Economic relief for workers and families


Our economy is being severely disrupted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. We’re here to connect workers and families with all the relief and resources we can as we get through this challenge together.

Please use the menu below to find resources to help you and your family. You can also explore our main menu page to quickly find additional public health and economic relief resources.
 

 

 

 

Economic impact payments to workers and families
 
I voted for the bipartisan CARES Act, which provides people with Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to help folks stay afloat during this crisis. Unfortunately, my office has heard from a lot of people who still haven’t received their EIPs. I know that is very frustrating when you need all the help that you can get. Anyone who qualifies for an EIP, and hasn’t received theirs yet, deserves answers – not more delays. 
 

Get help with your EIP

The IRS has already issued millions of payments, but many are still being processed. Our team is pushing for more answers and there are resources that you can refer to below for help.


 

How our office can help with EIPs

Our team is continuing to push for more answers from the IRS to see how we can get everyone their EIPs more quickly. In addition, our office is now able to initiate inquiries with the IRS to help people individually resolve issues with their EIPs under some circumstances. It may take a month or longer for the IRS to respond to these inquiries.

  • We may be able to help you if you need the IRS to:
     
    • provide details on the amount of an EIP and the date it was issued, as well as the method of delivery (direct deposit or paper check).
       
    • confirm the bank account number used for direct deposits
       
    • confirm if a paper check was returned undeliverable or a direct deposit was returned by the bank
       
    • explain how an individual’s EIP was calculated
       
    • confirm that claimed dependents were allowed or disallowed in the EIP computation
       
    • input a change of address when presented with proper documentation. This may result in the reissuance of a previously undeliverable EIP check.
       
  • However, the IRS has stated it is unable to assist our office with the following EIP issues. Please refer to other resources on this page for further assistance.
     
    • Provide an EIP issuance date unless it is reflected on Get My Payment
       
    • Make account adjustments such as changing information reported on tax return
       
    • Initiate payment tracers for EIPs that were not received. The process for that is described in the FAQ - How do I request a Payment Trace on my Economic Impact Payment?
       
    • Issue EIPs
       
    • Resolve delinquent child support offsets
       
    • Release EIPs being held due to a deceased spouse
       
    • Adjust previously issued EIPs to reflect the extra $500 per dependent. However, if taxpayers used the Non-Filers tool before May 17, they will not need to take any action. The IRS is actively working on a method to fix this error and automatically issue the additional $500 EIP to the impacted individuals later this summer.  We will continue to provide updates as more information is available.
       
  • If you think our office may be able to assist you, please contact us:
     
    • Overland Park: (913) 621-0832
    • Kansas City, Kansas: (913) 766-3993

 


Information for non-filers

If you’re not typically required to file a tax return, you can still receive an EIP. People who aren’t required to file tax returns can register for an Economic Impact Payment by October 15th.

  • You can provide your information to the IRS so you can receive a rebate via direct deposit. This may apply to people who didn’t file a 2018 or 2019 income tax return because their gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) or for other reasons. 
     
  • Low-income Americans who normally do not file, including the homeless community, may be eligible for payments as well.
     
  • Click here if you're a non-filer to learn more and get your payment.
     
  • Click here to learn more.
     
  • You can also watch the below video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to learn more: ​


     
  • ​Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries who don’t have dependent children under 17 should receive EIPs automatically, as long as you received an SSA-1099 form for 2019. 



Be aware of scams

Some criminals may be using this emergency to steal from people at this time, including their economic impact payments. 

Additional Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
 
Here are some additional frequently asked questions and answers.
  • How much do I qualify for?
     
    • EIPs are $1,200 for each adult individual ($2,400 for joint filers), and $500 per qualifying child under age 17.  
       
    • The advance payment of rebates is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income to the extent a taxpayer’s income exceeds $150,000 for a joint filer, $112,500 for a head of household filer, and $75,000 for anyone else (including single filers).
       
  • Do EIPs need to be repaid?
     
    • No, rebates do not need to be repaid. If an individual experienced an income loss in 2020 or if they have an increase in family size, they may be able to claim an additional credit of the difference when the individual files their 2020 federal income tax return in 2021.
       
  • How will a person who has recently moved access an EIP?
     
  • Will the EIP affect my eligibility for federal income-targeted programs?
     
    • No, the rebate is considered a tax refund and is not counted towards eligibility for federal programs.
      ​
  • What identification requirements apply to receive EIPs?
     
    • Taxpayers must have Social Security Numbers for themselves and their qualifying children in order to receive rebates.

