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    Ventura County COVID-19 essentials – From taxes to unemployment

    From Jacqui Irwin’s office:
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    We’re always here to answer questions, and together we can keep our community healthy. Follow us on social media for more frequent updates: we’re available on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram.
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    Dear Neighbor,
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    I know that COVID-19 is affecting many of you in unprecedented ways. We are grateful to our medical personnel, first responders, those harvesting our food, those working in grocery stores and other essential jobs, and everyone who is helping to save lives by practicing social distancing and following state and local guidelines. Below are some updates, helpful links, and important information regarding local, state, and federal services to answer FAQs that my office has been receiving:
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    Our Office Remains in Operation:
    While we are currently not taking in-person appointments, we have switched to digital availability for our office to help flatten the curve. Please know we are still here for you via phone at (805) 482-1904 or via our website instead.
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    There you can also access the Novel Coronavirus Information and Resources page for more information.
    Constituents residing in Ventura County should also refer to VC Emergency website for county-specific resources.
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    Braving the Economic Hit
    • Caring for an ill or quarantined family member? You may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).
    • Lost your job? Hours reduced? File an unemployment insurance claim with EDD. Self-employed individuals and independent contractors are now eligible.
    • Additionally, the State of California has launched OnwardCA a new platform connecting displaced California workers with more than 70,000 job opportunities in critical industries
    • If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness or got sick on the job, you may qualify for paid sick leave, Disability Insurance, or Workers Compensation.
    • Has your business been impacted? Get the help you need to take care of you and your employees.
    • The $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill, known as the CARES Act, will send money directly to tens of millions of Americans. Whether you are employed full time or part time, a gig worker, unemployed, or retired, you may be eligible for a recovery rebate. Get an estimate of how much money you may expect from your 2020 stimulus payment.

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    Updates for Homeowners and Renters
    Governor Newsom has issued an executive order authorizing local governments to halt evictions, slow foreclosures, and protect against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.
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    Eviction Moratorium
    The Governor has placed a temporary moratorium on evictions:
    • If a tenant has been affected by COVID-19, landlords cannot evict tenants for nonpayment over the next 60 days.
    • Tenants must declare hardship in writing, no more than 7 days after rent is due.
    • Tenants remain obligated to pay the full rent in a timely manner.
    • These protections apply immediately. For more information, view the Governor’s Executive Order..

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    Mortgages
    • Over 200 CA financial institutions have agreed to a 90-day pause on mortgage payments to those with proof of financial impact due to COVID-19. This includes Citi, US Bank, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan. Please, contact your mortgage servicer to opt-in before stopping payments. For a full list of institutions visit the California Department of Business Oversight website

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    Stay Home Order
    What businesses and organizations are exempt from the stay-home-order?
    Businesses and organizations that provide critical infrastructure for the state are exempted, including health care and public health, public safety, food and agriculture and media. See the full list of exempt sectors (PDF).
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    Additional Resources for Small Business Owners
    The Economic Development Collaborative Ventura County has compiled a list of resources available for employees and employers who have been impacted by COVID-19. This is an excellent resource for those who anticipate challenges with payroll, and employers seeking an alternative to layoffs. This COVID-19 Business Resource Guide will be updated as new resources become available.
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    California is providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19, including:

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    If you own a small business or run a private, non-profit organization and have been affected by the response to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a low-interest federal loan through programs operated by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses, including:
    To learn more about the relief options available for your business, visit the Small Business Administration website.
    The Paycheck Protection Loan Program allows small businesses to receive up to $10 million in government-backed loans from local lenders to cover payroll and other expenses like rent or mortgage payments. Businesses and non-profits that spend at least 75 percent of the loan to maintain comparable employee salaries for 8 weeks may have their loan balance forgiven.
    The SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million in assistance to cover a temporary loss of revenue. Bridge Loans and EIDL Emergency Advances can quickly provide needed cash flow to meet immediate expenses.
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    Taxes
    Both the IRS and the State of California have extended many tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals & businesses in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This new resource from the State of California Franchise Tax Board compares original deadlines with the extended dates.
    For more details regarding FTB COVID-19 tax relief, visit the Franchise Tax Board website and search COVID-19.
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    DMV Information
    DMV field offices have been temporarily closed to the public statewide beginning March 27. All appointments at this time have been canceled and no appointments are currently available. Please continue to check the DMV website for updates.
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    Essential services will continue by mail, through available online services, kiosks, virtually and other means. The DMV’s customer service centers will continue to operate during normal business hours at 1-800-777-0133 or connecting via the live chat feature on the DMV website.
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    Customers can complete vehicle title transfers and complex vehicle registration renewals by visiting the DMV’s Online Services. The DMV will gradually add more transactions to continue to provide alternatives to an in-person office visit.
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    Volunteering
    Every Californian can safely help their community during these difficult times by donating to a shelter or food bank, supporting nonprofits, donating blood, or performing a wellness check (by phone or text) on older neighbors. You can find out more on the California Volunteers website.
    Amid a shortage of personal protective equipment for medical workers due to COVID-19, my office locations are serving as donation drop-off sites for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.
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    If you have items you’d like to donate, please call (805) 482-1904 to schedule a weekday drop-off time. All supplies collected from donations will be distributed to local hospitals and essential medical facilities.
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    What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
    Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
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    As with any virus, the California Department of Public Health reminds everyone that there are a number of steps individuals can take to protect themselves and those around them:
    • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available). Discard tissue and wash your hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Elbow or fist bump one another instead of shaking hands or hugging
    • Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

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