COVID-19 FAQs

WHERE CAN I FIND THE LATEST UPDATES ON CORONAVIRUS IN SF?

• https://sf.gov/topics/coronavirus-covid-19  ​
• Text COVID19SF to 888-777 to get alerts for official updates 

How can I get tested for Covid-19? 

• Free testing is available for all SF residents!  You do not need health insurance to access a test.  Find details here:  https://sf.gov/find-out-how-get-tested-coronavirus
•  Are you are uninsured? Do you have MediCal but are not connected to a regular doctor?  Call the COVID Help Line to discuss Covid questions, symptoms, or local resources: www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/DHCS-COVID‑19-Medi-Nurse-Line.aspx

I need healthcare

• You can apply for an affordable health plan through Covered California if you have been affected by COVID-19: 
  https://www.coveredca.com/
• ​If you have low or no income, you can apply for MediCal, CalFresh (food stamps), and/or cash assistance:https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/
• If you’re not eligible for MediCal and are not enrolled in Covered California, you call enroll in Healthy San Francisco to be connected to a medical home (costs vary):  https://healthysanfrancisco.org/
• If you're an undocumented immigrant:  https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/You-Have-Rights-Protect-Your-Health-Updated-February-2020-ENGLISH.pdf

FAQ’s about the 2020 Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) ACT

• Answers to your questions about stimulus checks, significant expansions to Unemployment benefits, student loan changes, different retirement account rules, and more at
  https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers.htm
• Where's my stimulus check? The IRS created a tool to help track your payment.  Click on "Get My Payment":  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
  • ​If the tool says “status is not available”,  It could be for one of these reasons:  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-on-get-my-payment-application-status-not-available​

I lost my job due to Covid-19.  What financial help is available to me?

• I need information about Unemployment Insurance, Sick/Family Leave, Worker's Comp:  
  • ​ https://oewd.org/employees-impacted-covid-19
  • Apply for benefits online: https://edd.ca.gov/Benefit_Programs_Online.htm
• I’m self-employed (including independent contractors and gig workers), am I eligible for unemployment or paid family leave? Yes!  California EDD will start processing applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance on Tuesday, April 28th.  https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm
  
  
• I'm not able to pay my rent due to Covid-19?  https://sf.gov/information/about-residential-eviction-moratoriums-due-covid-19
  • ​Important!  If you cannot pay rent, you must inform your landlord.  Here's how: https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/UPDATED_eviction%20moratoriums%20guidance_v02_01_20200327.pdf
  • If you are at risk of losing your housing, SF has expanded financial assistance to help with housing costs (up to $10,000).  See more details here:   https://sf.gov/apply-help-housing-costs-coronavirus-pandemic
  • Apply for this financial assistance here: https://www.give2sfhousing.org/ 
  
  
  
• I'm worried about paying my water and electric bills? ​https://sfmayor.org/article/san-francisco-suspend-power-and-water-shutoffs-waive-penalties-and-interest-delinquent
•  I need help paying for my internet? https://sf.gov/get-online-during-coronavirus-outbreak
•  I can’t pay my credit card this month.  Your bank may defer your payments.  Check out more info here: https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers.html
• What about my student loans?  Here’s a free tool to see if student loan payments can be lowered if you’re impacted by covid19:  https://crisishelp.bysavi.com/

Industry-specific emergency relief or grants

• Are you an artist in SF?  You may be eligible for The SF Arts Relief Fund.   Find grant and loan information here: https://www.sfartscommission.org/content/san-francisco-arts-relief-fund
• Are you a home care worker, nanny, or house cleaner?  You may qualify for emergency assistance through the Coronavirus Care Fund:  https://domesticworkers.org/coronavirus-care-fund

• Are you a bartender?  You can apply for emergency assistance here: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap?fbclid=IwAR3xNb1xWcXHKCYlvBttRxsXjLCktqjEE5E4wYsoswqx2GVqxEXiYYkg1q8

• Are you a restaurant worker?  Here is a list of emergency relief funds: ​https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/resources-for-restaurants-and-workers-coping-with-the-covid-19-emergency
• Are you a tipped worker? (restaurant, salon, airport, rideshare, gig economy): https://ofwemergencyfund.org/
• Are you a wellness instructor working with under-represented communities? https://relief.reclamationventures.co/
• Are you a performing arts worker?  https://www.theatrebayarea.org/page/COVID-19relief-fund 
• Are you a freelancer?  https://www.freelancersunion.org/resources/freelancers-relief-fund/ 

I’m still working, but want to make sure I’m safe and protected

• Your employer should be following these guidelines to protect essential employees and customers: https://sf.gov/coronavirus-safety-essential-businesses
• How can I get to work safely? https://www.sfmta.com/projects/covid-19-developments-response

• I have legal questions about my worker’s rights: https://legalaidatwork.org/clinics-and-helplines/

• I’m a home care worker: 
  • https://sf-hrc.org/sites/default/files/COVID19-Home%20workers-Guidance-FINAL-3.19.2020.pdf
  • https://membership.domesticworkers.org/coronavirus/#care

Avoid Coronavirus Scams

• ​The Federal Trade Commission offers tips to avoid scams:  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
• Older adults are often targed.  Be aware.  Check in with others who may be more vulnerable:   https://sfpublicpress.org/news/2020-03/elder-advocates-warn-of-coronavirus-scams?fbclid=IwAR2RfLb7R78KTfKVwlUvaClV8PgCfbLfpz-0Akd_Aqa5nNRPNUEy04EBD-8
• ​SF District Attorney's Office set up a hotline to report scams:  415.551.9595

 Resources for immigrants 

• Guidance for Immigrant Californians:  https://covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/covid-19-immigrant-guidance-accessible-1.pdf
• SF-specific resources:  https://sf.gov/information/help-immigrants-during-coronavirus
• Resources for undocumented immigrants:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PxLuuH0-hwHXftUXuEi52Q1qWUDegN8_I1L4ulIFwzk/edit 

​ IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO, YOU CAN FIND LINKS TO LOCAL RESOURCES HERE

• ​Search by county:  https://about.1degree.org/covid-19-sf-en#san-francisco 
• Statewide CA resources:  https://covid19.ca.gov/