Coronavirus Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Stimulus Checks | IRS Information | Unemployment | Small Business | Student Loans | Cancelling Gym Memberships | Testing | Domestic Violence | San Antonio ISD Information
In one of the economic packages passed in Congress (CARES Act), federal funding was set aside for individual $1,200 economic payments for qualifying Americans in need of assistance during this time.
Q: Why haven’t I received my stimulus check?
A: There were some delays at the Treasury Department that have slowed the release of stimulus checks. If the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has your direct deposit information from either your 2018 or 2019 tax returns, you should receive your deposit directly. If your check is being sent in the mail, expect longer wait times for you to receive your stimulus payment.
Q: Who do I need to contact to check on the status of my stimulus check?
A: The IRS (Internal Revenue Service). You can check on the status of your stimulus check on their website.
Q: If I’m on SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), do I qualify automatically for a stimulus check?
A: All Social Security beneficiaries, including SSI and SSDI, will receive the payment automatically. The Social Security Administration expects folks to receive the payment by early May. If for some reason you don’t receive your deposit by then, contact the IRS directly. All information is below.
All the information you need to contact the Interal Revenue Service (IRS) on either the eligibility or status of your economic payment/stimulus check can be found below.
IRS General Info: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
- Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info: This portal is for individuals who are not required to file tax returns. It allows non-filers to register for their rebate payments and provide the IRS their adjusted gross income, number of dependents, marital status, and banking information for direct deposit.
- Get My Payment: This portal allows taxpayers, once authenticated, to find out the status of their economic impact payments. This portal also allows taxpayers to update their banking information if (1) no payment or check has been issued and (2) the IRS does not have any banking information on file for the taxpayer. No other updates may be made on the portal.
Economic Payment Frequently Asked Questions: LINK
Economic Payment FAQ En Español (as of 3/20/20): LINK
Expected Timeline for Economic Impact Payments: LINK
I know many folks are out of work during this health and economic crisis. The Texas Workforce Commission handles all unemployment matters in our state. More information on unemployment assistance can be found below.
Q: How do I check on the status of my Unemployment Insurance (UI) application?
A: To check on the status of your UI application, go to Texas Workforce Commission's website or call their telecenter at 800-939-6631.
Q: I was found to be eligible for unemployment assistance– when will I start receiving my payments?
A: It takes about 14 – 21 days for the banks to verify your account with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Once that process is done, you will start receiving payments.
Q: It’s been days and I still haven’t been able to get in touch with the Texas Workforce Commission over the phone. Can you help me?
A: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is dealing with record calls and not nearly enough staff to process all these requests during this unprecedented time. TWC is working on that hiccup every day, and I’ve pressed Governor Abbott to invest more into the Texas Workforce Commission so everyone gets what they need right now. If you can apply for benefits online at twc.texas.gov, please do so. It’s a much faster process. However, if you do not have access to the website, I encourage you to keep calling on the line. If you don’t get ahold of someone, feel free to reach out to my office and we can try our best to move the process along for you.
Q: I’m self-employed, an independent contractor, or a gig worker – am I eligible for Unemployment Insurance?
A: Yes. The Congressman has worked with his colleagues in D.C. to provide federal funding in the CARES Act to expand the number of workers eligible to receive benefits, increase the amount of benefits, and extend the length of time during which people can receive benefits.
Q: I was self-employed (or an independent contractor/gig worker). When should I be receiving my payments?
A: Texas finalized their partnership with the Department of Labor a few weeks ago, allowing Texas to start providing the $600/week Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to you. If you have already applied for unemployment assistance, then the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will reach out to you either by mail or email to update your account to receive this funding. If you have not heard from them, please contact our office directly. If you have not applied for unemployment assistance, you are now eligible to apply. Once your application is finalized and TWC determines you are eligible, you will start receiving funds shortly.
Q: I am employed both through myself and another regular employment. Am I eligible to apply for unemployment through both jobs?
A: No. You must apply for unemployment through your regular employment. Texans can only apply for unemployment through one job.
Q: How do I verify my employment if I am self-employed?
A: Self-employed individuals need to submit work schedule and tax returns. If they do not have tax returns, they will only qualify for the minimum amount of benefits.
Q: I received a response from the Texas Workforce Commission, but I have not received any benefits yet. Why is that?
A: The first response from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is not final. This is only a notification of the benefits you MAY receive. TWC still needs to determine your eligibility. You will get another letter with TWC’s final determination.
Q: When will I receive my extra $600/week?
A: The emergency increase started going online on April 12th. It is automatically added by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). If you have not received this funding, please contact my office directly.
Q: When can I call the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)?
A: The TWC is open from 7am – 7pm, 7 days a week.
Congress just passed an additional stimulus package with $350 billion set aside for our nation’s small businesses. More information on how to apply to small business loans can be found below.
Q: Do I qualify for a small business loan?
A: Small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors, non-profits, cooperatives, and tribal businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for small business (SBA) loans.
Q: How and where to apply for small business loan?
A: Apply for a small business (SBA) loan or grant at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Q: How can I check on the status of my small business loan (SBA) application?
A: View updates on your portal at https://covid19relief1.sba.gov/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f or call 1-800-659-2955.
A temporary suspension has been placed on student loan payments because of the CARES Act passed in the Congress. More information on student loan payments can be found below.
Q: Are my student loan payments delayed because of the CARES Act?
A: Yes, a temporary suspension of payments has been applied from March 13th– September 30th for all federal loans, specifically: Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), and Federal Perkins Loans. Auto-debit payments will be suspended by the Department of Education. If you would like to continue making payments, contact your loan servicer to opt out of the temporary suspension. If you have made a payment during this time, you are eligible to be refunded. Contact your loan servicer to request a refund. Your servicer will contact you closer to September to remind you that you will need to start making payments again soon. If you are having trouble contacting the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office, please contact our office.
Q: Has interest stopped on my loan?
A: A 0% interest rate from March 13th– September 30 for federal loans, specifically: Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), and Federal Perkins Loans. Your loan servicer can determine if your loans are eligible for the temporary 0% interest rate. If your loans are eligible, the Department of Education will automatically adjust your account. NOTE: Private student loans are not covered by the CARES Act. If you are having trouble contacting the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office, please contact our office.
Q: Do I get a refund if my federal taxes were withheld?
A: The Department of Education announced that federal tax refunds would not be withheld to repay defaulted federal student loan debts. If your refund has already been taken on or after March 13thand before September 30th, you can get a refund. If you are having trouble contacting the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office, please contact our office.
Q: What if my gym (or other organization) refuses to let me cancel my membership even though we cannot use the facility during quarantine?
A: If you are unable to cancel certain contracts such as gym memberships during this time, we encourage you to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can file it online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Q: How do I get a COVID-19 test in San Antonio?
A: If you are exhibting symptoms of COVID-19, contact your primary care doctor if you have health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, contact the San Antonio Metro Health Department who manage testing and testing facilities in San Antonio.
Q: What if I am a victim of Domestic Violence in San Antonio while social distancing?
A: Call 211, let the operator know why you need help, and the operator will connect you to the Commission on Domestic Violence.
K-12 Public School Districts
For more information on each school district, please visit each link below: