Federal Unemployment Programs Ending Soon

The federal unemployment extensions and supplemental payments enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic end on September 4, 2021. Fed-Ed, a separate federal program for states with high unemployment, will end on September 11.

My staff and paid interns have helped more than 2,000 residents of Assembly District 19 obtain unemployment benefits over the last 18 months. I know this will be a very tough time for many of our friends, family and neighbors. Fortunately, there are financial resources available for some individuals who are still unemployed:

• CalWORKs cash aid for people with dependent minors.
• General Assistance for indigent adults without dependent minors.
• CalFresh food assistance up to $234 a month.
• WIC food assistance for pregnant women, parents and foster parents with children less than 6 weeks old, and children less than 5 years.
• Free or low-cost health insurance through MediCal or Covered California.
• Up to $8,000 in state tax credits.
• Rental Assistance for people unable to pay rent due to unemployment.

Counties administer state-funded programs such as CalWORKS, General Assistance, CalFresh, WIC and MediCal. San Mateo County residents may apply for benefits here. San Francisco County residents may apply for benefits here. San Francisco also has its own rental assistance program and water rate reduction programs for San Francisco residents.

In addition, low-income energy and phone service reduced rate programs exist throughout the state.

Finally, some resources to help find a job:

• Job resources from EDD.
• State Health Corps for those with training.
• OnwardCA, a new site created during the pandemic.

As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I have worked hard in Sacramento to:

• Incentivize investments to create California jobs.
• Expand the social safety net.
• Support small businesses.
• Increase economic and educational opportunities for Californians.

I recognize the challenging times many of us have faced and may still face in the future. We continue to be our best when we work together and support each other as a community.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District

P.S. Join me for a Virtual Town Hall on Homelessness on August 31st at 5:00 pm. Click here for details.