Unemployed in NY? A survival kit for benefits, bills, evictions, mortgages, utilities, debts, help

Syracuse, N.Y. – Tens of thousands of people are suddenly out of work across the state, perhaps for the first time, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

That seismic change is scary. But know this: There is help.

The government has programs that help unemployed people in ordinary times – and New York and the federal government have implemented even more measures during this crisis. There are also key steps you can take now, even if you’re still employed, that can help weather the coming weeks, experts say:

  • Prioritize spending now with a new budget.
  • Stay put. Do not move out of your apartment or house.
  • Don’t raid your 401K or pile up debt on credit cards.

“Concentrate on your health,” says Amanda Pascall, a housing counselor with Home HeadQuarters in Syracuse. “Get on the internet and do some research.”

We did a lot of that for you. Here’s what you need to do and know about unemployment pay, food shelters, mortgage payments, rent and utilities:

Out of work? Apply for unemployment insurance

People who lose their jobs through no fault of their own can qualify for unemployment pay. You get it through the state’s Department of Labor. Apply here.

Both full-time and part-time workers are eligible, says Jim Williams, a managing attorney at Legal Services of Central New York. Whether you qualify – and how much you get – depends on how much you worked during the past 15 months, he said.

It’s OK if that work was at more than one job. It’s also OK, in some cases, if you didn’t work consistently during the 15 months. The maximum pay is $504 a week, and it lasts 26 weeks. (This could be extended, as it has been in past financial crises.)

Go to the Department of Labor’s benefit rate calculator webpage (labor.ny.gov/benefit-rate-calculator) and fill in your gross earnings for each of the calendar quarters listed. Gross earnings are your wages before taxes and other deductions. Then hit the “calculate” button.

The state has fast-tracked these applications. There are specific instructions for how to apply. Be patient. Lots of people are applying, and it can take a while to get through. “They’re doing everything they can to expand their capacity,” said Lenore Sealy of CNY Works, an employment development agency in Onondaga County.

Everyone: Make immediate changes in spending

We should all do this now, experts say. If you’ve lost your job, this should be one of your first steps, Pascall says.

“Cut whatever can be cut so you can pay the most important things,” she says.

“Be practical,” she advised. “People in crisis can make decisions based on the stress. That can be a mistake.” Instead, she says, reprioritize.

Need help budgeting household bills? Home HeadQuarters can help.

Got a mortgage? Contact your lender

Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week announced the state has directed mortgage lenders to provide 90 days of relief. The benefit is for people with financial hardships, and lenders must refrain from reporting negative scores to credit bureaus. There’s also a new grace period for loan modification and no late fees during the period.

Plus, Cuomo said, all foreclosure in process now are postponed or suspended.

While this will be helpful in the short term, you should also be proactive and reach out to your lender. Cuomo’s actions may take care of the next three months – but you may need some help beyond that. Don’t wait for the late notices to stack up.

Keep this in mind: The banks don’t want to foreclose. They want to keep payments coming in, Pascall said. So they will often work with homeowners to figure out a way to get through hard times.

One common way is called forbearance. That allows homeowners to make lower payments, usually for three months, she said. But at the end of that three months, whatever wasn’t paid is due. It’s like a short-term loan.

Some people might refinance mortgages – though that requires equity and a stream of income. And there are closing fees to pay, she said.

Worried about foreclosure? Read this

Even with Cuomo’s temporary freeze on foreclosures, it’s good to learn about how they work in New York.

Here’s a little good news, Pascall says. New York’s laws favor homeowners. That means that it’s a long, onerous task for banks to foreclose.

Generally, the banks won’t start foreclosure proceedings for at least 90 days, she said. When they do, they have to take the case to court. A judge presides over a settlement conference. The goal is to reach a settlement between the lender and the borrower. That can mean restructuring the loan to make it longer but easier to pay in the short term.

In ordinary times, those court conferences move slowly, Pascall says. Right now, non-emergent courts cases like these are being postponed, she said. So that means even when banks once again start foreclosing -- it won’t go anywhere without a court date.

If your mortgage is through federal lenders Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, those foreclosures are on hold for two months.

Another tip: Open the mail and answer the phone. That can be hard when facing overdue notices. But communication with the bank is key, Pascall says. It’s the start to figuring out a solution.

Perhaps most importantly: Don’t move out of the house. Occupation is an important protection, she said.

All renters: Stay where you are

All evictions across New York are on hold. That means wherever you were on Monday, March 16, stay there. Your landlord can’t kick you out. A state judge said so.

Still, just like with mortgages, it’s best to try to work out a plan with your landlord now, rather than later. Eviction proceedings will restart at some point. Experts say it’s better to work toward a solution rather than completely ignore monthly rent payments.

Utility costs: Pay if you can (but they won’t turn out the lights)

National Grid and other suppliers of gas and electricity have agreed to suspend shutting off power and fuel during the pandemic. That pledge includes: Con Edison, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, New York State Electric and Gas, Rochester Electric and Gas, PSEG Long Island and National Fuel Gas.

You may also qualify for HEAP, the government’s Home Energy Assistance Program.

Food: Ask for help

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are food stamps.

“Applying for food stamps is generally a good thing,” said Williams, the lawyer with Legal Services of Central New York.

The Syracuse area also has several food pantries, including St. Lucy’s Church, the Rescue Mission, the Food Bank of CNY and the Salvation Army. Some are making adjustments, such as pre-packing grocery boxes and serving to-go meals. You can call 315-437-1899 to find out more.

Remember, school districts are providing meals for students each weekday. Contact your local district to find out details. If you live in Syracuse, find food pickup sites here.

Student loan payments: Read carefully

If you owe student loans to New York state, those payments are on hold until at least April 15.

If you have federal student loans, there’s no suspension on payments as of Thursday, March 19. For now, you still have to pay. The White House has proposed freezing interest on payments – a move that will help in the long run.

Forbes has an article with more advice about student loan management during this time.

Car leases and loans: Call your dealer and/or bank

Again – reach out to the bank or dealer that you owe money to. Some automakers are allowing delayed payments on leases. Edmonds has a list.

Owe other debt to NY? It’s on hold

New York Attorney General Letitia James has stopped collecting money owed to the state in lawsuits and settlement cases. This includes medical debt to state hospitals, veterinary offices and SUNY schools.

What about income taxes?

The federal government is working toward a 90-day delay on income taxes, which are normally due on April 15. In New York, some leaders are calling for a similar move by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Want to work? Start looking and be flexible

Some places are hiring now, including retail grocery and food stores. Apply now.

And in the meantime, prepare for what could be next. That might mean finding a new career that matches your skill set. It may mean being flexible, said Sealy of CNY Works.

“We understand there may not be, in the short term, job opportunities they can immediately transfer to,” she said. “Those opportunities may be dry now. But they will come back online.”

Start now by emailing CNY Works for career counseling. They help with resume writing and overall job search advice. (CNY Works is not a job placement agency.) The help is free. You can call, too, at 315-473-8250. No one will answer – but someone will call you back, Sealy said.

“We don’t have all the answers,” she said. “What we can do is help people look and think about what skills they have. So they’ll be ready for when we come back online.”

Got a story idea or news tip you’d like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.

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