In late December, lawmakers passed a coronavirus relief package that provides essential economic relief for millions of workers and people with low incomes. One component of the package is a second round of economic stimulus payments. See below for FAQs regarding distribution of the second stimulus payment. Additionally, we have general FAQs regarding the payment, “Mixed-Immigration Status Families and the Stimulus Payment,” and “How to Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.”
When will the IRS make the second stimulus payments?
The IRS will send the second stimulus payments to taxpayers through January 15th.
Will I receive a letter or notice from the IRS about my second stimulus payment?
Yes, the IRS will issue a notice, or letter, about the second stimulus payment. Please keep your notice, formally called Notice 1444-B, with your tax records. You will need it when you file your 2020 tax return.
How can I check on the status of my second stimulus payment?
You can use the IRS’ Get My Payment tool to check on the status of your second stimulus payment.
Will the IRS’ Get My Payment tool give me the status of my second stimulus payment?
You will be able to check the status of your first and second stimulus payments using the Get My Payment tool. The status includes the date of the payment and the method (direct deposit or mailed payment date). Mailed payments will require more processing and mailing time. As more information becomes available, the IRS will provide updates.
Some people received their first stimulus payment in multiple payments. If you received more than one payment for your first stimulus payment, the Get My Payment tool will show you only the most recent payment information.
Some people visiting the site may get a “please wait” or error message due to the high volumes coming in. The “please wait” message is a normal part of the site’s operation. The IRS encourages people to check back later. Also, there is a limit to the number of times people can access Get My Payment each day. When people reach the maximum number of accesses, Get My Payment will inform them they will need to check back the following day.
I didn’t receive a direct deposit yet. Will I get a second Economic Impact Payment?
Maybe. IRS updated Get My Payment tool (GMP) for individuals who are receiving the second stimulus payment on January 5, 2021. If you checked GMP on or after January 5 then:
If GMP reflects a direct deposit date and partial account information, then your payment is deposited there.
If GMP reflects a date your payment was mailed, it may take up to 3 – 4 weeks for you to receive the payment. Watch your mail carefully for a check or debit card.
If GMP shows “Payment Status #2 – Not Available,” then you will not receive a second Economic Impact Payment and instead you need to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 Tax Return.
Because of the speed at which the law required the IRS to issue the second round of stimulus payments, some payments may have been sent to an account that may be closed or, is or no longer active, or unfamiliar. By law, the financial institution must return the payment to the IRS; they cannot hold and issue the payment to an individual when the account is no longer active. If Get My Payment shows “Payment Status #2 – Not Available” you will not receive a second EIP. (You will need to claim it on your 2020 tax return if you are eligible.)
What if I have a different bank account than I had on my 2019 tax return? What should I do?
If the second stimulus payment was sent to an account that is closed or is no longer active the financial institution must, by law, return the payment to the IRS, they cannot hold and issue the payment to an individual when the account is no longer active. The IRS advises people that if they don’t receive the full amount of their stimulus payment, they should file their 2020 tax return electronically and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax return to get their payment and any refund as quickly as possible.
Why can’t the IRS reissue the second stimulus payment to me?
The IRS is working to deliver the second stimulus payment quickly, as required by law, while still preparing for the upcoming 2021 tax filing season. Due to the compressed timeline, the IRS is unable to reissue and mail checks and instead encourages people to file their 2020 tax return electronically to claim and receive the Recovery Rebate Credit quickly as possible.
Can I call the IRS, software company or bank to resolve issues with my Economic Impact Payment?
People should visit IRS.gov for the most current information on the second round of stimulus payments rather than calling the agency or their financial institutions or tax software providers. IRS phone assistors do not have additional information beyond what’s available on IRS.gov.
Mixed-Immigration Status Families and the Stimulus Payment: FAQs
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In late December, lawmakers passed a coronavirus relief package that provides essential economic relief for millions of workers and people with low incomes. One component of the package is a second round of economic stimulus payments. See below for FAQs regarding distribution of the second stimulus payment. Additionally, we have general FAQs regarding the payment, “Distribution of the Second Stimulus Payment,” and “How to Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.“
I filed my 2019 tax return as married filing jointly and I have a Social Security number valid for employment while my spouse has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), am I eligible for the second stimulus payment?
You are eligible for a second stimulus payment for yourself and any dependents you claimed who also have Social Security numbers valid for employment, but not for your spouse. (Mixed-status families who did not receive the first stimulus payment due to the previous restrictions on spouses of people filing with ITINs will now be eligible to get that payment retroactively when they file their 2020 tax return. See discussion below.)
I filed my 2019 tax return as married filing jointly and both my spouse and I have ITINs, am I eligible for the second stimulus payment for my dependents who have Social Security numbers valid for employment?
No, you are not eligible for a second stimulus payment for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents.
I have an ITIN and filed my 2019 tax return as single, am I eligible for the second stimulus payment?
No, you are not eligible for the second stimulus payment.
I have an ITIN and filed my 2019 tax return as Head of Household, am I eligible for the second stimulus payment?
No, you are not eligible for the second stimulus payment. Nor are you eligible for the second stimulus payment for any dependents you claimed, even those dependents with Social Security numbers valid for employment.
Do I qualify for the payment if I’m a resident alien?
A person who’s a qualifying resident alien with a Social Security number valid for employment is eligible for the second stimulus payment only if he or she is a qualifying resident alien in 2020 and may not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer. A nonresident alien in 2020 isn’t eligible for the second stimulus payment. An alien who received a payment but isn’t a qualifying resident alien for 2020 should return the payment to the IRS.
Questions about Mixed Status families and the Economic Impact Payments? Contact a tax advocate at 980-202-7329.
