Hispanic Federation Encourages Everyone to File a Federal Tax Return to Receive Pandemic-Related Assistance as Soon as Possible — It's Not Too Late
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2021
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
For information about how to apply for benefits and eligibility requirements, see a downloadable flyer in English and Spanish.
WASHINGTON—In an effort to dispel misinformation and increase accessibility to benefits available under the American Rescue Plan, including benefits available to non-citizens and mixed-status families, Hispanic Federation released today a new bilingual flyer outlining assistance opportunities and eligibility requirements.
The American Rescue Plan, enacted by President Biden in March, is one of the most urgently needed pieces of legislation to come out of Washington in a generation. Assistance ranges from direct cash relief to help with food, rent, unemployment benefits and even help to keep families and students connected to the internet. Many programs are available to a range of immigrants including those in mixed-status families (additional benefits may be available depending on your state). However, confusing eligibility rules for non-citizens combined with a lack of clear guidance has immigrant advocates concerned that many will be unable, or afraid, to access the resources available to them. Latinx and immigrant communities across the U.S. continue to be among the most disproportionately impacted by illness, death, and job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hispanic Federation is committed to advocating for and facilitating equitable access to all programs and resources intended to help families and communities survive and recover from this pandemic.
“We want to encourage everyone to file a tax return this year to claim their eligible benefits, especially people who don’t usually file one. A lot of people need help as a result of the pandemic, and we want to make sure they know how to get it. Individuals, family members or dependents could qualify for stimulus money and other tax credits to get needed cash, get help buying food and even help to pay for medical care and the internet,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “We want people to know that many of these benefits are available to immigrants. COVID did not discriminate and neither should the government. But you must file your taxes to receive benefits like a stimulus check and refundable child tax credits and you must apply directly for others. We encourage you to file immediately to find out what you are eligible for and to get the help you’re entitled to receive.”
Benefits available to non-citizens under the American Rescue Plan include but are not limited to:
- Free COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, regardless of immigration status
- Direct relief stimulus payments for each eligible family member, including in mixed-status families. Any individual or family member that has a Social Security number (SSN) can qualify for the third stimulus check ($1,400 for each filer or dependents of any age who live with you, not only children). If previous stimulus payments were denied because filers or their spouses did not have SSNs, they can claim both the first and second stimulus checks (only for family members with SSNs) using the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit on your 2020 tax return.
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-to-moderate-income workers has increased, including for workers without children. Certain non-citizens are also eligible to claim the EITC. Green card holders with a SSN valid for employment are eligible to apply. Non-resident immigrants with an SSN valid for employment and married to a U.S. citizen or resident can claim the EITC (if the spouses elect to file a joint return reporting their worldwide income). If you or your spouse have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you are not eligible to claim the EITC;
- Child Tax Credits (CTC) of $3,600 per child under 6 years, and $3,000 per child between 6 and 17 years old, are now fully refundable, as long as each qualifying child has an SSN valid for employment in the U.S. (even if the child is too young to work). Filers and their spouse (if married) must have a SSN with work authorization or an ITIN to file for these benefits for their children or dependents. For the first time, low-income families residing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories will receive this vital financial assistance;
- Enrollment is reopened to apply for a subsidized health plan due to the COVID-19 emergency through Aug. 15 (or anytime if you have certain life changes or qualify for Medicaid). Some immigrants may be eligible to buy subsidized health insurance through the Marketplace. Emergency Medicaid may be available to non-citizens, including undocumented people, depending on the eligibility requirements in their state;
- Additional food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available to some but not all non-citizens. Immigrants eligible for SNAP include asylees, refugees, and some green card holders. However, ineligible guardians can apply for benefits on behalf of their qualified dependents;
- Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) which provides additional nutrition assistance for children who attend a school that has closed and would otherwise qualify for a free or subsidized lunch. P-EBT is available regardless of immigration status. Households do not have to be enrolled in SNAP to be eligible. Families that do receive SNAP will have the funds automatically loaded on their EBT card;
- Home delivered meals through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are available to all - regardless of immigration status;
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are unable to work due to the public health crisis may also be available for non-citizens who are work-authorized;
- Emergency rental assistance for those who need help paying their utilities or at risk of losing their home has no restrictions based on immigration status;
- Several relief options are available to help businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations recover from the impacts of COVID-19, including various loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Non-citizens can generally qualify for an SBA loan for a small business—but not in all cases. In general, legal permanent residents (LPRs) can qualify for SBA financing. If a potential SBA loan application does not have a green card available because they are not a legal permanent resident (LPR), the lender will determine the borrower’s status based on various factors;
- Broadband assistance to help students and families with their monthly internet bills.
If you think you should have received a stimulus payment, or want to know when it's coming, you can use this tool to track your benefits: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
