H.R. 133, Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was signed into law on December 27th. This is a summary for our partners in this work to ensure a safe place to call home for every young person in America.
WHAT IS MISSING FROM THE RELIEF BILL
- No additional funding or flexibility for the vital Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program.
- The critically needed Emergency Family Stabilization Act was not included, which leaves a gaping hole in the federal response to child, youth, and family homelessness in light of the pandemic.
- No dedicated funding for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act program.
- No language to help make it easier for youth experiencing homelessness to access the stimulus payments.
THE STIMULUS PAYMENT ADVICE WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SHARE: Help youth file a 2020 tax return and open a bank account. This will make it more possible for them to access the stimulus payment in 2021. We will continue to provide information and updates as we receive them.
WHAT IS IN THE RELIEF BILL
RENTAL ASSISTANCE
- $25 billion for emergency rental assistance for those eligible. Renters will be eligible for relief if their household income is below 80% of the area median income (which varies by county and household size), and someone living there: has qualified for unemployment benefits, has lost part of their income or has experienced financial hardship because of Covid-19, or ○ can show that they are at risk of losing their home.
EVICTION MORATORIUM
- The federal eviction moratorium is extended through January 31st, 2021
STIMULUS PAYMENTS
- Direct payment stimulus checks: ○ $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 a year; ○ $1,200 for couples