Information & Resources to Help Communities #LiveUnited During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Finding Help: Staying connected to coronavirus-related information and help that is available can be challenging – information is changing rapidly, families and businesses are struggling, and some of the traditional services aren’t operating. For the most up-to-date information on the State of Connecticut’s response, visit www.ct.gov/coronavirus. If you need help navigating available assistance, connecting with community-based programs, and just generally finding help, browse the topics below. If you’ve created and are signed into your My 211 Account, you can add helpful resources you find to a list, and then save it in your account to share via email, text, or link – or just refer back to when needed.
Giving Help: If you’ve landed on this page and you’re in a position to help others, that assistance is needed more than ever right now. There is a critical need for blood donations, monetary contributions, volunteers at food programs, and more. Please visit our Volunteers & Donations topic for more information on how to volunteer or contribute. There is also an urgent need for medical-related items like N95 respirators, masks, gloves, and more. If you have personal protective equipment you can donate, please provide that information at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19.
Let us Help: If researching and navigating all of this online is too much, pick up the phone and talk to one of our 2-1-1 contact specialists. Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-800-203-1224) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and press option ‘5’ to talk to someone who can help. We’re in this together. #LiveUnited
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is COVID-19?
- What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
- How is COVID-19 spread or transmitted?
- What can I do to protect myself from COVID-19?
- What should I do if I get sick with COVID-19?
- Do I need to see my provider to be tested for COVID-19?
- I am traveling soon, is it safe?
Financial Assistance – For Businesses
Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program: Connecticut businesses with less than 100 employees impacted by COVID-19 may apply for a one-year, no-interest loan of up to $75,000 through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). For more information and to apply, click here.
Federal Disaster Assistance Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. To apply, visit www.sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955.
Additional Help: DECD has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses navigate resources and develop new resources. The Business Emergency Response Unit can be reached at 860-500-2333.
Learn More: For additional assistance available to businesses, including tax information and other measures, visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Information-For/Business-Resources.
Financial Assistance – For Individuals & Families
Unemployment Insurance: Individuals unemployed due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits, even if they would not normally be eligible. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. To file a claim, visit www.filectui.com and click the blue button. For faster claim processing, individuals should try and obtain a return-to-work date from the employer, as well as the employer’s registration number (if not available, enter 99-999-95) , and answer ‘YES’ to the question about whether there is a definite return to work date. If there is not a definite date, filers should enter 04/15/2020. For a comprehensive guide to unemployment benefits, visit http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF. Don’t have access to file a claim online? Can a family member, friend, or neighbor help? If not, the social services department at your city or town may be able to assist. To find the contact information for social services in your town, click here, enter your zip code or town, and press 🔎.
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA): Low-income families residing in Connecticut with children under age 18 may be eligible for Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) through the Department of Social Services (DSS). TFA is a time-limited cash assistance program that provides monthly cash for basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and employment assistance. Unsure if you are eligible for TFA? Complete the 2-1-1 Navigator at http://www.211navigator.com/. The DSS field offices are currently closed to the public, but individuals can apply for TFA online at connect.ct.gov or by calling the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-6-CONNECT.
Tax Assistance: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the deadline for filing until July 15, 2020. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus. Individuals who have not yet filed and may be eligible for a refund, should consider filing now. Filers of all incomes can complete their taxes online for free at www.myfreetaxes.com. Households with earnings less than $56,000 can also look to have their taxes filed for free by a trained volunteer through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Most VITA sites are currently closed, but some are still offering the service ‘virtually.’ For more information, visit https://uwc.211ct.org/taxhelp/.
Other State and Federal Benefit Programs: Individuals struggling financially are encouraged to check to see if they might be eligible for other state and federal benefits, which can help reduce a household’s monthly expenses. A quick way to get a sense of what benefits an individual may be eligible for is to complete the 2-1-1 Benefits Navigator at www.211navigator.com.
Insurance Grace Period: The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) is requesting all insurance companies that offer insurance coverage in Connecticut (health, life, auto, property, etc) to immediately provide customers with a 60-day grace period without interest or penalty to pay their insurance premiums. Callers with additional questions can call the CID Consumer Helpline at 800-203-3447.
