for nutrition assistance here (https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/applicant-recipient).

Extra $300 weekly unemployment benefit

* The American Rescue Plan extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from 50 weeks to up to 73 weeks and extends Emergency Unemployment Compensation from 24 to 53 weeks. It will also provide an additional $300 in weekly benefits through September 6. You can learn more and apply at the New York Unemployment Insurance Program website.

Shuttered Venues Grant Program

* The Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program is now accepting applications. These grants will help our local shuttered venue operators put paychecks back in workers' pockets, avoid permanent closures, cover rent payments and more. Check eligibility and apply here (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant).

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

* Businesses in New York are now eligible for increased aid under the American Rescue Plan. $15 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available to assist hard-hit and underserved small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations. For information on eligibility, or to apply, visit the Small Business Administration website, or call 1-800-659-2955.