covid-19 resources
It is almost always the case that when disaster strikes, people living in poverty end up being affected disproportionately. A lack of resources limit both these families’ ability to prepare for emergencies and their ability to recover. As the novel coronavirus spreads across the country and more Americans are contracting COVID-19, we can expect that low-income Americans will be hit especially hard.
Wildfire compiled the following policy updates and how they impact nutrition assistance, utility assistance, cash assistance, tax prep assistance, eviction relief, employment assistance, health insurance coverage, paid sick leave, and other COVID-19 resources. We included direct links to agency webpages if available for additional information. This resource page will be updated as action is taken on pending COVID-19 relief.
Eviction Relief
National Federal Eviction Moratorium has Ended
The federal eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has ended. If you are concerned about being evicted, please read the CDC FAQ 8.27.21 from Community Legal Services.
Additional guidance can be found here.
Rental Assistance Resources
DES Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Beginning on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, renters and landlords in the twelve Arizona counties listed below will be able to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) using the online ERAP portal. Applications will be accepted through the program’s expiration on December 31, 2021 or until funding is exhausted. Visit the DES ERAP webpage to learn more about the application process. The following counties will use the ERAP portal:
- Apache
- Cochise
- Coconino
- Gila
- Graham
- Greenlee
- La Paz
- Mohave
- Navajo
- Pinal
- Santa Cruz
- Yavapai
Local Jurisdictions with Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Assistance available to residents in Maricopa County
AZCEND Community Action Program supports residents living in Gilbert, Chandler, Sun Lakes, or the Maricopa County portion of Queen Creek
If you live in Gilbert, Chandler, Sun Lakes, or the Maricopa County portion of Queen Creek, you may download and complete a pre-screening packet available in English and Spanish. Visit their website to learn more.
City of Glendale Crisis Assistance Programs
The Glendale Community Action Program administers financial assistance programs for people that are experiencing a temporary crisis resulting in a loss of income or increased expenses making it difficult to meet basic needs. Assistance is available for Rent/Mortgage Assistance, Utility Assistance, and Homesless Assistance. Visit the City of Glendale website to learn more.
City of Mesa Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program
The City of Mesa Rental and Utility Assistance Program provides financial assistance to households financially impacted by COVID for rent and utility assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness. Eligibility information is available in English and Spanish. Visit the City of Mesa website to learn more.
City of Phoenix Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program in partnership with Wildfire
Wildfire is partnering with the City of Phoenix to provide rent, utility, and water assistance to residents. Visit our Emergency Rental Assistance webpage to learn more about eligibility requirements and our online application.
City of Phoenix Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program – Human Services Department
Rent, utility, and water assistance is available to City of Phoenix residents. Residents can call on Mondays only, starting at 8 a.m. to schedule a telephone appointment for emergency financial assistance. Visit the City of Phoenix website for more information.
Maricopa County Emergency Rental Assistance Program opens mid-March 2021
Households financially impacted by COVID or unemployment may be eligible for rental and utility assistance through this program. Households will be able to apply through Human Services Department’s client portal or their local Community Action Program office. Visit their website to learn about eligibility criteria and the application process.
Assistance available to residents in Pima County
Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program
In an effort to provide the most efficient and effective process, Pima County has partnered with the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) to administer funding. CIC will be working directly with local social service agencies to qualify tenants and landlords for this program. Visit the Tucson and Pima County website for more information.
Assistance available to residents in Yuma County
City of Yuma COVID-19 Rental Assistance
The City of Yuma has set aside additional CDBG-CV funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and is again accepting applications for assistance. Visit City of Yuma’s Neighborhood Services webpage to learn more.
Yuma County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Yuma County ERAP will serve renters in Yuma County only. Visit their website for more information.
Legal Resources
Community Legal Services
Dedicated to providing legal assistance, advice or representation, self-help materials and legal education so people can know their rights. They serve La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai, and Yuma counties. Visit their website to learn more.
DNA People’s Legal Services
A nonprofit law firm with offices in Northern Arizona that provides free civil legal services to low-income people who otherwise could not afford to hire an attorney. Visit their website to learn more.
Southern Arizona Legal Aid
Provides quality legal services to people who would not otherwise have equal access to justice, in ways which affirm their individual and collective dignity, integrity, and power. They serve Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz counties. Visit their website to learn more.
COVID-19: Important Legal Information & Updates
The Arizona Bar Foundation provides legal information regarding housing, benefits, family law and more as it relates to COVID-19.
Economic Impact Payment Information
IRS to Begin Delivering Second Round of Economic Impact Payments
A second round of Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 will be sent to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year. Visit the IRS website to learn more.