COVID Relief Act $600 Stimulus Payments: General FAQs
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*Originally posted on Dec. 30th, 2020. Updated Jan. 8th, 2021*
Generally, if you’re a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, you may be eligible for $600 ($1,200 for a joint return), plus $600 for each qualifying child, if you (and your spouse if filing a joint return) aren’t a dependent of another taxpayer on a 2019 tax return, have a social security number (SSN) valid for employment (see exception when married filing joint) and your adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed:
$150,000 if married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower;
$112,500 if filing as head of household; or
$75,000 for eligible individuals using any other filing status
Your payment will be reduced by 5% of the amount by which your AGI exceeds the applicable threshold above.
You aren’t eligible for a payment if any of the following apply to you:
You were claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s 2019 tax return (for example, a child or student who may be claimed on a parent’s tax return or a dependent parent who may be claimed on an adult child’s tax return).
You don’t have a Social Security number that is valid for employment issued before the due date of your 2019 tax return (including any extensions).
You’re a nonresident alien.
People who died before 2020.
Are an estate or trust.
What is meant by a Social Security number that is valid for employment?
A valid Social Security number for the second stimulus payment is one that is valid for employment in the United States and is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before the due date of your 2019 tax return (including the filing deadline postponement to July 15 and an extension to October 15 if you requested it).
If you were a U.S. citizen when you received the Social Security number, then it’s valid for employment. If “Not Valid for Employment” is printed on your Social Security card and your immigration status has changed so that you are now a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, ask the SSA for a new Social Security card. However, if “Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization” is printed on your Social Security card, you have the required Social Security number only if the Department of Homeland Security authorization is valid.
How much will the second stimulus payment be?
The second stimulus payment will be $600 per qualifying adult ($1,200 for married taxpayers filing a joint return) and $600 per child under 17 years old. Children who are 17 years old and older as well as other dependents are not eligible for the $600 second stimulus payment.
What do I need to do to get my payment?
No action is necessary. Your payment will be issued based on the information the IRS has on file for your 2019 tax return, the information provided by you to the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool, payment information entered on the Get My Payment tool, or information provided by a Federal Agency that issued benefits to you (Social Security Administration, Veteran Affairs, or Railroad Retirement Board). (If you don’t get a payment and you are eligible to receive one, it may be claimed as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.)
Will the Non-Filers tool be available if I’m not required to file and didn’t use it before November 22, 2020?
No. The Non-Filers tool is no longer available. (If you are eligible for a second stimulus payment and don’t get one, the payment may be claimed as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.)
What tax year will the IRS look to in determining my eligibility for the second stimulus payment?
The IRS will look to the 2019 tax year to make eligibility determinations for the second stimulus payment.
Will I need to pay the second stimulus payment back to the IRS at some point and will the payment affect my eligibility for other tax credits?
You will not need to pay the second stimulus payment back to the IRS because the payments are an advance against a new credit for tax year 2020 and these payments will not affect your eligibility for other tax credits.
I’m a college student, can I receive the $600 second stimulus payment if I can be claimed as someone else’s dependent?
You can’t receive the $600 second stimulus payment if you can be claimed as someone else’s dependent. You can be claimed as someone else’s dependent based on your relationship to the filer, your age, whether you lived with your parents for more than half of the year, and whether you were financially independent for more than half of the year, among other factors. This will affect many full-time college students under age 24. However, it’s important to review the rules, since not all college students are dependents. (People who were dependents in 2019, but not 2020, can claim both stimulus payments as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.)
Do I need earned income to qualify for a second stimulus payment?
You don’t need to have earned income to qualify. The second stimulus payment is available to those with little to no income. Even if you are making $0, you can still receive the full payment. The second stimulus payments phase out at higher income levels, starting at $75,000 for single filers. The phase-out rates are the same between the first and second round of payments – $5 for every $100 that you made above the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limit – but because the second stimulus payments are smaller, some people who received a partial payment in the first round won’t get one this time.
Will the second stimulus payment affect my eligibility for public benefits?
Like other tax refunds, the second stimulus payment will not count toward eligibility for means-tested programs and will be disregarded as an asset for 12 months. This means the second stimulus payment won’t jeopardize your participation in programs including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and public housing.
Is the second stimulus payment treated as taxable income?
No, the second stimulus payment is not considered taxable income.
Is an incarcerated individual eligible for the second stimulus payment?
Yes, individuals will not be denied a second stimulus payment solely because they are incarcerated. An incarcerated individual may be issued a payment if all eligibility requirements are met and the individual filed a 2019 tax return that was processed by the IRS or used the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool prior to November 22, 2020. (Incarcerated individuals who don’t get a second stimulus payment and are eligible to receive one, may claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return. They can also claim the first stimulus payment as a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return.)
Can the second stimulus payment be intercepted?
The second stimulus payment can’t be intercepted for past-due taxes, student loans, Unemployment Insurance over-payments, or for child support that is owed (the first stimulus payment was subject to seizure for outstanding child support).
Where can I get more information?
For more information about Economic Impact Payments and the 2020 Recovery Rebate, key information will be posted on IRS.gov/eip. Later this week, you may check the status of your payment at IRS.gov/GetMyPayment. For other COVID-19-related tax relief, visit IRS.gov/Coronavirus.
New COVID-19 relief act signed. Aid extended to millions.
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On December 22nd congress passed the most recent COVID-19 relief package. The act provides $908 billion dollars in aid to families, businesses, nonprofits, and states. As we learn more about the act and how the programs and funding will be implemented, we will update our website and social media accordingly. Please contact us at the appropriate numbers below if you or your family are struggling and need assistance.
This list is not exhaustive, and the bill contains programs and funding not listed here.
Here is what we know so far:
Unemployment Insurance
This act extends the CARES Act’s unemployment insurance expansion through March 14th, 2021. Specifically, this act:
Provides an additional $300 per week to supplement all state and federal unemployment benefits, starting after December 26, 2020 and ending March 14, 2021 through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program;
Extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides continued unemployment assistance to the self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, part-time workers and other individuals in non-traditional employment. It also increases the number of weeks of PUA benefits an individual may claim, from 39 to 50;
Extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, providing additional weeks of federally-funded benefits to workers who have exhausted their regular state unemployment benefits. It also increases the weeks of PEUC benefits an individual may claim, from 13 to 24 and;
Provides full federal financing of state Shared Work programs, allowing employees who are working reduced hours to claim partial unemployment compensation, through March 14, 2021.
