Managing Your Finances During COVID-19
Things are quite tough right now, but here are some resources that could help you manage your finances until your next paycheck comes along.
Government Aid Programs:
1. Unemployment Insurance Benefits: You get payments based on your previous earnings until you’re ready to step back into work. This program is funded by the taxes we pay when employed.
2. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): If you’re a woman, or have young kids, this program gives you food aid and health and welfare resources.
3. Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This program helps cover your grocery bills.
4. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This offers help with childcare and other social aid.
5. Income-Based Repayment of Student Loans (IBR): Use this to reduce your monthly student loan installments.
6. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): If keeping your energy supply is a struggle, this could help.
7. Lifeline Program: This program offers a small fund to keep your phone and internet running.
Emergency Funds for Artists:
During this COVID-19 pandemic, there are emergency grants available especially for artists and art-workers, including:
– Artists of Color Emergency Grants
– Artist Relief
– Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
– Indie Theater Fund
– Freelancers Relief Fund, and many more.
Other Useful Resources:
There are many other resources to help you navigate through such tough times:
– The Actors Fund and COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources: Helpful lists of resources for artists.
– Debt.com: If debt is the issue, this website can help with information on debt consolidation or bankruptcy.
– New York Foundation for the Arts: An up-to-date list of funds and resources available.
– 55 Companies That Are Still Hiring: If you’re job hunting, this list features companies currently hiring.
– HireArtists: A site where artists can offer services. No commission is taken, and all earnings go directly to the artist.
Donation and Volunteer Opportunities:
If you’re fortunate to still have some income left or extra time on your hands and want to help, there are options for you as well. From Broadway Cares and Curtain Up Fund to IATSE cares, these groups accept financial aid or offer volunteering opportunities where you can lend a helping hand.
Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s make the most of these resources and help each other get through it.