COVID-19 Shutdown Affecting Those on Disability

Key Points of This Article: 

• People who are on disability may be especially concerned about the impact of COVID-19.
• The CARES Act includes those who receive disability payments.
• We’d like to share some free resources and safety tips for those with disabilities during the pandemic.

For people who are on disability, the nationwide COVID-19 shutdown is particularly concerning. What will happen to disability resources, income, and access during this global crisis?

To help those on disability in the Tampa Bay area, we’ve gathered some helpful information and resources. Please note that changing circumstances with COVID-19 and state and federal guidelines may impact the accuracy of some of this information.

The CARES Act and the COVID-19 Shutdown

As of early April 2020, the latest assistance from the federal government comes in the form of the CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus bill that serves as an emergency aid package for U.S. citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. CARES is intended to benefit people who have lost jobs, are unable to pay rent, and are otherwise affected by the fallout from the virus.

Generally speaking, taxpayers will receive $1,200 individually or $2,400 for joint filers plus $500 for each qualifying child. Those making up to $75,000 individually or $150,000 as joint filers will receive the full amount, and the amount is scaled down for those making more income.

Of course, if you’re on disability you may be wondering about your eligibility for CARES. According to the Treasury Department and the IRS, if you receive disability you are eligible to receive a CARES check as long as your income falls within the requirements.

Even if you did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 because you weren’t working, you are still eligible. The IRS will use the information from your normal disability payments to direct a check to you, meaning you will receive it either as a physical check or direct deposit depending on how you usually receive your disability payments.

COVID-19 Resources for Those on Disability

If you are in need of urgent resources related to your disability, we’d like to help you find them. Here is a list of resources you may find helpful during the COVID-19 crisis.

• Your Civil Rights as a Person With a Disability During COVID-19
• Protect Your Payments and Avoid Scams From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• CDC Advice for Those at Higher Risk of COVID-19
• Disaster Distress Helpline
• COVID-19 Medicare Page
• Plain-Language COVID-19 Resources for People With Developmental Disabilities
• Free Fact Sheets for Those With Disabilities
• Emergency Communication Tool for Nonverbal Communicators
• Communication Support for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• COVID-19 Guidance for Those With Paralysis
• COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Those With Chronic Conditions

Staying Safe From COVID-19

People with disabilities may be at increased risk of developing serious symptoms of COVID-19 due to its impact on the immune system and the possibility of underlying health conditions. Protect yourself and stay safe by following these tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Reduce your exposure by staying indoors and limiting interaction with anyone outside your immediate household.
• If you must leave the house for essential supplies like groceries, maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands as soon as possible afterward.
• The CDC now recommends wearing a cloth face-covering whenever you are in public.
• Follow your state’s COVID-19 regulations.

In addition, it’s important to self-monitor for early signs of COVID-19, like a loss of taste or smell, and seek immediate medical care if you develop serious symptoms like these:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion or lethargy
• Bluish lips or face
• Other symptoms related to your health situation as advised by your doctor

This global crisis is challenging for everyone, regardless of age or disability. If you are facing legal challenges with getting your disability payments, discrimination, or personal injuries related to this national health emergency, contact Kemp, Ruge & Green for a caring and compassionate discussion about your unique situation.

When Results Matter, Call Kemp, Ruge & Green of Tampa Bay

When you have legal questions, connect with a Tampa Bay lawyer. The attorneys at Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group handle many areas of personal injury law , including those related to COVID-19. We believe you should only have to work on getting well, while we worry about using the justice system to protect your rights. We give our clients the best possible results-driven service. You pay us only if we win in injury cases. Call 877-941-4878 today for a free consultation.