Critical financial support in the form of one-time direct payments of $600 is being made available for individuals making up to $75,000 and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, as well as an extra $600 per eligible child dependent. We do not know if this amount will be increased. This is the same eligibility as the original $1,200 stimulus payment, but also expands these direct payments to mixed-status households, ensuring that millions of immigrant families across the U.S. get access to this relief.
These payments will likely be distributed in a similar way as the $1,200 payments through direct deposit or check. Stay up to date with this information on the IRS website.
Those who did not previously receive the original $1,200 stimulus check or received the incorrect amount may be able to receive it through a Recovery Rebate Credit when filing you 2020 tax return. Learn more here.
If you have questions about the $600 economic impact payments or the recovery rebate credit, contact a tax advocate at: 980-202-7329
Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance
This act extends the CDC Eviction Moratorium through January 31st, 2021. Read more on how you can use the moratorium to prevent eviction here.
An additional $25 billion will be distributed to existing local housing agencies that can best distribute these funds on behalf of tenants. It is unclear what organizations or programs this funding will go toward but can be used to pay past due rent, future rent payments and utility and energy expenses.
The act provides $638 million to assist low-income families with drinking water and wastewater utility bills. This money will also be distributed via state and tribal governments. You can apply for utility assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or RAMP Charlotte.
Nutritional and Food Assistance
Millions of families across the country are struggling to put food on the table. This act addressed food insecurity by:
Increasing monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the next six months beginning January 1st, 2021 through June 30th, 2021. Unless there are other supplements, this increase will be added to the current maximum eligible monthly amount per family size;
Excluding Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) from being counted as income for calculating eligibility and amount of SNAP benefits;
Extending SNAP eligibility to college students who are eligible for a federal or state work study program or have an expected family contribution of $0 and;
Improves the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (PEBT) program to school-age children and expands the program for children younger than six years old.
If you need assistance with applying for SNAP, PEBT, or other public benefits, contact our Family Support and Healthcare Unit at 704-376-1600.
Bankruptcy
The act provides that consumers in Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases will not be denied a discharge if they miss 3 or fewer mortgage payments because of a financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to COVID–19. Consumers can have utility service maintained or restored after filing bankruptcy without paying a deposit. Also, consumers cannot be denied a mortgage forbearance under the CARES Act if they have filed bankruptcy or received a bankruptcy discharge.
Voting in 2020
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Have you made your plan to vote yet?
In a historic election year, your voice deserves to be heard. Vote for #accesstojustice this fall. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy encourages everyone who can to vote and let their voice be heard.
Below you can find information on how to register to vote in North Carolina, ways that you can vote in North Carolina, resources for this information, and non-partisan election volunteer opportunities.
How to Register to Vote:
Regular voter registration ends on October 9th, 2020. Eligible voters can register to vote three ways:
By Mail: Fill out the voter registration form (English) (Spanish) and mail it to your local Board of Elections office or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Click here to find your local Board of Elections office.
Online: North Carolina residents who have a valid driver’s license can register to vote online on the DMV website. There is no fee associated with this service.
In Person: You can register to vote in person at your local Board of Elections office, DMV, or during early voting.
If you miss the regular voter registration deadline, you can register at your early voting polling precinct between October 15th and October 31st AND vote on the same day. You must have a document with your legal name and proof of address such as a valid NC driver’s license or other government issued identification, a recent utility bill, or a current college/university identification with proof of campus residency. Learn more about early voting registration here. Check your early voting site here.
How to Vote:
Registered voters in North Carolina can cast their ballot by mail (also known as absentee voting) or in-person:
By Mail: You can request your absentee ballot online via the North Carolina absentee ballot request portal. You should request your ballot as soon as possible and at least two weeks prior to election day due to mail delays. After receipt of your ballot, cast your vote in the presence of a witness and return it to any of the following locations by 5pm on November 3rd:
Mailitto or drop it off at your local Board of Elections office. Click here to find your local Board of Elections office.
Drop it off at your early voting site between October 15th and October 31st. Find your early voting site here.
In person: You can vote early in-person between October 15th and October 31stor on election day on November 3rd. Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the locations of polling precincts and that in-person voters will be required to follow all COVID-19 state safety guidelines. Curbside voting is available for individuals who are unable to enter the polling precinct. Find your early voting site here. Find your election day voting site here.
Get Involved
There are several options to for interested volunteers to get involved in the 2020 election:
Election officials and student assistant election officials direct voters during in-person voting days. Learn more and sign up on the NC Board of Elections website.
Train and sign up to be a poll monitor with Election Protection, the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition.
Register your friends and family to vote with the information provided in this email! (Or forward this email to them!)
CDC Eviction Moratorium: What you Need to Know
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*Updated June 29, 2021. Original post September 10th, 2020*
The federal government, through the Center for Disease Control, has announced a temporary halt on evictions through July 31, 2021 to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Under the order, landlords and property owners are prohibited from evicting certain tenants impacted by COVID-19. If you are an immigrant, you may have concerns about claiming protection under the eviction moratorium. While we think the risk is minimal, we provide the information below to help you decide what is best for you and your family.
CDC Evictions Moratorium Flyer (English)
CDC Evictions Moratorium Flyer (Spanish)
How do I Qualify?
You qualify for the temporary protection against eviction if one of the following applies in your situation:
You cannot pay your full rent payment because of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, lay-offs, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Your income is below $99,000 annually for an individual/ $198,000 annually for a couple.
You are using your best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as your circumstances permit.
You have used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance available for rent or housing.
If evicted, you will become homeless or will have to move in with others in close quarters.
How do I claim protection under the Temporary Eviction Moratorium?
To claim the protection against eviction, every adult tenant must sign an affidavit that includes an agreement to pay any accumulated rent arrears after July 31, 2020.
