As our nation addresses this global pandemic, Congressman Cuellar is working hard to make sure you have the latest information about the coronavirus and what Congress is doing to address it. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. COVID-19 was first detected in China and has spread to other countries, including the United States.
How do I get my direct payment?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched the "Get My Payment" web app for individuals to track the status of their direct payment and for taxpayers to submit their banking direct deposit information to speed up delivery of their payment. You can access the IRS “Get My Payment” web app here.
For taxpayers to track the status of their payment, they will need to enter basic information in the “Get My Payment” app:
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Mailing address
IMPORTANT NOTE: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who have dependent children and did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes need to file by Tuesday, May 5, in order to receive additional payments for their eligible children. SSI recipients should immediately go to the IRS’s webpage and visit the Non-Filers: Enter Your Information section to provide their information.
Have questions about your economic impact payment or the “Get My Payment” app? The IRS has added a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to their website. On this page, you can find answers to common questions on eligibility, bank account information, and address changes. You can access the IRS FAQ webpage here.
What if my small business has been impacted by COVID-19?
The Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders. These loans are designed to help small businesses keep employees on their payroll as much of the country is still experiencing stay-at-home orders. If you are interested in applying or need help finding an eligible lender, visit SBA's website, here.
Our small businesses are the backbone to our state and they need our help now more than ever. Congressman Cuellar worked hard with State leaders and the Texas congressional delegation to get the Small Business Administration to approve their request to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to qualifying Texas small businesses. To apply for these Disaster Loans, click here.
Details on the disaster loans:
- SBA can provide up to $2 million loans on terms as long as 30-years
- Currently, rates are 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits, though my office is strongly advocating the SBA for these to be zero-interest
- Recipients are able to defer first payment for up to one-year
- Approval time average 2-3 weeks, once approved funds can be disbursed within 5 days. As well, we are advocating to accelerating the approval process.
- Applicants must fit SBA’s definition of a small business. This includes most private non-profits, as well as people who are self-employed
- Businesses applying should be expected to provide the SBA Form 5 (loan application form), the most recent year’s tax returns, completed IRS Form 4506-T, a personal financial statement, and a schedule of liability
I am senior and I am concerned about my health. How do I protect myself? Do I still receive my benefits?
Congressman Cuellar is committed to ensuring the most vulnerable Americans, including our seniors, can continue to receive care and their benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. Medicare has expanded its telehealth services to benefit patients who cannot travel to their physician’s office. To learn more, click here.
Social Security will not suspend or decrease Social Security benefit payments or Supplemental Security Income payments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. All Social Security field offices are closed, however they will still offer service by phone and online.
If you receive a letter, text, call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about an alleged problem with your Social Security number, account, or payments, hang up or do not respond. We encourage you to report Social Security scams using our dedicated online form, at https://oig.ssa.gov.
I lost my job due to COVID-19. How do I obtain unemployment benefits?
If your employment has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), apply for benefits either online at any time using Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling TWC’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.
To get the latest updates on unemployment benefits from the Texas Workforce Commission, click here.
