COVID-19 Resources

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Please see below for helpful information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

 

Free Meals for LAUSD Students

  • LA Unified has 60 “Grab and Go” Food Centers across the city. Each child can take home two nutritious meals.
  • Open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Locations of the centers, and other educational resources, can be found at: http://achieve.lausd.net/resources.

 

Meals for Seniors in LA County

  • Congregate Meals for Seniors: Workforce Development, Aging and Community services operates 100 congregate meal sites, primarily at senior centers and parks.
  • The county transitioned all sites that serve congregate meals to distributing packaged/frozen meals or providing home-delivered meals. These actions ensure we continue offering meals to seniors, but do so in a manner that reduces coronavirus exposure and risk.
  • A complete list can be found here, and a map of each site can be found here.

 

Other Free Food Resources in LA County

    Individuals/Families in Need Can:

    • Get help with food expenses. CalFresh is a Nutrition Assistance Program that can help people in low-income households purchase food by increasing their food-buying power. Apply here and see eligibility requirements here.
    • Find free food near you. County agencies and partners that provide free groceries and meals are expanding their services during COVID-19. Click here to see options and find food distribution sites near you. Some programs also provide delivery.
    • Get food delivery assistance. The County has launched a Critical Delivery Services program to deliver food and other vital items to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. Items must be prepaid and ready for pick-up. There is no cost to the client for delivery. For more information, click here or call 1-888-863-7411.
    • For assistance, or if you do not have access to the Internet, please dial 2-1-1. Multilingual operators are available to help members of the public find free food resources. 

    Service Providers/Nonprofits in Need Can:

    • Request volunteers. L.A. Works matches community organizations with volunteer labor and other resources. More information here.
    • Request food to redistribute. The L.A. Regional Food Bank is accepting new applications for partner agencies. Partner agencies receive free food and re-distribute it to community members. More information here.
    • Join a food recovery network. There are a number of organizations that use mobile apps with matching technology to recover unused food from restaurants and other businesses and re-distribute it to communities in need. If you are interested in donating food or receiving donated food to re-distribute, look for the following in your mobile app store:

    Here Are Other Ways Los Angeles County Residents Can Help: 

    • Giving food-related offers and donations. Does your business or organization seek to sell or donate food-related resources to support COVID-19 response efforts?  The County is helping to match available food resources with those in need. Fill out an online questionnaire to let us know what food resources you have to share. Our partner providers are in need of food resources, services, and equipment including:
      • Prepared meals ready-to-eat meals: no heating required
      • Prepared meals: just heat and service
      • Groceries: non-perishable, shelf stable food items and perishable food such as produce, meats, and dairy
      • Specialty foods: Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and other specialty options
      • Food delivery: drivers and vehicles, including special vehicle types such as refrigerated trucks
    • Other types of donation and support. Looking for other ways to lend a hand during this crisis? Explore the County’s COVID-19 resource page to learn how you can help, from doing wellness checks on older neighbors to donating blood.
    • Starting a food pantry. Interested in offering free food to community members? If you already have food to re-distribute or are planning to collect food items from private sources, please follow these Guidelines for Charitable Feeding Operations. If you are interested in receiving donated food to re-distribute, consider partnering with the L.A. Regional Food Bank, which is currently accepting new applications for partner pantries. More information here.
    • Joining a food recovery network. There are a number of organizations that use mobile apps with matching technology to recover unused food from restaurants and other businesses and re-distribute it to communities in need. If you work for a restaurant or other business that is interested in donating food, look for the following in your mobile app store:
    • Volunteer your time. L.A. Works matches community organizations with volunteer labor and other resources. More information here.

    Photos available here.

     

    Special Hours at Grocery Stores For Seniors, Those With Disabilities, And Vulnerable Populations

    The following grocery stores are offering reserved hours for populations that are vulnerable to the novel coronavirus:

    • Albertsons: From 7 to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the company is reserving time for "those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated."
    • Gelson's: On Wednesdays, seniors 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m. "You may be asked for ID," the California grocer said on its website.
    • Mother’s Markets: The California-based company has "Safe Shop Wednesdays” and is opening from 6 to 7 a.m. every Wednesday for “elderly, disabled, those with compromised immune systems, chemo patients, etc.” It's also offering free home delivery for the high-risk groups with promo code FREE4SENIORS.
    • Target: The retailer "reserves the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests," Target said, adding it is "encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this time frame." 
    • Whole Foods Market: All Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public.