The declaration is a sworn statement, and there are criminal penalties for signing the declaration if it is not true!
Give the signed declaration to the landlord
Keep copies of the signed declaration.
Follow the rental agreement.
Why might I worry about signing the affidavit as an immigrant?
An immigrant may be denied a visa, lawful permanent resident status, or reentry into the US (as a lawful permanent resident) if she or he is likely to become a public charge. Public charge is defined as someone who is primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.
Why I SHOULD NOT worry about signing the affidavit even though I am an immigrant:
Getting help under the Temporary Eviction Moratorium is not considered cash or other financial assistance that could count against you as a federal benefit for the public charge test.
The income limit for the federal moratorium is substantially higher than the income threshold for the public charge test. When you state that your income is not above $99,000/$198,000 annually, you do not admit that your income is below 125% federal poverty guideline ($32,750 annual income for family of 4) and, therefore, you do not jeopardize your immigration application.
Is it conceivable that my immigration application could be denied because I signed the affidavit stating that I cannot afford my rent?
It is conceivable but very unlikely and, certainly, there should be a legal challenge to a finding of public charge on this basis.
Remember that public charge DOES NOT APPLY to:
Asylum or Refugee status
Green Card renewal
TPS, U or T Visa status
DACA status or renewal
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Immigrants who already have LPR/ a green card
CONTACT CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR LEGAL ADVOCACY TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.
704-376-1600
Línea en español 800-247-1931
Obtenga La Ayuda Que Necesita Bajo La Moratoria Temporal De Desalojo
El gobierno federal, a través del Centro para el Control de Enfermedades, ha anunciado una suspensión temporal de TODOS los desalojos hasta el 31 de julio de 2021 para evitar una mayor propagación de COVID-19. Según la orden, los propietarios tienen prohibido desalojar a ciertos inquilinos afectados por COVID-19. Si usted es un inmigrante, es posible que le preocupe reclamar protección bajo la moratoria de desalojo. Mientras creemos que el riesgo es mínimo, la siguiente información puede ayudarle a decidir qué es lo mejor para usted y su familia.
¿Cómo califico para la moratoria?
Usted califica para la protección temporal contra el desalojo si alguna de las siguientes situaciones le aplica:
No puede pagar el pago total del alquiler debido a los ingresos del hogar, la pérdida de horas de trabajo o salarios compensables, despidos o gastos médicos extraordinarios de su bolsillo.
Sus ingresos son menos de $99,000 anuales por persona o $198,000 por pareja.
Está haciendo todo lo posible para realizar pagos parciales puntuales que se acerquen tanto al pago total como lo permitan sus circunstancias.
Ha hecho todo lo posible para obtener toda la asistencia gubernamental disponible para alquiler o vivienda.
Si lo desalojan, se quedará sin hogar o tendrá que mudarse con otras personas cercanas.
¿Cómo reclamo protección bajo la Moratoria Temporal de Desalojo?
Para reclamar la protección contra el desalojo, todos los inquilinos adultos deben firmar una declaración que incluye su acuerdo de pagar los atrasos de alquiler acumulados después del 31 de julio de 2020.
¿Por qué podría preocuparme firmar una declaración como inmigrante?
A un inmigrante se le puede negar una visa, el estatus de residente permanente legal o el reingreso a los EE. UU. (como un residente permanente) si es probable que se convierta en una carga pública. La carga pública se define como alguien que depende principalmente del gobierno para su subsistencia.
Porque no DEBO preocuparme por firmar la declaración a pesar de que soy un inmigrante?
Obtener ayuda bajo la Moratoria de Desalojo Temporal no es considerado dinero en efectivo u otra asistencia financiera que pueda contarse en su contra como un beneficio federal para la prueba de carga pública.
El límite de ingresos para la moratoria federal es sustancialmente más alto que el límite de ingresos para la prueba de carga pública. Cuando declara que sus ingresos no superan los $ 99,000 / $ 198,000 anuales, no admite que sus ingresos estén por debajo del 125% de la línea de pobreza federal (Ingresos anuales de $ 32,750 para una familia de 4) y, por lo tanto, no pone en peligro su solicitud de inmigración
¿Es concebible que mi solicitud de inmigración pueda ser negada por firmar una declaración declarando que no puedo pagar el alquiler?
Es concebible pero muy improbable y definitivamentedebería haber una impugnación i legal contra una determinación de carga pública basado en esto.
Recuerde que la carga pública NO APLICA a:
Asilados o refugiados
Renovación de su permiso de residencia
TPS, Visa U o Visa T
Estado de DACA o renovación de DACA
Estado Especial de Inmigrante Juvenil
Ley de Violencia Contra la Mujer (VAWA)
Inmigrantes que ya tienen Residencia Permanente
Comuníquese con Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy para hablar con alguien sobre sus opciones.
Línea en español 800-247-1931
charlottelegaladvocacy.org
¿Ha Perdido Su Trabajo O Esta Trabajando Menos Horas Por COVID-19?
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¡El Centro de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte y Asistencia Legal de Carolina del Norte estan aquí para ayudarle!
Hay 5 formas en que le podemos ayudar a usted y a su familia a mantenerse estable:
1. Beneficios de Desempleo:
Debe aplicar para recibir beneficios de desempleo lo más pronto posible. Puede aplicar por internet en la página web, des.nc.gov o puede llamar a 1-888-737-0259. Si no puede hablar con alguien enseguida, siga intentándolo y documente todos sus intentos.
Recuerde completar las certificaciones semanales en la página web des.nc.gov o llamando todas las semanas al 1-888-737-0259, incluso si su aplicación no ha sido aprobada todavía o si ha sido descalificado para beneficios y ha sometido una apelación.
Si trabaja por su cuenta propia, no ha trabajado recientemente o está aplicando para recibir o ya recibe beneficios por incapacidad, usted puede ser elegible para recibir beneficios de desempleo si no tiene trabajo o esta impedido para trabajar debido al COVID-19. Esto incluye a padres que tienen que quedarse en casa porque los niños no están en la escuela.