What to know about the Second Stimulus Checks
Congress passed $600 second stimulus checks to reduce the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more from the 2020 Get It Back Campaign about what to expect with the second round of Economic Impact Payments.
Did you miss the deadline to register online for the Economic Impact Payment?
Visit the IRS website to learn if you are still eligible to receive a payment in 2021.
Track Your Economic Impact Payment
The IRS launched a tool that allows taxpayers to input their direct deposit information to speed—and track—their payments. The IRS reminds taxpayers the information is updated once daily, usually overnight, so they only need to enter information once a day. Click here to track your payment.
FDIC Provides Options for Receiving IRS Economic Impact Payments
The FDIC is committed to supporting Americans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. You will receive an economic impact payment electronically if you qualify and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has your bank account information from a recent tax filing. If you do not have an account, many banks offer ways to open one remotely – online or through a mobile app – without going to a bank branch. As long as you have a computer or a smartphone with access to the Internet, it is easy to get started. Click here to learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing
Find a location near you offering COVID-19 Vaccinations
Arizona Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility to All
Arizonans age 16 and up can be vaccinated at sites run by the Arizona Department of Health Services in Maricopa, Pima, and Yuma counties starting Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 8 a.m. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, please visit azdhs.gov/COVID19Vaccines.
ADHS Vaccine Locator by County
Arizona COVID-19 vaccine is allocated through local and tribal health jurisdictions. Due to the current limited initial supply of vaccine, Arizona counties will be utilizing a vaccine prioritization phased approach. The map shows which phase each county is currently vaccinating. Click here to learn more.
Walgreens offering COVID-19 vaccine in select stores
Limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccines are now available in some states, including Arizona, at select stores to individuals—16 years of age and older for Pfizer, 18 years of age and older for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)—who meet state-specific eligibility criteria. Click here to learn more.
CVS offering COVID-19 vaccine in select stores
CVS is administering the vaccine by appointment only based on local eligibility guidelines. Learn where the COVID-19 vaccine is now available at CVS Pharmacy locations in Arizona, by appointment only.
Find a location near you offering COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Testing Locations
The Arizona Department of Health Services compiles up to date information on COVID-19 testing locations in your community. A map includes testing sites, hours of operation, and information about pre-registration. Visit the ADHS website to learn more.
Employment Assistance
How to Start a New UI Application
If you recently lost your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify to receive Unemployment Insurance Benefits payments. Visit the DES website to learn more.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
DES is working with federal partners to implement the COVID-relief stimulus bill signed into law on 12/27/2020. This week, claimants can file weekly certifications for benefit week ending December 26, 2020. The first week allowable by law for the additional $300 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation will be payable for weekly certifications filed on or after January 3 for the benefit week ending January 2, 2021. DES continues to work urgently to provide this additional benefit to claimants as quickly as possible. Visit their website to lern more.
ACF announces the Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund
The Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund has been established by more than 20 community groups and leaders to raise funds for undocumented working families who support our economy, industries, and communities every day, but who are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits or most of the federal disaster relief funds. Click here to learn more.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits in Arizona
If you lost your job, were furloughed or your earnings were reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. This resource provides general information about changes to unemployment insurance benefits. Information is available both in English and Spanish.
Utility Assistance
Arizona utilities respond to COVID-19
Utility companies throughout the state are temporarily suspending disconnections. Wildfire partners with agencies throughout the state who continue to provide utility assistance.
Cox Communication Connect2Compete
Connect2Compete is a low-cost internet plan for low-income families who don’t have reliable or affordable internet at home. This package is offered to students and families receiving government assistance such as reduced or free school lunch, SNAP benefits, or public housing. Families on this program will get a bump on their internet speed starting on December 11 and will go through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible participants signing up before Dec. 31, 2020 will receive two months of free service and pay $9.95 monthly going forward. Families can qualify for the Connect2Compete plan from their mobile device or desktop by visiting www.cox.com/c2c.
Nutrition Assistance
Applying for SNAP benefits
Congress extended the 15% increase in SNAP benefits for all participants through September 30, 2021. Visit the DES website to learn more.
Free Grab and Go Meals for Children under 18
Many schools are serving free grab and go meals during the COVID-19 outbreak. Children and teens ages 18 and younger can receive free meals at participating locations throughout the state. You can get meals from any site, click here to find one close to you.
Arizona P-EBT Benefits
Pandemic EBT(P-EBT) provides assistance to households with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals while schools are either closed or offering a full-time or part-time distance learning model due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the DES website to learn more.
