Financial Hardship

July 27, 2021

Resources Available in Silver City/Grant County during COVID-19 (food, utilities, shelter, medical, etc)

These flyers (English) are for printed distribution to agencies and clients, and list resources of all kinds — community food support, shelter and utility assistance, options for transportation.

There are also medical contacts (including the VA, HMS, Family Support Services, and more) and resources listed for Counseling & Support (including sexual assault, mental health, suicide prevention and others).

There are websites listed that can offer more information on diverse subjects, including COVID-19 updates.

And there are specific descriptions detailing how to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as how to get tested.

So please share these flyers (English, Spanish) with all who might make use of them!

July 23, 2021

Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy Workshop

The New Mexico State Bar is holding a consumer debt/bankruptcy workshop from 6-8 p.m. July 28, via video and teleconference.

At the workshop, an attorney will give a group presentation on bankruptcy, according to a news release. After the presentation, a one-on-one free consultation will be given by phone to people who register in advance. Call 505-797-6094 to register.

2021BankruptcyWorkshop flyer Download

July 23, 2021

Financial Resources for New Mexicans During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Recovery

The pandemic and economic crisis have created financial hardships for many New Mexicans. Many families have had difficulty accessing the financial resources available to help meet basic needs. In response, we have created the Financial Resource Guide During COVID-19.

The guide is a comprehensive source of information about assistance—and New Mexicans’ rights to access it—available across the state now and in the future.

The guide includes information about programs funded through federal legislation like the American Recovery Plan Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, as well as long-standing state and local programs that can help families with food, housing, healthcare, child care, and more.

Access the resource guide here: http://nmpovertylaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NMCLP-COVID-Guide.pdf

June 8, 2021

NM Homeowners Facing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19 Can Apply to New State Program

The New Mexico Homeowner Assistance Fund provides emergency housing grants to income-eligible households experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 health crisis.

These grants are to fund mortgage  payments equal to the amount of the monthly cost made on behalf of income-eligible applicants up to $10,000 per household, to maintain housing and/or to reduce housing cost delinquency associated with the COVID-19 health crisis. Some mobile/manufactured home lot rental payments may also be covered. 

Applicants still experiencing hardship that did not receive the household maximum of $10,000 on their initial funding request, may be eligible to reapply for additional assistance after their initial award. Eligibility to apply for additional assistance does not guarantee approval. Requests are processed in the order received and must be received before the pilot program end date of November 5, 2021. Requests are funded in the order received depending on the availability of funding.

MFA will pay your housing payments directly to your mortgage or loan servicer, escrow company or other housing provider. The assistance does not have to be repaid.

Click here to view Homeowner Assistance Fund income limits

Applications are now being accepted.

Click here to apply

To request that a paper application be mailed to you, call  505.308.4206 or 866.488.0498.

Source: https://housingnm.org/static/homeowner-assistance-fund

April 29, 2021

Help with Internet Expenses — the Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Ben efit is an FCC program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Beginning on May 12 households can apply in three ways:

Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:

Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742

For more information, check this website: https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

April 12, 2021

Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) Update

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is assistance available to those who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits. As relates to that need, the NM Dept of Workforce Solutions will open applications for Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) starting Wed, March 10.

Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) provides $100 in extra benefit to individuals with at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment in the tax year prior to their initial unemployment insurance claim.

Note: Under the American Rescue Plan Act, the deadline for MEUC applications has been extended to the first week of September.

Source: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info

April 12, 2021

Senior Utility Assistance

Seniors 60+ in need of financial assistance may apply for this support, and may qualify if they do not exceed the 200% income threshold. Call the NM Aging and Long-term Services Department at 1-800-432-2080 to check eligibility.

April 12, 2021

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Available Now

The state of New Mexico will grant approximately $170M of federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in partnership with the City of Albuquerque. New Mexicans can apply for assistance at www.RentHelpNM.org beginning April 5, 2021.

Renters across the state are eligible for the program — except for residents of Bernalillo County, Dona Ana County, and those who live in a pueblo or tribal area. Those two counties, as well as tribal governments, will administer their own Rental Assistance Programs. Those seeking assistance should review the current FAQ at www.RentHelpNM.org to learn more about eligibility and documentation needed for their application.

The state of New Mexico will either pay the landlord and/or the utility provider directly depending on the financial assistance request by the applicant. Landlords and utility providers are encouraged to download a W9 and submit it to DFA via ERAVendor.Relations@state.nm.us as soon as possible to ensure a streamlined process for receiving payment.

For more information visit www.RentHelpNM.org

April 12, 2021

Free Weekly Credit Reports Until April 20, 2022

Three national credit reporting agencies are giving individuals access to monitor their credit report for free. Last year these agencies gave free weekly access to this benefit; now they’re extending it until April 20, 2022

Source: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/03/free-weekly-credit-reports-during-covid-extended-until-april-2022

March 31, 2021

CDC Issues Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed a declaration determining that the evictions of tenants could be detrimental to public health control measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, and has issued a temporary halt in residential evictions through June 30.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-eviction-declaration.html