Durante esta emergencia, la cantidad de beneficios de desempleo ha aumentado a $600 semanales hasta el 31 de julio del 2020. También puede recibir los beneficios por más semanas.
Inmigrantes con autorización de empleo pueden ser elegibles para recibir beneficios de desempleo. Desafortunadamente, inmigrantes indocumentados no son elegibles.
Llame al Proyecto de Seguro de Desempleo en Respuesta a COVID-19 del Centro de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte al 980-256-3979 si tiene preguntas sobre beneficios de desempleo, ha tenido dificultades aplicando o le ha sido negado los beneficios.
2. Pagos de Estímulo
La mayoría de la gente debe recibir un pago de estímulo del IRS (Servicios de Ingreso Interno) de $1,200 por cada adulto y $500 por cada niño menor de 17 años. Puede recibir este pago incluso si no tiene la obligación de presentar una declaración de sus impuestos.
Tiene que ser autorizado para trabajar en los Estados Unidos para ser elegible para recibir estos pagos. Típicamente, esto significa que usted tiene un número de seguro social que es válido para empleo. Desafortunadamente, esto significa que muchos inmigrantes pueden no ser elegibles para recibir un pago de estímulo.
Si no ha recibido su pago, llame a la línea de impuestos del Centro de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte al 980-202-7329
3. Desalojo, Juicios Hipotecarios, Servicios Cortados y Pagos de Préstamos Estudiantiles
Usted no puede ser desalojado por su propietario o tener su casa embargada hasta que tenga una audiencia en la corte. Estas audiencias están aplazadas por lo menos hasta junio del 2020.
Si usted tiene un préstamo de hipoteca con una entidad del gobierno como Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, USDA, FHA o Home Equity Conversion mortgage (“Hipoteca Inversa”), puede tener derecho a dos periodos de 180 días de gracia para sus pagos hipotecarios sin tarifas por pagos atrasados.
Se prohíbe la desconexión de servicios, incluyendo electricidad, gas y agua para las personas que no pueden pagar durante la pandemia de COVID-19. También está prohibido cobrar tarifas, multas o interés por pagos atrasados hasta junio. Clientes residenciales tienen por lo menos seis meses para pagar facturas pendientes.
Algunos préstamos estudiantiles pueden ser suspendidos hasta septiembre del 2020.
Es posible que el Centro de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte y Asistencia Legal de NC puede ayudarle a prevenir su desalojo, juicios hipotecarios o desconexión de servicios. Llámenos al 704-376-1600.
4. Seguro Médico
Usted y sus hijos pueden ser elegibles para Medicaid.
Si no puede conseguir Medicaid, es posible que pueda inscribirse para cobertura en el Mercado de seguros/Obamacare con ayuda financiera si ha perdido su seguro médico o si ha tenido cambios en circunstancias recientemente. Tiene 60 días después de la pérdida del seguro o cambio en circunstancias para inscribirse.
Si ya está inscrito en el Mercado de seguros/Obamacare y no puede hacer sus pagos mensuales es posible que pueda calificar para primas más bajas.
El proyecto de navegadores de seguro médico del Centrol de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte puede ayudarle encontrar las mejores y más asequibles opciones de cobertura/seguro médico para usted y su familia. Podemos ayudarle a llenar una aplicación, actualizar su cobertura del Mercado de seguros/Obamacare o contestar preguntas que tenga usted o su familia. También podemos ayudarle si le han negado seguro o servicios. ¡Llame al 980-256-3782 para programar una cita gratis por teléfono hoy!
5. Asistencia con Comida
Puede ser elegible para estampillas de comida. La cantidad de beneficios de estampillas de comida ha aumentado y los límites de tiempo/requisitos de empleo han sido eliminados para algunas personas durante la pandemia del coronavirus.
Centrol de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte le puede ayudar a aplicar para estampillas de comida por teléfono. También podemos ayudar si le niegan la aplicación. Nuestra ayuda es gratis. Llámenos al 980-256-3782.
Hasta familias que no son elegibles para estampillas de comida recibirán una tarjeta de EBT por correo que puede ser usada para comprar comida si sus hijos califican para comida gratis o a bajo precio en la escuela. Su estatus inmigratorio no afecta su elegibilidad para recibir este beneficio. Si no recibe esta tarjeta, llámenos a 704-376-1600.
Familias sin ingreso también pueden recibir asistencia en efectivo para sus hijos de Servicios Sociales bajo el programa de Work First. La cantidad de beneficios de Work First han sido aumentados y los requisitos de empleo han sido eliminados durante la pandemia. Puede aplicar por teléfono si llama a Servicios Sociales al 704-336-3000. Si le niegan la aplicación o no puede aplicar, llámenos al 704-376-1600.
COVID-19 Updates: Home Preservation
Posted on
Updated June 29, 2021, originally posted May 27, 2020
Home Preservation
Rent and Utility Assistance: Charlotte City Council recently approved an additional $8 million dollars of CARE’s Act funding to allow the expansion of the current Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program (RAMP Charlotte). This program includes rent and utility relief for tenants, long-term hotel guests, homeowners with mortgages, and hotel and property managers. Applications for this assistance will reopen on March 1st, 2021 at 9am. Going forward, applications will be open on the 1st through the 15th of every month
Through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), some families may be eligible for utility assistance based upon income. You may also automatically qualify if you or a family member participates in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans benefits. Learn more and apply here.
Consumers with past due energy (gas or electric) bills may now seek financial assistance for both the past due amount and the full balance on any deferred payment plan through Crisis Assistance Ministry. Qualifying families can receive help with up to $600 toward their overdue utility bills by applying at Crisis Assistance Ministry, which is located at 500-A Spratt St and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Detailed instructions for those seeking assistance are available at: www.crisisassistance.org/gethelp.