Having Trouble Paying the Bills? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has helpful tips for households on how they can protect themselves financially from the impact of COVID-19, including suggestions about contacting lenders and service providers proactively. Click here to review the tips.
Legal Assistance: Individuals seeking legal information can visit https://ctlawhelp.org/en/coronavirus. If legal assistance is required, call Statewide Legal Services at 1-800-453-3320.
Learn More: 2-1-1 CT’s Topic Page
Housing
Evictions & Rental Assistance: As of 3/20/20, all eviction orders (called “executions”) issued by housing courts in CT have been suspended through May 1st. This means that a state marshal cannot serve an individual with an “execution” eviction order, physically remove them or their belongings from the apartment, or change the locks before May 1st. Landlords can still serve tenants with court papers and file a new eviction case, but the court is not holding hearings or trials right now, until further notice. Landlord can still serve tenants with a Notice to Quit. A Notice to Quit does not mean the tenant has to move by the date in the notice – it only means that if the individual does not move by that date, the landlord still has to file an eviction action. Individuals needing assistance can click here to find a program that helps with landlord/tenant issues. Rental Assistance: Programs that provide direct rental assistance are few (see list here) – individuals and families struggling to pay their rent should be sure to talk to their landlord about the situation. Individuals who live in public or subsidized housing should report a decrease in income immediately and ask to have the rent amount reduced. Households should also avail themselves of all the other benefit programs and basic needs assistance that is available (see the categories on this page for ‘Financial Assistance,’ ‘Food Assistance,’ and ‘Other Basic Needs.’
Foreclosures & Mortgage Assistance: All foreclosure sales previously scheduled to have occurred in Connecticut in April or May are rescheduled to June 6th, 2020. Homeowners who have been laid off or have lost income/work hours should contact their mortgage company about getting a forbearance on their mortgage. Single family homeowners with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac have a 60-day stay on foreclosures and evictions. And multifamily property owners with mortgages through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac will be granted a 60-day forbearance with the condition that they suspend all evictions for renters unable to pay rent. Additionally, as of 3/18/20, single-family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages are protected from foreclosure for 60 days. Homeowners in need of additional mortgage counseling and assistance can visit 211ct.org (enter the zip code/town and press 🔎) to find a program that can help.
Shelter: Anyone in Connecticut who is in immediate need of shelter should dial 2-1-1 for shelter options. Shelter providers and partners are taking steps to protect the health of residents and staff. A resource guide for shelter providers can be found here.
Section 8 and RAP Vouchers: All proposed terminations and hearings on terminations of Section 8 or RAP certificates were put on hold for at least 60 days as of 3/19/20. Program participants experiencing a decrease in income should have the income change processed immediately and without a letter from the employer.
Legal Assistance: Statewide Legal Services is available at 1-800-453-3320.
Learn More: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Information-For/Homeowners-and-Renters; https://www.ctfairhousing.org/
Coverage for COVID-19 Testing & Treatment: There is no cost to be tested for COVID-19. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act guarantees all Americans can receive free coronavirus testing. This includes those with private insurance, government insurance (Medicare, Medicare Advantage, HUSKY (Medicaid & CHIP), VA, FEHBP, and TRICARE), and even those with no insurance. Connecticut residents on Medicaid can also receive free treatment for COVID-19. Immigration Concerns? Undocumented individuals can seek medical care and testing for COVID-19 without fear of public charge – these services will not be considered when making public charge determinations.
Health Insurance – HUSKY : HUSKY is Connecticut’s Medicaid program for low-income children, parents, pregnant women, and single adults. There is also a part of the program that covers children at higher incomes. HUSKY provides access to a comprehensive set of medical services. Unsure if you are eligible for HUSKY? Complete the 2-1-1 Navigator at http://www.211navigator.com/. The DSS field offices are currently closed to the public, but individuals can apply for HUSKY online at connect.ct.gov or by calling the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-6-CONNECT.
