As layoffs spread and businesses shut down, many Americans face sudden and severe financial challenges. While the pain is widespread, so too are the relief efforts. This Forbes guide aims to cut through the confusion and help you protect your finances in these uncertain times. Check back frequently. We’ll update this page with the latest information and advice on everything from stimulus checks to tax, student loan, mortgage and small business relief, to the smartest ways to spend now, protect your retirement and to help others.
Income Replacement
Unemployment Insurance: What You Need To Know
What The 2020 Stimulus Check Might Look Like—And What To Do With It
Do You Qualify For Paid Sick Leave Under The Families First Act?
Taxes
Updated List Of State And Federal Tax Office Closings, Extensions And Relief
The Delayed Federal Tax Filing And Payment Deadline
With Stock Market Crashing, A Primer On Taxation Of Gains And Losses
Proposed Stimulus Check Is Actually A Tax Credit Advance
Housing
Mortgage Payment And Renters’ Relief Tracker
Student Loans
With New Relief For Federal Student Loans, Don’t Rush To Refinance
What You Need To Know Before Opting For Student Loan Forbearance
How To Stop Or Lower Student Loan Payments
Banking
How To Get Cash And Bank Services As Branches Close
What Banks Are Doing For Customers In Need
Credit Cards & Spending
A Budget-Friendly Guide To Streaming Services While You’re Stuck At Home
The Best Credit Cards For Food Delivery Services
What To Do If You Have A Negative Balance On Your Credit Card
Credit Cards That May Come In Handy If You’re Quarantined While Traveling
How To Earn Rewards Now That You Can Use Once Travel Is Back
March Apple Card Payments And Interest Waived For Those Affected By Crisis
Insurance
You May Have Longer To Make That Insurance Payment
Consumers Are Panic Shopping For Life Insurance
What May And May Not Bungle Your Life Insurance Application Right Now
Retirement
What You Should—And Should Not—Do With Your Retirement Accounts
It’s Time To Have An Updated Living Will, Health Proxy And HIPAA Release
With Coronavirus Shutting Social Security Offices, Here’s How To Get Help
Boomers’ Retirements Will Be Permanently Altered. Here’s How
Small Business
Updated List Of Small Business Relief Programs
Helping Others
Where, What & How To Donate (And Deduct)
Lending To Family? Avoid These Tax Landmines
How To Make Masks For Healthcare Workers
Travel
Flight Cancelled? Don’t Rush To Rebook Or Accept A Voucher
Master List Of All Major International Airline Change And Cancellation Policies
How Online Travel Agencies Like Airbnb And Travelocity Are Handling Bookings
Answers to Travel Insurance Questions
Master List: How Airline And Hotel Loyalty Programs Are Responding