Duke Energy Electric Service Moratorium: Duke Energy announced a Winter moratorium from November 1st through March 31st on electric utility shut-offs. To qualify annually under the moratorium provision, a customer must establish ALL of the following:
Someone in the customer’s household must be either handicapped, elderly (65 or older), or both.
Customer cannot pay his/her account in full, nor installments to bring the account into balance within six months.
The county Department of Social Services that administers the ENERGY CRISIS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM has certified that the household is eligible to receive such assistance, regardless of availability of funds. (DSS will present the customer with a “Certification Utilities Moratorium” to be mailed to Duke Energy, 9700 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262-2363, if eligibility is met.)
General Evictions: (June 29, 2021) Eviction proceedings can and are taking place in Mecklenburg County. However, the federal government, through the Center for Disease Control (CDC), has extended its temporary halt on evictions through July 30, 2021 to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The CDC has announced it will not extend the federal moratorium after July. Under the order, landlords and property owners are prohibited from evicting certain tenants impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about the order and qualifications here.
Evictions from hotels/motels: (April 3, 2020) N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein is protecting residents who live in hotels or motels as their primary residence from being evicted by reminding businesses that they need to follow the law by not allowing self-help remedies such as changing the locks in order to evict a tenant. Stein reminded businesses that trying to evict guests without a court order is a violation of N.C. landlord-tenant and consumer protection laws.
Things you should if you have an upcoming foreclosure hearing:
If you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac home loan, you should contact the attorney handling the foreclosure and tell them about the foreclosure protection through July 31, 2021. Plan to attend the hearing unless you are told it is being continued.
If you have a FHA , HUD, or USDA home loan, you should contact the attorney handling the foreclosure and tell them about the foreclosure protection through July 31, 2021. Plan to attend the hearing unless you are told it is being continued.
If you have requested a forbearance and get a hearing notice, contact the foreclosure attorney and let them know and tell the Court hearing officer that you have a forbearance.
If you have health issues, contact the Court and the attorney handling the foreclosure right away about continuing the hearing. You cannot enter the Courthouse with any COVID-related symptoms.
Contact Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s Consumer Protection Program with questions or concerns at 704-376-1600.
What to Know about Mortgages and Mortgage Relief: (June 29, 2021)
Pay Your Mortgage if You Can Afford It
Payments skipped will still become due. Depending upon your mortgage, you may not be
happy with the repayment options offered; in some cases you may have to pay a
large lump sum. Also, mortgage companies
will make a mistake when processing repayment plans – these errors can be very
difficult to fix.
If you Cannot Pay your Mortgage, there may be relief
available
Not all mortgages qualify for the same payment
relief. See below.
Requesting a Forbearance is better than letting your
loan go into default. Once in default,
other fees begin to accumulate on the account.
Under federal law, the foreclosure process
cannot start until you are more than 120 days past due. COVID forbearances/moratoriums may extend
that time for certain mortgages.
“Federally-backed” mortgages have certain rights under
the federal CARES Act
What Loans Are Federally Backed?
FHA/HUD mortgages and HECM Reverse Mortgages
For
FHA loans, that may be indicated on your
mortgage statement. Or, check the first page of your closing documents from
when you bought the house (HUD-1 statement).
A list of federal loan agencies, their
policies, and contact information is here
What rights do homeowners with “federally-backed”
mortgages have?
First, your lender or loan servicer may not foreclose on you until at least July 31, 2021 if you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage and July 31, 2021 if you have a USDA, FHA or HUD Mortgage. The CARES Act and guidance from Fannie/Freddie and FHA prohibit mortgage companies from beginning a foreclosure, or from finalizing a foreclosure judgment or sale. This protection began on March 18, 2020. CFPB link
Federally-backed mortgage companies must provide a Forbearance, if requested, due to financial hardship experienced during the COVID-19 emergency period. You should not have to provide additional documents other than the request affirming your hardship.
Forbearance plans provide borrowers with payment relief for up to 12-months and suspend borrower late charges and penalties. It also suspends reporting to credit bureaus of past due payments of borrowers who are in a forbearance plan as a result of COVID-19 hardships..
You are eligible even if your loan was delinquent before the COVID emergency. If you have experienced a hardship during the COVID emergency, the forbearance should be granted once requested.
All forbearance payments will have to be paid back. Do not ask for one if you do not need one.
A forbearance must be granted up to 180 days. Then a borrower can request another 180 days.
Additional assistance available to homeowners
with “federally backed” mortgages:
Through its Disaster Response Network, Fannie Mae also offers additional
help to homeowners with a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage,, including:
A needs assessment and
personalized recovery plan;
Help requesting financial
relief from insurance, servicers, and other sources; and
Web resources and ongoing
guidance from experienced disaster relief advisors
Homeowners can find out if they have a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage
and access to the Disaster Response Network here.
What if I don’t have a federally-backed mortgage but
still have a financial hardship?
Contact your mortgage company as soon as
possible. Many private mortgage
companies are also granting forbearances.
Try by phone, or on the online website if you cannot get through.
Make sure you ask about and understand the
repayment options at the end of the forbearance. Ask that it be sent to you in writing.
Ask for assistance in writing about the
repayment and loss mitigation options available to you if you do not have a
federally-backed mortgage.
Contact a free HUD-housing Counselor. Never pay up front for mortgage
assistance. Make sure any housing
counselor is HUD-certified here: HUD free
counselors and info
What about property taxes and homeowner’s insurance?
If your account is escrowed (meaning the taxes and insurance are paid through your mortgage payment, the mortgage company should continue to pay them during the forbearance.
Borrowers who do not have an escrow account should continue to pay their property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and other home-related items directly, if possible.
Problems with COVID Forbearances or other mortgage company
issues
Borrowers who believe they have been improperly denied a forbearance or have other problems with their servicer should submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau using its complaint portal.
Borrower’s whose mortgage companies are regulated by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks can file a complaint here NCCOB complaint
The Mecklenburg County courthouse is open at a limited capacity and undertaking COVID-19 restriction.
