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COVID-19 Resources

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/
110 Gough Street, Suite 301, San Francisco, CA 94102  |  415-861-5449
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© Access Institute
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Annual Report
  • Services
    • Therapy
    • Psychiatry
    • Psychological Assessment
    • Referrals
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Events >
      • Upcoming Events
      • Spectrum 2025
      • Past Events
    • Donate Stock
    • Corporate Matching
    • Legacy Giving
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Programs
    • In-School Mental Health Program
    • Elder Program
  • Training
    • Training at Access Institute
    • Faculty, Supervisors, and Alumni
    • Alumni
  • Blog
  • Careers
    • Director of Doctoral Training
  • Contact