HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – The coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, has caused various changes within local and national economies. While military members have relative stability of pay, many families rely on a second income that may be unavailable due to quarantine, furloughs, or layoffs.
The Airman & Family Readiness Center at Hill AFB plays significant role in personal financial services to military families.
“We offer several resources here to help Airmen, everything from building a budget to financial service referrals,” said Master Sgt. Amber Costello, the A&FRC NCO. “We can also get people in touch with our personal financial counselor who can make appointments by phone or video conferencing.”
Although many of the A&FRC team members are working from home due to the coronavirus, they are available by calling (801) 777-4681.
“We’re encouraging Airmen to seek the help they need financially,” Costello said. “Everyone in our office is passionate about helping Airmen and their families, and we’ll get them to the resources they need. We’re here to make sure they’re taken care of.”
The A&FRC has also made available the following consolidated list of resources for military members and their families who may be struggling during these uncertain times.
Federal Resources
The recently approved CARES Act promises funds directly to your bank account via direct deposit authorized to every tax paying adult. If you have filed taxes you do not need to do anything to receive this money. Each adult will receive up to $1200 and each child up to $500. This is a one-time payment that is based on earnings, therefore, if you earn higher amounts, you may not receive the full amount or it may be phased out due to income level. Please note there are factors other than income that may affect your payment. You may find additional information at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
Federal tax filing dates have been extended until July 15, 2020: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020
If your address has changed since you last filed taxes, you may update your information by filing IRS form 8822: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf
The U.S. Small Business Administration has funds to assist small businesses. The funds require you to meet very specific eligibility criteria. To access additional information and apply, please see: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ut/salt-lake-city
Federal student loans are also impacted. In order to help student loan borrowers, accounts will automatically be placed in an administrative forbearance which allows you to stop paying on the loan temporarily until Sept. 30, 2020. This does not apply to private student loans you may have. They will still accrue interest during this time of deferral. Please see how this applies to you by going to: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/cornavirus
For those members and families who may be impacted by the stop movement order, or by mandated isolation/quarantine, you may find information at the following sites:
https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/news_Coronavirus.cfm
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2127448/fact-sheet-covid-19-military-personnel-pay-and-benefits-policy/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/what-dotravel-restrictions-mean-for-service-members
Utah State Resources
Governor Gary Herbert issued a moratorium that will allow rent to be deferred until May 15 for people impacted by COVID-19. Landlords cannot initiate evictions prior to that date. This does not mean you don’t pay your rent. Please speak with your landlord if you are having difficulty paying rent due to COVID-19 related financial difficulties and make arrangements to pay.
https://governor.utah.gov/2020/04/01/gov-herbert-issues-moratorium-on-residential-evictionsfor-tenants-impacted-by-covid-19/
Unemployment Benefits. If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, please see the information and application process at https://jobs.utah.gov/iu/home
Local Programs
SNAP is the federal food stamp program. You may check eligibility and apply locally at https://jobs.utah.gov/customereducation/apply/index.html
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a food program for families with young children and expectant mothers. You may check eligibility and apply at https://wic.utah.gov
Food pantry listings can be found at https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ut/Layton
Another great place to look for local resources is www.211.org
If you need help with utilities and more, please look at the Utah Department of Commerce Office of Consumer Services at: https://ocs.utah.gov/assistance.htm
Air Force Aid Society may be able to provide military families with emergency assistance through grants or interest free loans. Visit www.AFAS.org to apply and contact A&FRC to arrange a meeting with a counselor.
Please note: Since this is an evolving situation, some resources may have been updated after being verified for this publication.