ICYMI and Important Dates
I held my fourth Facebook Live event yesterday on COVID-19 and Congress. If you were not able to join, you can watch the video on Facebook or on YouTube.
I also hope you will check out my op-ed in MLTnews about addressing the economic impacts of COVID-19. The economic emergency that workers, families, and small businesses face due to COVID-19 is real. It is not too early for policymakers to start thinking about what recovery should look like in our region, I know I am.
In case you missed it, here is some of what I covered in the Facebook Live:
- Stimulus payments will likely start to go out next week, and maybe even as soon as the end of this week, for folks who have direct deposit information on file with the IRS. About three weeks after those deposits are made, the week of May 4, the IRS will start issuing paper checks to those they do not have direct deposit information for.
- The IRS is planning to create a web-based portal by the end of April or early May to help people find out the status of their payment, and to update or provide their direct deposit information. For instance, if someone is on Social Security and does not file taxes, this portal is available for them to provide their direct deposit information.
- Social Security recipients who do not file a tax return will receive a payment. These folks will get a direct deposit if they use the portal, and a paper check if they do not.
- The $2.2 trillion relief package Congress passed expands unemployment benefits to include independent contractors, part-time workers, and the self-employed. This Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will start April 18 and benefits will be retroactive to Jan. 27. Visit wa.gov to sign up for COVID-19 action alerts for the latest information.
As soon as I have more information, you will be the first to know.
Stay safe,
Rick
Posted on April 9, 2020.
