Soooo after seeing artists in the US worrying about how they’re going to be able to live during the pandemic, I decided to post some information that I’ve gathered along the way from friends and my brother who is a financial advisor.
For the stimulus check: As long as you make less than $75,000 a year you will receive the full amount of $1,200. The only downside is that if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return you will not receive funds. Your 2019 tax return will determine how much you receive so if you haven’t filed yet, you need to file immediately! If your 2019 return isn’t available then your 2018 return will be used. Please be advised: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A PHYSICAL CHECK! The stimulus will be direct deposited into your bank account: hence why you need to file a return.
Unemployment Benefits: Since the pandemic effects everyone, under the $2 trillion stimulus package the requirements to file and receive unemployment has been changed. If you are self employed you can file for unemployment under the new guidelines. Please see what is required to file as it varies from state to state, but the bottom line is: if you are self-employed, partially employed and/or unable to work due to the Coronavirus you will be eligible for unemployment.
Maintaining Unemployment Benefits: You will have to file a new claim every week, for Ohio I know it’s on Sunday, I would assume that every state has a similar rule. As part of receiving unemployment benefits, you must provide proof that you are seeking employment. Given the circumstances which make it impossible, you will receive an error message and be asked to provide a reason as to why you could not seek employment, write “temporary COVID-19 separation” and that will be good enough for the unemployment office.
I hope this helps and maybe clears some questions. Please be advised I don’t know the process of filing for unemployment but if you have questions, you can always call your local office. I do know from friends however that the wait is long and the website keeps crashing. Just keep trying! Please repost or share and if you’d like add a hashtag or tag your favorite fandom to help spread the word to fellow artists! Stay safe and stay healthy! We will get through this guys!
UPDATE!!! If you haven't filed a tax return with the IRS due to not receiving enough income, there is a way to receive the stimulus check. Please visit IRS.gov for information on how to file the appropriate paperwork and set up a payment option for your check.