Health Insurance – Access Health CT (Special Enrollment Period): Access Health CT is Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace to connect uninsured individuals who are not eligible for HUSKY to other health insurance plans, which may be subsidized based on the household income. Individuals can apply online at www.accesshealthct.com or by dialing 855-805-4325. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to threaten public health, Access Health CT announced a NEW Special Enrollment Period for these exceptional circumstances available from March 19 through April 2, 2020 for qualified uninsured Connecticut residents. To see if you quality, contact Access Health between 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday or visit https://learn.accesshealthct.com/.
Don’t Have a Doctor? Individuals without a physician who need to consult with or seek treatment from a healthcare provider can try and make an appointment with an urgent care center or a community clinic. A list of community clinics is available on 211ct.org (enter the zip code/town and press 🔎). There are also several COVID-specific hospital hotlines available that are staffed by clinicians – these are good resources for individuals without a doctor or who cannot reach their doctor. Click here for the list of medical hotlines. And individuals with insurance can also contact their insurance company for assistance finding a provider and to speak with a nurse hotline. CT HUSKY members can call 1-800-859-9889. Contact information for some of the commercial carriers can be found here.
Learn More: 2-1-1’s Coronavirus Healthcare Topic Page
Food & Nutrition
Home Delivered Meals: Individuals who are homebound can click here to see if there is a program in their area that provides home delivered meals. Individuals should review the eligibility criteria listed for each program, as many have specific requirements such as age, disability, or residency. Also, the Elderly Nutrition Program that typically provides meals to individuals age 60 and older in community cafe settings, may also provide home delivered meals. To locate a community cafe program for older adults and inquire about home delivery, click here, enter your zip code or town, and press 🔎. Individuals who aren’t homebound, but want to promote social distancing, may want to pursue the delivery and/or curbside pick=up options through the major grocery and big box retailers like Stop & Shop, Walmart, Target, and others.
Food Distribution: Individuals struggling to afford groceries can obtain free food items from local food pantries. Soup kitchens, which typically provide meals at no-cost, are mostly providing grab-and-go food options during this time and can also be a good option for those who need grocery items. To find a food pantry or soup kitchen, click here, enter the zip code or town where you are seeking help, and press 🔎. Note: Please call ahead to confirm hours as many programs have modified hours due to COVID-19. Food is also distributed by the state’s two food banks via a mobile truck at various locations across the state:
- Mobile Foodshare: A pantry-on-wheels that brings fresh produce and other food to community sites throughout Hartford and Tolland counties. The schedule can be viewed here. Individuals can also call 860-856-4321 for the schedule or text FOODSHARE to 85511.
- CT Food Bank: Mobile food pantry schedule can be viewed here.
School Meals: Many school districts are continuing to provide meal service during extended school closures due to COVID-19. Visit the State Department of Education (SDE) (https://portal.ct.gov/sde) and use the links in the banner to determine which districts are providing food just to students and which are providing emergency meals for the community. For more information and links to view the distribution sites for some of the larger cities and towns, click here.
Benefit Programs: Nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps) and the Women, Infant and Children’s Program (WIC) provide eligible individuals and families with money to purchase food. Unsure if you are eligible for SNAP or WIC? Complete the 2-1-1 Navigator at http://www.211navigator.com/. SNAP applications are processed by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The DSS field offices are currently closed to the public, but individuals can apply for SNAP online at connect.ct.gov and can also receive assistance applying by contacting End Hunger CT! at 866-974-7627. To apply for WIC, click here to find a program in your area and call to see how they are handling applications during the pandemic.
Other Options: Town social service departments are a good option for individuals who can’t locate a program or service to meet their food needs. To find the contact information for social services in your town, click here, enter your zip code or town, and press 🔎.
Learn More: 2-1-1’s Coronavirus Food Access Topic Page
Transportation, Utilities & Other Basic Needs
Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults: Many towns have transportation programs for disabled individuals, as well as older adults, that are available at a low-cost. To find these programs in your area, visit 211ct.org, enter the zip code/town, and press 🔎. Note: These programs may have suspended or changed operations due to coronavirus. Please call to confirm service details.