     

    Disability/Paid Family Leave Benefits (California Employment Development Department – EDD, COVID-19 FAQ)

    Benefits Available to Those Sick and Cannot Work

    • Individuals are able to file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim, providing short-term benefit payments eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness.
    • The Governor’s Executive Order will waive the one-week unpaid waiting period to collect DI benefits for the first week out of work. What forms are needed:
      • Requirement can be met by a medical certification signed by treating a physician or a practitioner that includes a diagnosis and ICD-10 code, or a statement of symptoms, start date of condition, probable duration; and treating physician’s or practitioner’s license number or facility information. Can also be met by a written order from a state or local health officer specific to you.
      • Fastest processing occurs online, and submit supporting medical documentation  immediately after.
    • How much can be earned:
      • Approximately 60-70 percent of wages, depending on income, ranging from $50-$1,300 a week. EDD has a Disability Insurance Calculator. Payments are paid through the date of a doctor’s certification or when available benefits are exhausted, whichever comes first within a 52-week period.
      • The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one week waiting period.
    • Individuals who are quarantined, as certified by a medical professional or a state or local health officer, can qualify for disability insurance.

    Benefits Available to Self-employed or Otherwise Not Covered by State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program

    • Individuals can be eligible for benefits if they pay into Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC). DIEC is an option for self-employed individuals, like independent contractors, and employers to apply for coverage under SDI. More info here.

    Benefits Available for Individuals Caring for A Sick Family Member Who Miss Work

    • Individuals can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) Claim.
      • Provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member.
      • Necessary documentation:
        • Medical documentation regarding family member in care who is either ill or quarantined due to COVID-19.
        • This requirement can be met by a medical certification for that person from a treating physician or a practitioner that includes a diagnosis and ICD-10 code, or a statement of symptoms; the start date of the condition; its probable duration; and the treating physician’s or practitioner’s license number or facility information.
        • This requirement can also be met by a written order from a state or local health officer that is specific to your family member’s situation. Absent those documents from a physician or health officer, individuals may be eligible for an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim instead. 
        • Individuals may also request EDD to send a Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits (DE 2501F) (PDF) form, which can be ordered online.
        • If medical documentation is provided in any other form other than the EDD’s designated claim form, it should be submitted separately by mail to:
          Employment Development Department
          PO Box 45011
          Fresno, CA 93718-5011
        • Individuals can receive approximately 60-70 percent of wages, depending on income, ranging from $50-$1,300 a week. EDD has a Paid Family Leave Calculator.

     

    Unemployment Insurance Benefits (California Employment Development Department – EDD, COVID-19 FAQ)

    • Individuals can receive benefits ranging from $40-450 a week.
    • The number of weeks to potentially receive benefits ranges from 13 to 26 weeks. Payment could stretch to a longer duration if work is performed for pay or if other deductible income is received during the course of a claim.
    • EDD has an Unemployment Insurance Calculator.
    • The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so individuals can collect UI benefits for the first week they are out of work.
    • Individuals can apply and file a claim for unemployment and disability benefits at the same time, but can only collect payments under one program at a time.
    • Individuals can collect unemployment benefits if laid off/had hours reduced, then switch to disability if they become sick.
      • Similarly, individuals can start collecting unemployment benefits because if they have been laid off or have had work hours reduced, and then switch to a Paid Family Leave claim if they must care for a family member who is sick.

    Benefits Available for Individuals Quarantined, Not Ill, and Not Eligible for Disability Insurance

    • Individuals are encouraged to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits if unemployed including reasons such as:
      • Hours reduced due to quarantine.
      • Separated from employer during quarantine.
      • Subject to a quarantine required by a medical professional or state local health officer.
    • Individuals are eligible if they have enough earnings over the past 12-18 months and meet other criteria.

    Benefits Available to Those Self-Quarantining Due to Underlying Health Conditions & Exposure to Virus

    • Individuals may be eligible for benefits. EDD representatives will seek details and determine eligibility.