 

Get updates on EIPs

Finally, if you're still having issues, you may also join our email list by filling out the form below. We’ll pass along new information and resources as they become available and we’ll do everything we can to help.

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Unemployment Insurance

Thousands of Kansans have lost work during this health and economic crisis. Unemployment insurance is a crucial lifeline to help folks get by, which is why I’ve voted in Congress to secure additional emergency unemployment insurance for people who desperately need help.
 

Applying for insurance

If you’ve lost work and need unemployment insurance, here are some things you should know and how you can apply: 

  • If your employment has been adversely impacted by COVID-19, and you’re unsure if you qualify for unemployment insurance, apply online to see what you qualify for.
     
  • You may qualify for insurance if you’ve lost your job. But you may also qualify if you haven’t been technically laid off, if you’ve been furloughed, if your hours have been reduced, or if you’ve been otherwise affected by COVID-19.
     
  • The staff at the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) will evaluate your application, can determine what you qualify for, and follow-up as needed. Given the emergency, their requirements are more flexible at this time.
     
  • If applying, KDOL asks that you follow their application schedule to better manage call volumes and web traffic.

 

Resources and updates for people who are having trouble with accessing their insurance

I’ve repeatedly heard from folks who are having a hard time accessing their unemployment insurance. I know people need their insurance to pay their bills and put food on the table. We have to do everything we can to help folks stay afloat during this emergency.

Here are some things to know, and some resources and updates that I hope can help you:

  • In my role as your representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have direct jurisdiction and oversight over federal government agencies. Though unemployment insurance is a federal initiative, the program itself is administered by state agencies. In Kansas, it’s administered by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL).
     
  • Nevertheless, my team and I are closely monitoring this situation and are providing all the updates and resources we can to help as many people as possible. If you’re having trouble accessing your insurance or are having issues with KDOL, here are some resources and information that may help you.
     
    • Contact your state representative or the Governor's office. Since KDOL is a state agency, you may be interested to know that you can also contact your state representative in the Kansas legislature and/or the Governor's office as well to see if they can assist you further.
       
      • Visit http://www.kslegislature.org/li/ to find your state representative. You can also try calling 1-800-432-3924.
         
      • You can also try calling the Governor's office at (785) 368-8500.
         
    • The best way to apply is online instead of calling. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the Kansas Department of Labor is experiencing an unprecedented influx of calls, emails, and web traffic. In response, they are taking steps to increase the number of customer service representatives who answer the phones.
       
      • The phone number is generally reserved for select groups of people – those who do not have access to the internet, if you’re a non-English speaker, a member of the military, or moved to Kansas within the last 18 months.
         
      • If applying, KDOL asks that you follow their application schedule to better manage call volumes and web traffic.

  • If you do need to call, the Kansas Department of Labor recommends that claimants and employers do not hang up and call back, which may be exacerbating call volumes.
  • Help for people who have experienced “clawbacks”. As you may have heard, some people unfortunately may have had an insurance payment “clawed back” because KDOL issued a duplicate payment by mistake. Unfortunately, some people’s banks accounts were overdrawn as a result.
     
    • Governor Kelly has said they will be making serious changes to KDOL to improve transparency and get people the help they need. Those reforms have begun with the governor’s creation of a hotline for people who might have experienced a duplicate payment clawback.
       
    • If you've been affected by a clawback, please contact the Kansas Department of Labor for assistance with the email and phone number below:
       
  • Get latest updates from KDOL on social media. The Kansas Department of Labor is frequently providing updates on their social media platforms as they work to provide more people with insurance and implement new federal legislation. We’ll also share updates we learn more and provide updates on our email list, including other resources that may help folks during this time.

 

Implementation of federal legislation to expand unemployment insurance

I supported the CARES Act, a bipartisan economic rescue bill, which became law on March 27th. This new law increases emergency unemployment insurance and makes a variety of other changes to help people who are being impacted by this emergency.

I’m working to extend this assistance and to bring additional relief to Kansas so we keep helping as many people as possible. Our team is also pushing the Administration to implement the CARES Act fairly and efficiently so folks can get relief as quickly as they can.

Here’s more information on changes to unemployment insurance under this new law:

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Tax relief

We know filing taxes under even normal circumstances can be difficult. But there are resources and help available to you.

Here are some things you should know:

  • The Administration has moved the tax filing deadline to July 15th, 2020: According to the Secretary of the Treasury, this means all taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.
     
    • According to the IRS Legislative Affairs Division, Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
       
    • On April 9th, the IRS announced that they are extending additional tax deadlines to cover individuals, trusts, estates, corporations and others. As a result, the extensions generally now apply to all taxpayers that have a filing or payment deadline falling on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020.
       