Medical Transportation: HUSKY A, HUSKY C, and HUSKY D members can contact Veyo at 1-855-478-7350 to arrange transportation. Please note that if an individual has COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, VEYO will not provide transportation. Individuals who do not have HUSKY can visit 211ct.org (enter the zip code/town, and press 🔎) to find other medical transportation programs.
Heating & Utility Assistance: The CT Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has issued an emergency moratorium on electric, natural gas, and water utility shut-offs in response to the pandemic. Individuals at risk of shut-off should contact their utility company and reference the coronavirus moratorium. Additionally, there have been state emergency orders suspending utility late fees, waiving fees/deposits for utility connection even for those previously disconnected, and requiring payment arrangements for businesses and nonprofits. Payment Assistance: Programs like the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Operation Fuel, and private fuel banks can assist eligible households with their heating and utility bills. These programs are not currently doing applications in-person, but are still accepting applications in different ways. Use the following links to find programs for each specific utility need: Electric, Natural Gas, Heating Fuel (oil, propane, kerosene), Water.
Child Care: The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) recommends that families in need of child care options take these steps: 1) Explore options of family members, friends, neighbors for care, and 2) Contact 2-1-1 Child Care at 1-800-505-1000 for information about child care centers that remain open in their area. Child care expense assistance is available through the Care 4 Kids program. Families must be income-eligible in order to receive Care 4 Kids and can complete a brief eligibility screening tool at https://www.ctcare4kids.com/apply/ to see if they might qualify.
Diapers: A list of programs that provides diapers to families in need can be accessed here at 211ct.org (enter the zip code/town, and press 🔎).
Phone & Internet: Programs that offer free or low-cost cell phones and internet service to eligible individuals can be found here. And information on special accommodations that the major cell phone and internet providers are making for their clients can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Information-For/Internet-Access.
Employment: Although many businesses are temporarily closed to promote social distancing, there are other ‘essential’ industries that are still hiring. To connect with programs that can assist with job finding, view the list on 211ct.org (enter the zip code/town, and press 🔎). Please note that the physical locations of the American Job Centers and many of the other programs are currently closed; however, many services are still being offered via telephone. The cthires.com website is a good resource for searching online for employment opportunities.
Other Important Resources: Individuals who are struggling to find programs to meet their basic needs can also contact their town and local community action agency for assistance. Click here for contacts at the towns and cities, and here for a list of community action agencies – remember to enter the zip code/town, and then press 🔎.
Learn More: The 2-1-1 HealthyLives Navigator is a brief screening tool that assess for several social needs, produces a list of community programs to address those needs, and can be saved to a user’s My 211 Account. The screener is available at https://www.211ct.org/assessments/1.
Emotional & Family Support
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): The Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990) provides immediate crisis counseling and help to individuals nationwide who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of a natural or man-made disaster, or incidents of mass violence. The Helpline is available 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. The Helpline connects callers to professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. Individuals can call or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746. Other Talklines: For a list of other talklines/helplines that are available to individuals needing support, click here.
Mobile Crisis Intervention for Youth (MCI): MCI services for youth delivers a range of crisis response services to children and adults. MCI clinicians have mostly stopped going out and doing mobile visits with youth due to COVID-19. However, they are still available for telephonic intervention and support. To access MCI services for youth, dial 2-1-1 anytime of day to be connected. For a list of the MCI programs that serve both adults and youth, view it here on 211ct.org.
AARP Community Connections: Feeling socially isolated? Older adults can request a phone call from an AARP volunteer, Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM EDT by leaving their information at 1-888-281-0145 or submitting a request online here. Community Connections also has a website for older adults to connect with a mutual aid group in their community. Mutual aid groups are informal groups of volunteers that band together to find effective ways to support those people most in need who live in their local community. Mutual aid can include picking up groceries, providing financial assistance, or lending emotional support to neighbors. Visit https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/ to search for a group in your area.
Stay Connected – Phone or online support: The CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has a guide of telephonic and online ways for individuals to get support and stay connected. The one-page guide is available here.
Learn More: 2-1-1’s Coronavirus Mental Health Topic Page
