COVID-19 Resources (Houston edition)

https://www.hbcuathome.com/student-relief-fund

Click this link to apply for up to $600 for bills and food

https://myscholly.com/relief/

Another link for student cash relief

Provided courtesy of Texas Southern University Division of Student Services Low Cost Internet Assistance:

Since all classes will be going online and some employers may require our students to work remotely, students can find assistance here:

https://internetessentials.com I've used this one personally!!! They sent out my wifi set up in 24 hours, and I've been able to work remotely for a full week! My wifi is free for 60 days. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/free_internet_access.html

Rental Assistance/Utilities Assistance

If students cannot afford their rent or need assistance with utilities https://www.hud.gov/states/texas/renting

https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/profiles/Texas.htm (Utilities)

https://www.mamhouston.org/housing (Closed but offering services remotely)

https://www.communityactionatwork.org/programs/homelessness-prevention/rent-utility- deposit-assistance.html

http://www.211.org/services/covid19 (May provide information on how to seek mortgage assistance)

Food Assistance

Includes information for baby formula and food. Students who are parents can also check their

child’s school district since most are offering free meals for students.

https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/ https://www.lifehouston.org/getformula

Childcare Assistance - The TWC child care services program subsidizes child care for low- income families, promoting long-term self-sufficiency by enabling parents to work or attend workforce training or education activities.

https://twc.texas.gov/students/child-care-program https://texasrisingstar.org/ Texas Rising Star Program

Unemployment Insurance Resources

Texas Workforce Commission –

https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/applying-unemployment-benefits

When to Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Apply for benefits as soon as you are unemployed because your claim starts the week you complete the

application. However, you may not apply until after your last work day. TWC cannot pay benefits for weeks before your claim effective date.

How to Apply

Apply for benefits in one of two ways:

·        Apply online at Unemployment Benefit Services by selecting Apply for Benefits. Read the Applying for Unemployment Benefits Tutorial for help applying online.

·        Call a Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 and speak to a customer service representative.

Information You Need to Apply

You will need:

·        Your last employer’s business name, address and phone number

·        First and last dates (month, day and year) you worked for your last employer. If you worked for your last employer on more than one occasion, provide the most recent employment dates.

·        Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked the week you apply for benefits (Sunday through Saturday)

·        Information about the normal wage for the job you are seeking

·        Alien Registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)

Additional Information

https://www.usa.gov/unemployment

Continuation of Healthcare Coverage – COBRA (if you had insurance with previous employer)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/cobra

How much will I get from unemployment?

For most people, the basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2020, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $54,200.

Remember: Employment Insurance payments are taxable income, and as such, they affect

your taxes just like any other type of income, and in some cases, you may have to repay these benefits.