Covid-19 is happening, but there's help (and hope!)

The past few weeks have been stressful, to say the least. In addition to health concerns, a lot of us are freelancers, self-employed, 1099 workers (or some combination of the above), and many of us have lost clients and projects to the pandemic.

Even though things are uncertain, please know that help (and hope!) are available:

Freelancers get unemployment

Unemployment for people who are self-employed or 1099 employees will be provided through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This extends unemployment benefits to independent contractors and freelance workers not typically covered by unemployment insurance. File at the applicable link:
[OHIO] [KENTUCKY] [INDIANA]

This calculator can help you determine how much to expect.

Addendum: If the system denies you, Kentucky’s unemployment office says self-employed workers should fill out the online forms anyway, and the state government will "fix the issue at the back end" when the federal money comes through.

Everyone gets a check

The Federal government is sending direct one-time payments to individual taxpayers. Payments are capped at $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples and $500 for each child in a family. These payments are based on your income and only eligible for those making less than $99,000 (or $198,000 for married couples).

The payment is based on your most recent tax filing (2018 or 2019 if you already filed this year) and will be deposited directly into the same banking account you used when you filed. [MORE INFO]

This calculator will estimate how much you can expect.

You can apply for a loan

Sole proprietors are eligible for an Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) up to $200,000. EIDLS can be approved by the SBA based solely on your credit score (not repayment ability and no tax return is required). Small business owners are also eligible to apply for a loan advance of up to $10,000, which may not need to be paid back. This checklist will help you determine if you’re eligible. [APPLY FOR A LOAN]

As of April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to cover commissions, income, or net earnings from self-employment, rent, and utilities through existing SBA lenders. Visit www.sba.gov to find eligible SBA lenders.

Ohio’s Office of Small Business Relief was created to help guide people thorough the process.

You can apply for a relief grant

The Freelancers Relief Fund will provide grants to freelancers experiencing economic hardship or health crisis as a result of COVID-19. [APPLY FOR FUNDING]

Support Creatives has created an Emergency Beauty Support Program to offer grants to Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists. [LEARN MORE]

You can get paid sick leave

The federal government signed a bill that extends paid sick leave and paid family leave to small business owners and freelancers by allowing losses due to COVID-19 to be claimed as a credit on your taxes. [SICK LEAVE DETAILS]