Superior and District Court In-Person Proceedings Postponed: (December 14th) Chief Justice Cheri Beasley announced that beginning Monday, December 14th, all non-essential, in-person superior court and district court proceedings will be postponed for 30 days and will be rescheduled no sooner than January 14th, 2021, (e.g. foreclosures) unless:
the proceeding will be conducted remotely;
the proceeding is necessary to preserve the right to due process of law (e.g., a first appearance or bond hearing, the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant, a probation hearing, a probable cause hearing, etc.);
the proceeding is for the purpose of obtaining emergency relief (e.g., a domestic violence protection order, temporary restraining order, juvenile custody order, judicial consent to juvenile medical treatment order, civil commitment order, etc.)
the senior resident superior court judge, chief business court judge, or chief district court judge determines that the proceeding can be conducted under conditions that protect the health and safety of all participants.
Learn more about the order here. Individuals should also look at their local court orders for further clarity. Counties are handling reopening and dockets differently; for example, some counties are deciding on a week-to-week basis whether to hear eviction proceedings.
Jury trials in Mecklenburg County will resume the week of November 16th. You should have received updated court dates or jury summons if applicable to your situation.
Mecklenburg County Courts will implement safety protocols to restrict the number of courts operating and the number of occupants in the courtrooms. Such protocols are necessary to ensure the safety of court personnel, court partners and the public.
Court docket sizes will be significantly reduced and Court partners and litigants should expect some delay in the scheduling of court matters.”
(April 3) N.C. Chief Justice Cherie Beasley issued an order postponing court cases to June 1.
Exceptions include:
Domestic violence hearings for protective orders
If the proceeding can be conducted remotely
Cases where there is a constitutional or statutory right to an immediate hearing.
(March 16) North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cherie Beasley directed local courts to postpone most cases in district and superior court for at least 30 days beginning March 17, 2020. Exceptions include:
Domestic violence hearings for protective orders
Cases with trials already in progress
Cases where there is a constitutional or statutory right to an immediate hearing.
Updated Mecklenburg County Courthouse Operations Schedule: (March 26) EnglishEspañol
CATS Service: (March 25) CATS will make modifications to transit service to accommodate the current demand. By operating modified service, CATS will continue providing the community access to essential daily needs, front-line jobs and medical services. These changes are effective until further notice. Read more.
Unemployment Insurance Executive Order: (March 17) N.C. Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to expand unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19. The order lifts some restrictions on unemployment benefits to help workers unemployed due to COVID-19 and those who are employed but will not receive a paycheck. Additionally, it adds benefit eligibility for those out of work because they have the virus or must care for someone who is sick.
For example, workers who lose income due to tips or scheduled work hours, but are still employed, would be eligible for benefits because of this Executive Order. Among other changes:
It removes the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment payment for those workers who lose their jobs;
It removes the requirement that a person must be actively looking for another job during this time when many potential employers are closed and social distancing guidelines are in effect. However, this work requirement was reinstated for those who initially apply for unemployment after March 14th, 2021
It allows employees who lose their jobs or, in certain cases have their hours reduced due to Covid-19 to apply for unemployment benefits.
It directs that employers will not be held responsible for benefits paid as a direct result of these COVID-19 claims.
It waives the requirement that people must apply for benefits in person; workers can apply for benefits online or by phone.
Mecklenburg Clerk of Court Adjusts Hours: (March 16) The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office will reduce hours of operation and staff availability. They will be open to the public Monday through Friday, between 9 am and noon. This scheduled change will be in effect for at least the next 30 days. Read more.
COVID-19 Updates: Healthcare Access and Public Benefits
Posted on
Updated March 11, 2021 original post May 27th, 2020
Healthcare Access and Public Benefits
From our Family Support & Health Care team: Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s Family Support and Health Care team is working to ensure family stability through fair access to vital healthcare and public services during this period of uncertainty.
We are particularly focused on the most vulnerable groups in our community who often do not have access to these services: children, seniors, people living with disabilities, immigrants and their families. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is monitoring the situation to make sure residents continue to have uninterrupted access to benefits and healthcare during the COVID-19 outbreak. Anyone experiencing issues should contact us by calling 704-376-1600.
The open enrollment period for health insurance through the Marketplace has ended but Health Insurance Navigator Services still available by phone: The Advocacy Center’s Health Insurance Navigators are still available for phone appointments to help consumers understand their health coverage options and assist them with the following:
Marketplace applications (Affordable Care Act)
Medicaid applications
Food Stamp (SNAP) applications
Marketplace appeals
Medicaid denials/terminations
Issues accessing care through private insurance or Medicaid
Navigators can help people complete their applications online by phone.
To schedule a FREE appointment:
go online to ncnavigator.net, Local navigator appointments are available online under zip code 28204 listed as “Phone Appointment with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.”
call the statewide appointments hotline 1-855-733-3711,
call our new Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Navigator direct line at 980-256-3782.
Navigators are also available to assist clients needing to communicate with Mecklenburg County DSS to help them address with any barriers they may be experiencing regarding access to healthcare or food stamps.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Biden administration has announced a new 3-month Special Open Enrollment Period ending May 15, 2021. First-time consumers or individuals who have lost their health coverage can enroll in a plan during this time, and existing consumers can switch plans if they want to. Read more and seek assistance here.
Individuals interested in applying for Medicaid can do so all year.
While our government and healthcare systems are expanding access to testing for the uninsured, enrollment in a Marketplace plan can cover any additional associated costs such as a hospitalization and provide peace of mind for consumers during this tense time.
Access to Medicaid during COVID-19: (last updated December 2020)
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, states must NOT terminate Medicaid eligibility except for:
if the beneficiary is no longer a resident of the state (including those who are deceased).
if the beneficiary voluntarily requests termination of Medicaid benefits.
North Carolina County Departments of Social Services must accept self-attestation for all eligibility criteria except citizenship and immigration status, when documentation and/or electronic sources are not available.
Individuals who must pay an enrollment fee for NC Health Choice or an enrollment fee and/or premium for Health Care for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) will be exempt from that requirement until further notice.
