ACL’s COVID-19 Resources: What’s New

Here's what's new on our COVID-19 resource page:

Guidance for Grantees:

Guidance on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security (CARES) Act for Centers for Independent Living, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs, and Older Americans Act Title VI Grantees
An additional FAQ on OAA nutrition program implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic from April 17, 2020.
A Q&A from ACL's April 8 call with State Unit on Aging Directors

Wednesday deadline for Social Security Beneficiaries with Children: The CARES Act provides economic impact payments of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child. We've added information on these payments. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Eligible Social Security (including SSDI and SSI), Veterans Administration, and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries who don’t normally file taxes will automatically receive payments of $1,200.
Any of these beneficiaries who have qualifying children under age 17 and did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes must use the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info" tool on IRS.gov to claim the $500 payment per child.
- SSA retirement, SSA survivor, SSDI, and RRB beneficiaries must submit this information by noon ET Wednesday, April 22.
- For those who miss the April 22 deadline, their automatic payment will be $1,200 and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child would be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020.

SSI and VA beneficiaries have some additional time but should enter this information as soon as possible.

Economic impact payments will not be counted as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months.

FEMA Funding for the Purchase and Distribution of Food: FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program funds governments and non-profits supporting disaster recovery efforts. We have posted a new FEMA policy providing applicants flexibility to protect the health and safety of communities impacted by COVID-19 through the purchase and distribution of food.

Medicare Coverage Webinar this Wednesday: We've added information on a National Paralysis Resource Center webinar with updates on Medicare COVID-19 coverage this Wednesday at 3pm ET.

We've also added a recording and handouts from a recent webinar on volunteer outreach hosted by the SMP National Resource Center, the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, the Center for Benefits Access, and ACL.

Last but not Least: Here are some additional resources we've added:

Eight new ASL COVID-19 videos from the CDC covering handwashing, face-coverings, factors that increase risk of serious illness, when to see a doctor, and information for parents and pregnant women.
Telehealth guidance for healthcare providers and consumers developed by a coalition of deaf and hard of hearing consumer advocacy organizations, deaf healthcare providers, and other experts.
Answers to common questions from guardians developed by the National Guardianship Association, in conjunction with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging and the National Center for State Courts.