    Benefits Available to Those Caring for Non-Ill Children Whose School Has Shut Down/Had to Quit to Provide Child Care

    • Individuals may be eligible for benefits. EDD representatives will seek details and determine eligibility.

    Benefits Available to Those Whose Employer Reduces Hours or Shuts Down Operations Due to the Virus

    • Individuals are encouraged to file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. 
      • UI provides partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own.
      • Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 and are expected to return to work with their employer within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week.
      • However, they must remain able, available, and ready to work during their unemployment for each week of benefits claimed and meet all other eligibility criteria.

     

    Latest Information on the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for L.A. County (NBC Los Angeles, 4/14/20)

    • Los Angeles County is set to receive more than $20 million in federal dollars.
    • The Board of Supervisors Tuesday authorized the County Development Authority to administer those funds.
    • That includes an expected $13.6 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to be used to help residents with temporary rental assistance, grab-and-go/delivery meal programs, business assistance to retain low- and moderate-income employees and other COVID-19 response services.
    • Nationally, $5 billion will be distributed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Fund.
    • Of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County, 48 will get their funding through the county's allocation, while others will receive money directly from the federal government. 
    • Of the $13.6 million, about 40% will go to the 48 cities, with the balance being spent by the county.
    • In addition to the CDBG dollars, the county will receive more than $6 million in Emergency Solutions Grant funding, almost all of which will be allocated to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to assist homeless individuals impacted by the coronavirus.

    California Volunteers

    • Every Californian can safely help their community during these difficult times. You can make a difference by delivering meals to vulnerable populations, donating to a food bank, supporting local nonprofits, performing wellness checks, creating hygiene kits, and donating blood to help people affected by COVID-19. Find out more information here.

     

    CA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

     

    Los Angeles Times Live Case Tracking Map in California

     

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

    • SBA is working directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by COVID–19.
    • The federal government is offering first-come, first-serve loans of up to $10 million for small employers.
    • The Federal government has also opened the Paycheck Protection Program to California businesses who commit to keeping their employees on payroll.

     

    Governor Newsom’s Small Business Assistance Announcement - April 2, 2020

    • The Governor established a new program that will offer $50 million in microloan guarantees for small businesses that may not be eligible for federal relief.
    • The State is also allowing small businesses to defer payments of sales and use taxes up to $50,000 for up to 12 months.
    • Finally, the State launched a new job-matching site for employers and job-seekers that will connect workers with available jobs.
      • Currently there are 70,000 jobs available on the site.
      • Visit www.onwardca.org for more information.

     

    California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)

    • CDTFA is offering a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes.
    • This will give small businesses until the end of July to file their first quarter returns.
    • The order also extends the statute of limitations to file a claim for refund by 60 days to accommodate tax and fee payers.

     

    California Department of Labor and the WARN Act

    • The Department of Labor has suspended requirements under the WARN Act, understanding that some businesses may need to shutter too quickly to provide the usual 60-day notice.

     

    Commercial and Residential Evictions, Foreclosures, Mortgages

    • The State has also placed a moratorium on commercial and residential evictions and foreclosures.
    • All national banks (except Bank of America) and all state banks and credit unions will provide a 90-day mortgage forbearance for California homeowners who provide documentation that they have been economically impacted by the virus.

     

    State Resources for Businesses

    • Small Business Technical Assistance support centers can help businesses figure out which loans are best for them, develop resiliency strategies, and find other resources.
    • The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has several programs available through local/regional small business development centers and the GO-Biz Infrastructure Bank. This includes the Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program, and the Jump Start Loan Program.

     

    Federal Resources for Businesses

    • The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act allotted $562 million to the Small Business Administration to help provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
    • This funding is in addition to the significant assistance provided in the Keeping American Workers Employed and Paid Act, which authorizes $350 billion worth of government guaranteed SBA loans, a portion of which SBA will forgive based on allowable expenses for the borrower.
    • The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.
    • This small business package also includes $10 billion in direct grants for businesses that do not qualify for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, and $17 billion to have SBA step in and make six months of principle and interest payments for all SBA backed business loans.
    • Eligible small businesses may visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance for additional information and application details..


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