To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.

Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists.

1099 contractors and self-employed individuals can qualify for CT State Unemployment Benefits.

CT self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors are qualified to receive Unemployment Insurance. It is a two-step process: (1) apply for UI through the CT Department of Labor website, then (2) if you are denied, you will get instructions on how to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

If you applied for regular UI benefits prior to PUA activation, you will not need to reapply for another regular UI benefit determination. However, you will need to apply for the federal PUA benefits.

Renters: 

Talk to your landlord and see if you can negotiate rent forgiveness, reduced rent for a period of time, or some other arrangement like barter (if you have unsold inventory or are able to do custom work, or property improvements). There are provisions in the CARES Act that suspend evictions if the owner has a federally-backed mortgage. You can read more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau here. 

Homeowners: 

Talk to your bank and try to negotiate interest forgiveness and several months extension of the mortgagewithout penalty. If you have a federally-backed mortgage, then there are provisions in the CARES Act that prevent foreclosure for 60 days and make a forbearance of up to 180 days available. You must go through your loan provider to access this forbearance. 

Car and Credit Card Payments:

Ask for deferral of payments without interest or penalties until after the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

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Health Insurance:

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If you have your health insurance through the marketplace and are anticipating a significantly lower incomethat you originally projected, you may be able to go back to the marketplace and make adjustments. You will likely be prompted to submit documentation to substantiate the change.