Georgia Work Credit Coalition Focusing on Information, Resources To Help Families Make Ends Meet

The current COVID-19 crisis has caused many of us – as individuals and organizations – to shift and refocus our work. The same is true for the Georgia Work Credit coalition. Based on feedback from advocate partners, we will be using this platform to share critical resources needed in this moment focused on the very families and individuals that would benefit from a Georgia Work Credit. The COVID-19 public health crisis is quickly turning into an economic crisis, hitting low-income families hard. In this moment we must band together to prioritize polices and supports to deliver emergency relief to families impacted by the pandemic. While the EITC is an incredibly important policy that benefits millions of Georgians, it has its limitations as a tool in the moment of crisis as we are in now. We fully plan to raise the Georgia Work Credit as a critical part of any economic recovery package once the legislature reconvenes later this year. But in the meantime, we want to be responsive and use this moment to build community to meet the needs of our fellow Georgians.

Recovery Checks Hitting Bank Accounts

Economic Impact Payments, known as “recovery rebates,” have started to hit the bank accounts of Georgians. Those who filed taxes in 2018 and 2019 are eligible. In addition, if you did not file your taxes because you don’t have an earned income, you can still file a simple return through July 15 and be eligible to receive a payment in most cases. The Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department launched a new online application that allows workers who did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return to provide the information required to receive their Economic Impact Payment. For information, please visit: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments. Partners, we’re counting on you to help us spread the word about the availability of these rebates so we can make sure they reach as many people as possible.

Unemployment Insurance Eligibility Expanded

Actions taken recently by the state of Georgia and changes made through the CARES Act significantly expand eligibility for unemployment insurance. This is a critical safety net as Georgia is recording record-setting unemployment claims each week since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute published a fact sheet outlining who qualifies, benefit amounts and duration that can serve as a great resource.

A full list of policy changes to benefit eligibility, community resources to locate food and more can be found here: https://gbpi.org/covid-19-georgia/