WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER
KEJC COVID-19 Resources
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You deserve it. State and federal officials are changing public benefits programs in response to the coronavirus pandemic. KEJC and allies are keeping track.
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The information changes rapidly. We will update you as we learn more. See our latest update below on how to get food, health coverage, childcare, unemployment, and help with housing.
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View a list of the Governor's executive actions to date.
Unemployment Insurance
To Apply visit: Kentucky Career Center or call 502-875-0442
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The usual “waiting week” for benefits has been eliminated.
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Job search requirements have been suspended.
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Applicants will need to provide a name, social security number, birthday, email, postal address and employment details.
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The amount you get from the state depends on your earnings over the last few quarters.
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The Relief Act passed by Congress adds $600 to your UI benefits for up to four months. The $600 per week is on top of the amount of UI a worker gets from the state.
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The legislation also adds 13 week of benefits. People nearing the maximum number of weeks allowed by their state--in Kentucky that's 26 week--will get an extension. New filers will be allowed to collect the benefits for the longer period.
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Workers usually not covered by unemployment insurance can now file, including:
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Self-employed, independent contractors, freelance workers substitute teachers
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Childcare workers employed by religious affiliated organizations and non-profits
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Virus-related good cause: Workers who left their job for “good cause” because of reasonable risk of exposure (self-quarantine) or to care for a family member affected by the virus are also eligible.
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If you are denied unemployment benefits, you have the right to appeal. To appeal, you must request a hearing in writing. For free legal help, contact your local legal aid organization.
Apply on your day of the week based on your last name:
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Sunday: A-D
Monday: E-H
Tuesday: I-L
Wednesday: M-P
Thursday: Q-U
Friday: V-Z and anyone else who missed their day
Health Coverage
Medicaid and all public benefits:
- https://benefind.ky.gov
- For Medicaid only call 1-855-459-6328
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Marketplace healthcare:
- ​ If your income changes, you may be eligible to change to Medicaid or a lower-cost Marketplace plan. You can apply by
reporting a change to your Marketplace application on healthcare.gov.
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If you need help applying, contact an application assister for free help.
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The Families First Coronavirus Response Act just passed by Congress says no one currently on Medicaid can lose their benefits until the National Disaster Declaration has been ended.
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Anyone now unemployed can immediately apply for Medicaid.
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Medicaid is included in the 3-month certification period extension.
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ALL Medicaid co-pays and prior authorization requirements are suspended during this time.
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State agency staff have been instructed to accept your own statements as proof of income for Medicaid.
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Food Resources
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
- Work, job search and participation requirements are suspended for all adults who get SNAP (food stamps).
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For the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program:
- Contact your local health department or
- Call the Department of Public Health:1-502-564-3827
- You will no longer need to go in person to a WIC office for a pre-screening interview. Contact your health department
for a phone interview.
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Kentucky extended the certification period for benefits for 3 months from when they would have ended, this includes:SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, KTAP and more.
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No Kid Hungry is giving out grants to school districts and community orgs.
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School nutrition programs and offsite meals available while schools are closed: Find feeding sites.
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DCBS staff have been instructed to accept people’s own statements as proof of income for SNAP, Medicaid and more until further notice.
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Stimulus Check
The government is giving many adults in the U.S. money to help them out during the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible adults who make under $75,000 will receive $1200 ($2400 for a married couple) and $500 for each of their children.
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Resources: ​
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Child Care Payments
To get child care payments visit:
ttps://benefind.ky.gov or call the Department for Community Based Services:1-855-306-8959
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Continued Child Care Assistance Program payments to day care centers for qualified families. Kentucky also will cover co-payments usually paid by families themselves.
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Job search, work and participation requirements are suspended for adults receiving Child Care Assistance Program.
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Housing Assistance
Stay Safe & Healthy
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What if I didn't file taxes in 2018 or 2019?You can still file your 2019 taxes using your social security number and receive the money if you are otherwise eligible. If you were not required to file taxes in 2019, you can instead enter your information at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
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If I filed taxes for both 2018 and 2019, which tax return will the government look at to see if I qualify?"2019
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What if I live in a mixed status household? Will I qualify for the money?Eligibility is decided by each tax return filed. Everyone on a return needs to have a valid social security number. If anyone on the return uses an ITIN, unfortunately, no one qualifies.
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What if I have a social security number, my spouse has an ITIN, and we filed as married filing separately? Am I eligible for the stimulus money?"The government is issuing checks based on each tax return. People on tax returns where everyone has a social security number should be eligible.
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What if someone in my family filed in 2018 using an ITIN but recently got a social security number that they used on their 2019 taxes? Which tax return will the government look at?If you filed both 2018 and 2019 taxes, the government will use your 2019 taxes to determine your eligibility.
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I wasn't eligible to work in 2019, but I just got a work permit and social security number. Can I receive the money?"You can still file your 2019 taxes or enter your information on the IRS website (URL above) to receive the money if you are otherwise eligible.
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I just got a social security number, but some of the income I made last year was from working under the table. Does that make me ineligible?"If you have a valid social security number and have properly filed taxes, there is no indication that the source of your income will be scrutinized in the process of issuing the money.
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I applied for and will receive a work permit and social security number soon. Am I eligible for the money?You do not qualify for stimulus money right now. The money is an advance tax credit, so you may receive it when you file your 2020 taxes.
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If I get a stimulus check, will I be considered a public charge?"No. The stimulus money is an advance on a tax credit, and tax credits are not considered for public charge.
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What can I do to increase my chances of getting the stimulus money?Unfortunately, there is no easy fix to change immigration status or get a social security number. If you are otherwise eligible, you can file your 2019 taxes as soon as possible.