COVID-19 Resources
We have compiled the information we believe most relevant to San Diego residents. We will continue updating this page as new information is available.
The information on this page is specific to people who are financially affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. For many of the programs listed below, you will be required to prove that your income was directly impacted by COVID-19.
You can read the details regarding the Federal Coronavirus Stimulus Bill here:
https://www.ncsl.org/ncsl-in-dc/publications-and-resources/coronavirus-stimulus-bill-states.aspx
Here is a list of banks we know are offering financial assistance during the Coronavirus pandemic. If your bank, lender or mortgage company is not included, you should contact it directly:
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/23/these-banks-are-offering-coronavirus-financial-aid.html
The Law Offices of Mark L. Mille remains open and available to assist you during the Coronavirus crisis. We are a federally designated debt relief agency. If you have questions or you are unable to pay your bills, you can reach us by phone or text at 619-574-0551 or email: larissa@millerlegalcenter.com
- What can I do if I can’t pay my mortgage payments?
- Will I get money from the COVID-19 stimulus bill?
- How can I apply for California unemployment benefits?
- What if I can’t afford my student loan payments?
- What should I do about my credit card payments?
- Can I be evicted if I cannot afford to pay my April and/or May rent?
- What is the deadline to file income tax returns?
- Can I still apply for California health insurance coverage?
- What should I do if I can’t afford my car payment?
Wil get money from the COVID-19 stimulus b
- The United States Federal government will be issuing physical checks or direct depositing payments.
- Payments are anticipated to arrive by the middle of April 2020.
The stimulus payment amount is based on the criteria in the chart below:
Tax filing status |
Gross Income |
Stimulus Amount |
Paid Per |
Single |
Less than $75,000 |
$1,200 |
Person. |
Single |
Over $75,000 up to $99,000. |
$1,200 is reduced by $5.00 for every $100 in income over $75,000. |
Person. |
Single |
$99,000 and over. |
No stimulus check. |
Person. |
Married |
Up to $150,000 |
$2,400 |
Per married couple. |
Married |
$150,000 and over, up to $198,000. |
Checks are reduced on a sliding scale. |
Per married couple. |
Married |
$198,000 and over. |
No stimulus check. |
Per couple. |
Single with one or more child. |
Up to $99,000 |
$500 |
Per child UP TO 17 years of age. |
Married with one or more child. |
Up to $198,000 |
$500 |
Per child UP TO 17 years of age. |
If you receive only social security and you are not required to file tax returns, you are still eligible to receive a stimulus payment. Your stimulus payment will be based on your SSA-1099.
How can I apply for California unemployment benefits?
- File a claim for California unemployment insurance using the link below.
EDD (Employment Development Department)
What can I do if I can’t pay my mortgage payments?
- Mortgage loans that ARE federally insured
Foreclosures stopped for 60 days beginning March 18, 2020
- Loan must be federally backed/insured (FHA and Department of Agriculture)
- Federally backed mortgage loans cannot be foreclosed on for 60 days.
- The 60-day holding period began March 18, 2020.
- Only applies to RESIDENTIAL mortgages.
To determine if your loan is federally backed you can search one of the websites listed below, call your mortgage lender or servicer, or review your HUD-1 settlement statement you were provided at the time you purchased your property.
https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup
http://www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage/
Apply for a mortgage loan forbearance
- Call your mortgage company/servicer.
- Request to temporarily stop or pay a lower your mortgage payment for up to 180 days.
- You must be able to prove COVID-19 caused your financial hardship.
- If you qualify for a forbearance, your lender will not report late mortgage payments to your credit report.
- If you qualify for a forbearance, your lender will not add penalties or late fees for the missed payments.
- Mortgages NOT federally insured
- Your mortgage company/servicer may have programs available to help with your mortgage payment.
- Contact your mortgage company/servicer directly to find out what programs are available.
Can I be evicted if I cannot afford to pay my April and/or May rent?
- No evictions for 60 days in San Diego, California
- Applies to San Diego residential and business leases.
- Must demonstrate a substantial decrease in income or increase in medical expenses caused by COVID-19 to qualify.
- Landlord cannot evict for missed rent payments due to COVID-19.
- The holding period ends May 31, 2020.
- After May 31, 2020, your landlord can evict you for not paying rent.
- You are still responsible for your rent payments. If you do not pay your rent payments, on June 01, 2020 your landlord can proceed with evicting you.
- Your landlord can get an unlawful detainer judgment against you after June 01, 2020.
- It is extremely difficult to rent with an unlawful detainer on your record.
- Contact your landlord if you cannot pay your rent. Try to work out a payment arrangement. Pay as much as you can so you don’t fall further behind.
Emergency Ordinance - Eviction Moratorium
What is the deadline to file income tax returns?
- FEDERAL and CALIFORNIA STATE tax return deadline was extended to July 15, 2020.
- If you are owed a tax refund, the IRS urges you to file your returns as soon as possible.
IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020
CA: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/covid-19/index.html
Can I still apply for California health insurance coverage?
- Deadline to apply for health care coverage extended through June 30, 2020.
- Apply for California health insurance the website below.
https://www.coveredca.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment/
What if I can’t afford my student loan payments?
- Federal student loans
- Request to postpone monthly student loan payments through September 30, 2020.
- Interest will be waived during the postponement period.
- You will not be reported as late or for missing payments to credit reporting agencies.
- You must contact your student loan company or servicer to request postponement.
- If you were behind with your student loan payments prior to the COVID-19 emergency, your earlier missed payments will still be reported to the credit reporting agencies.
- Determine if your student loan is federal or private here:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private
- Private student loans
- Reach out to your student loan lender/servicer to find out if you can defer your plan payments.
What should I do about my credit card payments?
There is not a specific government program regarding credit cards payments. We recommend the following:
- Contact your credit card company directly.
- Request to defer your credit card payments.
- If you are approved to defer your credit card payments, ask if interest will still accrue.
- Confirm if any late charges will be applied to your account.
- Ask if missing payments will be reported to the credit reporting agencies.
- If you are approved to defer your credit card payments, make sure you write down the next due date for your payments.
- You may need to contact your credit card company each month to request to defer your monthly payment.
- NOTE: if you have automatic credit card payments set up, you may need to cancel the payment or it may still be automatically withdrawn even if you are granted a deferment.
What should I do if I can’t afford my car payment?
If you cannot pay your car payment:
- Contact your car loan company.
- Explain that your income is affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
- As about options for delaying or reducing your car payment.
- If you are approved to delay or reduce your car payment, ask if the missed payment will be reported to the credit reporting agencies.
- Ask if delaying or reducing your car payment will result in a late fee.
- Make sure you calendar the date you must resume paying your car loan.
- If you have more than one vehicle and you cannot afford to keep both, consider asking your car lender about voluntarily surrendering your vehicle.
Get Started on Regaining Your Financial Freedom
Selecting the right solution to erase debt is important. The Law Offices of Mark L. Miller has extensive experience helping clients obtain forgiveness for their debts. We offer free consultations to help people understand what we do, how we can help, and how to get started.
We're Here to Help
Text us at (619) 574-0551 or call us at (619) 574-0551!