Due to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the public has been asked to cancel all upcoming event plans. Due to the situation, a number of school closings, event cancellations and businesses have been temporarily closed to stop the virus from spreading. What effects does this have for recipients of food stamps or what effects does the coronavirus have on food stamps?
At the time of this crisis, low-income Americans are at greatest risk of impact because they lack access to health care and food. But soon relief will be on the way. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been working on a bill (The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)) to provide assistance to low-income Americans who are in crisis during the coronavirus pandemic. This will provide support and relief to families at risk for the coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild to severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath may occur 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Symptoms are more severe in people classified as “at risk”. People with underlying diseases, who are struggling with obesity, smoking, and are older are at greatest risk.
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What to do if you have coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine against coronavirus diseases. Hence it is important that you limit your exposure. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Also, disinfect surfaces frequently, stay home, avoid public areas, and avoid public transport. However, also avoid close contact with sick people.
If you think you may have coronavirus, you will be directed to contact your local health department. You may find the closest coronavirus testing site in your area.
Read on to learn more about the Family First Coronavirus Act and the impact of the coronavirus on food brand recipients.
What is the First Coronavirus Family Response Act?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is designed to help low-income American families during the coronavirus outbreak. The main aim of the bill is to provide and provide support and security to families, who are a top priority in a crisis.
Low-income families currently receiving government support are most at risk due to lack of access to resources. According to a statement from House Spokeswoman Nancy Polosi, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will provide the following support:
The Family First Coronavirus Response Act offers free coronavirus testing for anyone who needs it, including those who are not insured. Tests for COVID-19 are available in every state.
- Increased Medicaid Funding
The legislation will increase the federal share of Medicaid funding by eight percent, but only if states maintain or increase current eligibility and other program standards. This is an attempt to help states increase Medicaid spending.
Emergency paid vacation leave included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act includes up to two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and sick leave. This gives people affected by the coronavirus a chance to stay home and get better. In addition, exposure is reduced if more people are to be at risk.
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Paid emergency leave is two thirds of the previous average wage. These benefits are not taxable and have a monthly cap of $ 4,000.
- Improved unemployment insurance
The legislation provides for a temporary increase in the distribution of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. These efforts will extend protection to workers on leave and provide economic security for those who could lose their jobs as a result of the pandemic.
Improving the unemployment insurance initiative will also ease user interface approval requirements for those affected by coronavirus.
- Increased food security initiatives
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will expand several food initiative programs to support those facing food insecurity. This is the biggest thing grocery stamp recipients need to look out for.
Important initiatives for food security
Here you can find out how the bill to combat the effects of coronavirus affects recipients of food stamps.
- Households with children who receive free school meals receive food benefits
- Food banks receive an increased supply and storage of food for affected households
- The Senior SNAP will deliver additional meals to the home of low-income seniors
- Adults without children do not have to work to get food stamps
- WIC support is available to people who are at risk of losing their jobs.
Coronavirus effects on recipients of food stamps
Children Receiving School Meals
Due to school closings as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, children receiving assistance cannot receive their normal meal programs. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides temporary support benefits to households with children who receive free or reduced school meals. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) distributes the benefits.
The legislation will allow the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to increase funding by $ 400 million. This will help local food banks obtain more food and increase their storage capacity for that food. This aims to provide additional support to more local low-income families.
Home meal delivery for seniors
Low-income seniors or disabled people affected by coronavirus or receiving self-supplied meals. The Seniors Nutrition Program is funded with $ 250 million, providing low-income seniors with 25 million additional meals.
Work requirements for disabled adults without children
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will postpone work requirements for Working Adults Without Relatives (ABAWD). The bill, due to come into force on April 1, 2020, requires recipients of ABAWD grocery stamps to work at least 20 hours a week. The SNAP work requirements will not go into effect during the coronavirus public health crisis.
Increased support for women, infants and children
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is expected to receive a cash increase of $ 500 million. This will help support parents with young children who may lose their jobs or be laid off due to the coronavirus.
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Source: igeorgia