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While some aspects of American life have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact this country, and it may be hard to figure out what help you can get now. There’s still aid available through the federal government, as well as your state, local, or tribal government. Some are automatic benefits and others require an application.

Automatic benefits:

  • Child Tax Credit. If you have kids, you may have already gotten money from the IRS because of the Child Tax Credit. The IRS has more information about whether you qualify and what to do if you want to unenroll from advanced payments.
  • Student Loans. Eligible federal student loan payments are on pause. You can still make payments on your principal balance or any interest you accrued before March 13, 2020, but until the pause is over, eligible loans are set to a 0% interest rate.
  • Free Credit Reports. Weekly credit reports are free for everyone through December 2023. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get yours.

Benefits to apply for:

If someone contacts you out of the blue offering help and asks for your financial or personal information, that’s a sure sign of a scam. And know that the government won’t ask you to pay anything to get COVID-related financial help. If you spot a scam, report it to your state attorney general’s office and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Updated November 23, 2022 to reflect the extension of the student loan payment pause. Visit the U.S. Department of Education to learn more.

Updated September 23, 2022 to reflect the extension of weekly free credit reports through December 2023.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Janice
September 10, 2021
I see nothing that will help people that don’t get much on social security I can pay my bills and gas for my car and thank god we have a food bank
DJP
October 05, 2021

In reply to by FTC Staff

Do they help without having you provide years of paperwork? Or do they give you another agencies phone number so you can be more depressed?
Dot in Minneapolis
September 15, 2021

In reply to by Janice

Don't Bother calling all you will get is more canned beans and corn.. The Big Help US Government is providing isn't to American's. NO one in GOV will answer that question.. Whats the price tag on Covid Relief Funds outside the USA? OUTRAGEOUSLY CRAZY $$$$$$$$$$ your tax dollars
Denisedmarti
September 20, 2021

In reply to by Dot in Minneapolis

Did the unbelievable prices increase only to people with kids or people with a job? You would think that is the case because thats who our govt is helping! Who cares what happens to us rejects! We are not worthy of any help!! DISCRIMINATION at its finest!
Willuambruce5859
September 14, 2021
I had perfect rising credit before Covid started . Covid handled my small business and now my credit is not so good and the SBA turns me down for any of the loans because of bad credit. Is there a way to get a grant or a line of credit for my company William Bruce
Trehern46
September 10, 2021
Money each month for single people , both old and young working every week and just making it .
Don't use your…
September 10, 2021
It looks like you have help almost everyone except the seniors homeless and disabled with no children. What are they supposed to do to get help? They couldn't get unemployment with extra funds attached to it or child tax credits! In Can they even got the Golden State Stimulus nd more payments monthly! What did the others get?? Its crazy that you can discriminate so badly! I'm just sick end by this whole horrifying situation nobody asked to be in, and definitely didnt create it in a lab, but yet we pay the highest price with no help!
DJP
October 05, 2021

In reply to by Don't use your…

I agree… but FTC passes you to Elder Care??? Yeah ok…
Jason philpot
September 10, 2021
my unemployment has been held since 6/12 over my acct being hacked and I had to file a report so mow.im the victim 2x once by the thief and the other by Indiana unemployment taking over 3 months to say they still can't give me a time frame im si k of it no pay not a penny since June. Can u get me straight financial help please like a big check I already lost my home car and fly over it. I get foodst.ls I just need mk wy asap please!!!!
PM
September 10, 2021
Help is available except for the older Americans who are struggling to pay mortgages and groceries and prescriptions.
Shari
October 04, 2021

In reply to by FTC Staff

Mortgage help isnt for people that live in a mobile home like me. What does it matter what kind of dwelling it is?
SilverLassie
September 11, 2021
That's it? Seriously? No way is that ever going to be anywhere near enough to help this nation. Surely, they must realize this by now!
Olivia Dressler
September 11, 2021
I appreciate the work all of you perform America relies on so many things are taken for granted.
GravenJude
October 04, 2021
I have been trying for Months to get assistance and in hone care. I AM NOW DESPERATE. I was trying to be proactive but I can’t get help or even answers.
LorainneS
October 04, 2021
I'm going thru financial hardship don't have any income still waiting on my income tax haven't received any child credits times are definitely hard and bills are piling up
Nada Merhi
October 07, 2021
Iam curious about how is the law for people on social security disability and for 11 years the went up only 200 hundred dollars that and new people are getting more than 2400 a month I just don’t understand this law is it fare or what is the problem thank y
NorthOmahaNebraska
November 14, 2021
There is a major lack of financial assistance in Nebraska. The federal poverty level is skewed and because of Covid many families are in debt and nobody is making a liveable wage.