N.C. Medicaid Program expands access to telemedicine: (last updated December 2020) In March, N.C. Medicaid temporarily modified its Telemedicine and Telepsychiatry Clinical Coverage Policies to better enable the delivery of remote care to Medicaid beneficiaries. In addition to telephone conversations and secure electronic messaging, the modifications included the use of two-way real-time interactive audio and video to provide and support physical and behavioral health care when participants are in different physical locations. These changes will remain in effect until the North Carolina State of Emergency is declared to be over or when the policy is rescinded.
Read more about the policies here, and find helpful information for Medicaid beneficiaries, including an introduction to telehealth, a checklist for telehealth appointments, and information on internet access and telehealth, and information on telehealth for specific health needs or conditions, here.
N.C. requests waivers for Medicaid program: (Last Updated December 2020)
In March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved NC’s 1135 waiver request to allow for more flexibility in providing healthcare access, such as:
providing services in alternative settings;
extending the amount of time individuals have to request a Medicaid fair hearing for fee-for-service eligibility and service appeal requests;
temporarily suspending prior authorization requirements for medically necessary services provided through the fee-for-service delivery system, and
faster application and enrollment processes for health care professionals to provide care to Medicaid beneficiaries.
These 1135 waivers will remain in effect until the end of the federal Public Health Emergency. Read more about the waivers here and here.
In March, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services requested other waivers from the federal government to ensure uninterrupted services for the state’s Medicaid beneficiaries. The waiver request includes measure to:
streamline the enrollment process;
waive limits on access to hospital beds and lengths of stay in the hospital, and
waive restrictions to expand alternatives to institutionalized care, such as in-home care services
Medicaid for patients with breast and cervical cancer: Effective October 1, 2020 access to Medicaid coverage for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer has been greatly expanded! (See Medicaid bulletin here.) Note that women diagnosed since July 1, 2020 are eligible under this new policy. If you have any questions about the changes, are interested in a brief presentation for staff/patients/clients on the updated coverage, or experience any problems accessing Medicaid for these women, please contact our office at (980) 202-7361.
Access to healthcare for immigrants and their families: (Updated Dec. 2020)
According to the National Immigration Law Center, our national partner:
The Families First Act provides additional funding to pay for coronavirus testing for anyone who is uninsured. The funding will pay for testing at community health centers, outpatient clinics, and doctors’ offices.
The CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provided additional funding to support testing and treatment for the uninsured through a program administered by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).
Immigrants can continue to access services at community health centers, regardless of their immigration status, and at a reduced cost or free of charge depending on their income. However, people should call first to find out the availability of COVID-19 screening and testing. Health centers may do patient assessments over the phone or using telehealth.
Eligibility for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces has not changed.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently posted an alert clarifying that it will not consider testing, treatment, or preventive care (including vaccines if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 in a public charge inadmissibility determination, even if the health care services are covered by Medicaid.
Changes to N.C. food stamps in NC: (Updated Jan. 2021)
From January 1st, 2021 through September 30th, 2021, the maximum monthly food stamp benefit will be increased by 15% for all household sizes. Additionally, throughout the pandemic, North Carolina has been providing a monthly supplement of food stamps to families who are not receiving the maximum monthly allotment for a household of their size so that all families receive this maximum (for January through September of 2021, families will receive a supplement up to the increased household maximum). We hope NC will continue to request this monthly supplement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as families’ access to food is still dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Carolina has made other changes to the food stamps program in response to COVID-19. For example, households receiving food stamps with 6-month certification periods that end between November 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021 will be automatically extended for 6 months. Households with application or recertification dates through January 31, 2021 to sign their food stamps application over the phone. North Carolina also received approval to extend waivers that suspend collection of all food stamps and Work First overpayments, that provide alternative procedures for conducting Administrative Disqualification Hearings by phone and extend the timeframe for the full ADH process, and that extend the timeframe of the fair hearing process. These waivers expire on January 31, 2021, however the option to conduct ADH hearings by phone has been accepted as a permanent change and will not expire.
Families also can now use EBT benefits to purchase groceries online at five retailers: Aldi’s, Food Lion (via Instacart), Carli C’s, Walmart, and Amazon. EBT cannot be used for service or delivery fees and a second payment method must be used.
Pandemic EBT
In the Spring, North Carolina was approved to provide Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to children who would have had access to free or reduced-price meals at school, but their schools were closed due to COVID-19. P-EBT was provided to children in August and September of the 2020-21 school year as well, with slightly different eligibility factors.
The American Rescue Plan signed by President Biden allows states to continue the Pandemic-EBT (PEBT) program through summer for families with children who qualify for free and reduced meals in school. The program gives families financial assistance to replace the meals the kids would have received if schools had not been closed due to COVID-19.
The COVID-19 relief bill passed Dec. 22nd by congress improved P-EBT benefits for school age children and extends these benefits to children younger than age six. We are awaiting North Carolina’s state plan to better understand how eligibility will be determined for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
Mecklenburg County DSS offices closed to the public: (Last updated Dec. 2020)
As of March 18, Mecklenburg County closed its Department of Social Services (DSS) offices to the public and has been conducting all business via telephone and mail. You can contact Customer Connection, the DSS Call Center, at 704-336-3000 for assistance including: to request applications for DSS services, check the status of your case, obtain information or referrals to DSS or community programs, notify DSS of a change in your situation, or request a replacement Medicaid card.
At Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s urging, DSS has agreed to honor the date of phone calls as date of application for applicants, to not terminate benefits missed deadlines, to allow late appeals, and to post clear signage in front of their buildings outlining this information.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is monitoring the situation to make sure residents continue to have uninterrupted access to benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak. Anyone experiencing issues should contact us at 704-376-1600.
Social Security office remains closed to the public (last updated December 2020)
Since March 17, 2020, all local Social Security Administration offices have been closed to the public. To reach Social Security, you can call toll free to 800-772-1213.
