PHOENIX — It finally appears there is a breakthrough in Congress, as both sides have agreed to a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill.
This relief package is less than half the size of the one that was passed in the spring, and it’s not quite as generous to those who are out of work or struggling to pay rent.
Here are three ways it may help everyday Arizonans:
- Stimulus checks are expected to hit mailboxes as early as next week. Arizonans making less than $75,000 a year will get $600. Couples making less than $150,000 will receive $1,200. Those will children will receive $600 for each child. That adds up to $2,400 for the average family of four.
- For those who are unemployed the deal also provides $300 a week in unemployment benefits, which is half of what was offered the first time around.
Remember, federal benefits are separate from state unemployment checks.
How and when federal unemployment checks will be issued is not known.
A spokesperson for the Department of Economic Security tells 12 News “a specific timeline for implementing any additional benefits will depend on the final passage of the legislation as well as final guidance… from the Department of Labor.”
- For renters who can’t keep up with monthly rent, there is $25 billion allocated to help them. Once that money is distributed to states, tenants can apply for aid through local programs. The deal also extends the eviction moratorium until January 31st.
COVID-19 News and Updates
Subscribe to the 12 News YouTube channel to receive notifications on the latest videos about the latest information on the coronavirus.