COVID-19 Update: CARES Act
April 8, 2020
To our valued customers,
We Are Here for You.
We want to thank you for continued support as we navigate these unprecedented times. Your patience, cooperation, and understanding has been greatly appreciated by our entire team. Please know we recognize and understand as we all get through this together, you will continue to have questions. And, as always, our Customer Care Team is standing by to help you, guide you through new digital banking services, or direct you to the right to team member for support through financial challenges you may be experiencing.
Economic Impact Relief Information.
The recently enacted “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (the CARES Act) has prompted many questions. The CARES Act’s estimated $2+ trillion price tag includes public health spending to confront the COVID-19 pandemic; immediate cash relief for individual citizens; a broad lending program for small businesses; and targeted relief for certain hard-hit industries.
Below is an overview of some of the provisions of the CARES Act that pertain to individuals.
Direct Economic Relief Payments.
How are payments calculated?
Under the plan, U.S. residents with a work eligible social security number will receive an Economic Impact Payment. Please keep in mind there are stipulations, such as payments to individuals who may still be claimed as dependents by their parents. The standard calculation structure is as follows:
- $1,200 per adult and $500 per child to individual filers earning less than $75,000.
- $1,200 per adult and $500 per child to joint filers earning less than $150,000.
- Lesser amounts to individual filers earning more than $75,000 and less than $99,000; and joint filers earning more than $150,000 and less than $198,000.
- No payment will be made to individuals earning more than $99,000 or joint filers earning more than $198,000.
Do I need to take action?
No, for most taxpayers, payments are automatic, and no further action is needed. This includes taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees.
- If you have a bank account on file with the IRS–for either direct deposit of a tax refund, or for Social Security benefits–it is anticipated you will receive your payment electronically within the coming weeks.
- If you do not receive Social Security benefits or elected to receive your tax refund by check and have not provided the IRS with a bank account, you will most likely receive a check by mail.
For security reasons, the IRS plans to mail a letter regarding payment to the taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days after the payment is made. The letter will provide information on how the payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment.
Additional information, updates, and to verify IRS communications, please visit www.irs.gov.
Unemployment Benefits.
What benefits were added?
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – a states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance was expanded for many workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment benefits.
How do I take advantage of these benefits?
Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
You should contact your state's unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
Business Relief Options.
Many states are offering financial relief to their small business owners. Please check your state for any programs currently being offered.
States Websites & Additional Resources (Click below to visit the agency’s website)
- Maryland COVID-19 Information for Businesses
- Maryland Chamber of Commerce
- Pennsylvania COVID-19 Information for Businesses
- Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce
- West Virginia COVID-19 Information for Businesses
- West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Preventing Fraud During These Challenging Times.
Fraudsters are increasing efforts during this time where communications are in abundance and interactions are more limited to digital channels. They have developed COVID-related scams to take advantage of consumers during this very challenging time - often posing as trusted organizations, such as: your bank, the IRS, the Small Business Administration, Medicare, the CDC, the American Red Cross, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or another government organization.
Tips to avoid fraud.
- MVB will never ask for your online-banking password, ATM PIN, etc. Additionally, unless you initiate the communication, financial institutions do not typically request your personal information through email, mail, text or phone.
- It is a best practice to never give out personal information in response to an unsolicited call, text, or email. Personal information can include, but is not limited to your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, date of birth, bank account number, or credit card information.
- Always remember to think twice before clicking on links, providing personal information, or sending money to anyone in any way.
- Be mindful of watching your accounts to be sure you've authorized every transaction.
- If you contact your financial institution, they may need to verify your identity but will not request your online banking passcodes or PIN.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about the current types of fraud, check out these helpful resources. (Click below to visit the agency’s website)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
If you have any questions regarding the topics and resources outlined above, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care Team or your relationship banker.
Thank you for choosing Middletown Valley Bank!
Sincerely,
Robert E. "BJ" Goetz