Pandemic College Student Exemptions for SNAP
College students struggling to buy enough food may be eligible for help buying groceries because of the COVID relief bill passed in December. Visit the Arizona Food Bank Network website to learn more.
SNAP Online Purchases Now Available in Arizona
Arizonans currently receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are now able to use benefits for online food purchases with currently-authorized SNAP online retailers, Walmart and Amazon. Click here to learn more.
Tax Prep Assistance
MyFreeTaxes.com Offers Free Filing for Simple Tax Returns
United Way has partnered with industry leader H&R Block to help people easily and accurately file both their federal and state returns through MyFreeTaxes®. This online tool is completely free for anyone of any income who needs to file a simple return.
Health Insurance Coverage
HealthCare.Gov Special Enrollment Period February 15 – May 15, 2021
Thousands of Arizonans who lost health insurance during the pandemic now have an opportunity to buy subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s online marketplace through mid-May. Visit www.healthcare.gov to enroll in or change plans now, or see if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
AHCCCS Renewal Letters
During the COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency AHCCCS did not require members to renew their coverage and did not disenroll members. AHCCCS is preparing for the end of the public health emergency by sending members Medical Assistance Renewal letters. Instructions in the letter direct AHCCCS members to complete their renewal by a specific due date, actions needed to renew coverage, and the proof required to continue coverage. Members that do not complete the process will no longer receive benefits when the COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency ends. Click here to learn more.
Changes to AHCCCS in response to COVID-19
There have been many changes to Arizona’s AHCCCS Medical Assistance program in response to COVID-19. A resourse in both Spanish and English provides more information, and will be updated as new information becomes available. Some of the important changes include:
- Persons will not lose medical benefits during the pandemic;
- Testing for COVID-19 and treatment are covered services;
- Persons will not have to pay premiums or co-pays for AHCCCS medical assistance during the pandemic.
Paid Sick Leave
Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act (Proposition 206)
Arizona voters passed an initiative in 2017 that gives the Industrial Commission of Arizona authority to enforce and implement the Act’s minimum wage and earned paid sick time requirements.
COVID-19 Resources
Request PPE from your local health department
Partners looking for PPE can start by making resource requests to their local county health department. Click here to find your local contact.
Free, confidential counseling for COVID-19 stress in Arizona
If you’re feeling stress, anxiety or general loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. In times like these, feelings of overwhelm are normal.The good news is, free help is available to you right now. Visit the Family Involvement Center’s website to learn more.
Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet access service, or voice-broadband bundled service purchased from participating providers. To help keep Americans connected during the coronavirus pandemic, the FCC has temporarily waived usage requirements, recertification and reverification de-enrollment procedures, and general de-enrollment procedures, and has extended those waivers until February 28, 2021. Click here to learn more.
Coconino County and United Way of Northern Arizona’s COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition Resource Guide
This resource guide covers Food Services, Housing Services, Emergency Cash Assistance, and more available in Coconino County. Click here to learn more.
One AZ COVID-19 Community Support & Resources Map
ONE Arizona created this map for ALL people regardless of legal status. This map has information regarding free meals for individuals and families, delivery services for seniors, medical resources, resources for people with disabilities and other tools to help you and your loved ones through this difficult time. Use this map to find resources in your area. Zoom in on your area, then click on the colored icons to learn more about each resource, including hours, what’s offered and who qualifies.
River Cities United Way
Click here to view COVID-19 resources available in Mohave County.
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Community Resources
Visit the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona website to learn more about resources available in your community.
Arizona’s emergency response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website for more information on the COVID-19 response. Click on the links below to learn more:
Guidance & Resources for Managing Coronavirus Risks
The Community Action Partnership in collaboration with CAPLAW, NCAF, and NASCSP complied resources for local CAA’s to learn how we can respond effectively to the changing environment.
COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips
The FCC has developed a COVID-19 scams page that includes tips to assist consumers with protecting themselves and their loved ones. The guide includes scam audio and a sample text hoax that was circulating.
Fear Fuels COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams
The FCC issued a warning about the contract tracing scams as the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Local health officials in many states are using contact tracing to track cases and prevent larger outbreaks. Be aware, legitimate contact tracers will not ask for:
- Insurance information
- Bank account information
- Credit card numbers
- or payment
If a caller asks for any of the above, hang up. Contact tracers will also never reveal the identity of the person who tested positive. They will also be able to provide current local testing locations.
Center for Economic Integrity Resource List
The Center for Economic Integrity has created a list of resources for consumers, advocates, and nonprofits. Visit their website to learn more.
