7 Government Resources Available for Stylists During COVID-19

Over the past few weeks local, state, and federal governments have created a number of resources for businesses, independent contractors, and individuals to help manage their financials during the shutdown from COVID-19. While many of the details are still being determined, we’ve collected the resources that are most relevant to independent beauty professionals. Explore ways to aid and manage your financials through this time with the available government resources below. 

For additional information and questions about your specific circumstances please click the reference links below or contact a tax or accounting advisor.

 

The CARES Act provides financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected during this time. The bill incorporates a number of programs including: 

 

The Paycheck Protection Program

• The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to cover payroll, lost wages, rent, utilities, and business mortgages over the period of February 15 – June 30th. Plus, loans can be forgiven depending on certain criteria.
• The program is available for small businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors.
• Loans will be provided directly by banks. To apply, reach out to your local bank to find out if they are participating.
• Check The Paycheck Protection Program page over the next few weeks as details and application processes become available:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

 

Payroll Tax Deferral

• Self-employed individuals can defer paying their portion of this year’s social security payroll tax until December 31, 2021 and 2022.
• Check the link below as more information becomes available:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

 

Cash Payments to Individuals

• You’ll receive a $1,200 direct cash payment if you made less than $75,000 in 2019, filed as the head of the household and made less than $112,500, or if you’re a part of a couple who filed jointly and made less than $150,000 (you’ll receive $2,400 collectively), plus children of eligible families will receive $500.
• The best part? No sign up needed. Check the link below as more information becomes available:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

 

Unemployment Assistance

• Unemployment Assistance has been expanded to cover self-employed or independent contractors who are unable to work due to COVID-19 under certain circumstances such as your work location / salon being closed or caring for a loved one.
• This Unemployment Assistance will be provided by the state you work in.
• Follow up with your relevant state’s online unemployment site over the coming weeks as the federal government provides guidance.

https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Unemployment%20Assistance

 

Federal Mortgage Protection

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced they will suspend all foreclosure and evictions for the next 60 days (from March 18th).
• More details can be found in the link below:

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_042

 

Federal Small Business Association (SBA) Loans 

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans will support small businesses that have lost revenue due to COVID-19.
• All 50 states and DC are eligible. 
• Click the link below for more information and application:

https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

 

State and Local Resources

Many States and Cities are offering programs to assist businesses and individuals dealing with the impacts of COVID-19. These include programs for:

• Eviction Restrictions
• Rent Payment Assistance
• Economic & Emergency Relief Funds 
• Small Business Loans and Grants

Look up your local city or state programs online as most of them are updating their sites daily to respond to the current situation. Some examples are below:

 

• Atlanta – Coronavirus Emergency Fund for Small Businesses
• Chicago – Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund 
• Los Angeles – The Small Business Emergency Micro-loan Program 
• New York City – NYC Small Business Services
• San Francisco – Small Businesses Grant Program and Eviction Moratorium
• Seattle – Office of Economic Development