    • You can learn more at the links below: 
       
  • IRS People First Initiative: Between April 1st through July 15th, 2020, the IRS is taking a series of actions to provide relief to taxpayers during this public health emergency. That includes temporarily easing payment guidelines and postponing how the IRS enforces certain tax rules.
     
    • Existing installment agreements for paying taxes: During this April 1st to July 15th period, a taxpayer can ask to have their payments under an existing installment agreement suspended. Interest will continue to accrue on unpaid balances, but the IRS won’t default on an installment plan agreement.
       
    • Changes to offers in compromise: If you can’t afford to pay the full amount of taxes you owe or it’d create a financial hardship, the IRS lets some qualifying taxpayers enter into an “offer in compromise” (OIC) to settle tax debt for less than the full amount. During this period, the IRS has unveiled several rule changes to OICs. Those include:
       
      • Taxpayers now have until July 15th to provide more information to support a pending OIC application.
         
      • If you’re under a current OIC, you can ask to have your payments suspended until July 15th, but interest will continue to accrue.
         
    • Private debt collection: New delinquent accounts will not be forwarded by the IRS to private collection agencies during this time.
       
    • Click here to learn more about these and other changes under the People First initiative.
       

Here are some other resources you can use:

  • Coronavirus tax relief resources: Taxpayers may visit the IRS coronavirus tax relief resources page for more up to date information on how to navigate their taxes during this time.
     
  • IRS: Let Us Help You: Please note that all in-person Taxpayer Assistance Centers are closed until further notice to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Visit this section of the IRS website for online help in the interim, or to connect with someone over the phone.​
     
  • Find the status of your refund: If you’ve already filed, you can use the IRS tool “Where’s my refund” to find the status of your tax refund.
     
  • File for free: Many Kansas taxpayers may be eligible to file their taxes for free under their Free File program. The IRS reported this initiative saved taxpayers $1.5 billion in filing costs in 2017.
     
  • Know your rights: All taxpayers are entitled to certain rights. If you believe you’re being treated unfairly, learn more about your rights here.
     
  • Rep. Davids’ Help for Taxpayers: We also have our own Help for Taxpayers web page. There you can learn about how we may be able to help you navigate the IRS, like getting a stalled refund.

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Health insurance coverage

Many folks are losing their jobs in a serious public health crisis, making it all the more important for people to have access to health care. I’ve long made it a priority to protect people with pre-existing conditions and lower costs, and am pushing for a special open enrollment period to help more people during this pandemic.

The Affordable Care Act’s patient protections and health insurance marketplace may help you during this time. Here are some resources that are available to you:

  • healthcare.gov/coronavirus: Learn more about how you may be able to get coverage.
     
    • If you lost your job-based health plan in the past sixty days, you may qualify for special enrollment to find an insurance plan that could include financial aid. This may also apply if you expect to lose your coverage in the next sixty days.
       
    • Depending on the circumstances, you may also qualify for help if you’ve been furloughed.
       
    • You may also be eligible for additional financial relief if you’re already enrolled in a plan but your income has changed. If you’re entitled to COBRA coverage it may also still be possible to find other coverage on the marketplace.
       
  • Cover Kansas:
     
    • Navigating your insurance options can be complicated. Cover Kansas may be able to provide you with additional resources and help answer questions.
       
    • You may also be able to use their site to find certified application counselors who can provide individualized assistance.

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Homeowners and renters:

The federal government and the state of Kansas have put in place new safeguards to protect people from foreclosures and evictions during this emergency.

Here are some things you should know:

  • Mortgage forbearance: Homeowners with FHA, USDA, VA, or Section 184 or 184A mortgages (for members of federally-recognized tribes) and those with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac have the right to request forbearance on their payments for up to 6 months.
     
    • It may be possible to get an extension for another 6 months without fees, penalties, or extra interest.
       
    • Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicing company directly for more information.
       
  • Eviction protections: New legislation passed by Congress with my support protects renters from eviction for 4 months if they reside in public or assisted housing, or in a home or apartment whose owner has a federally-backed mortgage, and who are unable to pay their rent.
     
    • Property owners are also prohibited from issuing a 30-day notice to a tenant to vacate a property until after the 4-month moratorium ends.
       
    • This protection covers properties that receive federal subsidies such as public housing, Section 8 assistance, USDA rural housing programs, and federally-issued or guaranteed mortgages.
       
    • Renters whose landlord is not abiding by the moratorium should contact the relevant federal agency that administers their housing program or their local Legal Aid office.
      ​

Here’s how you can learn more or get help:

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Additional financial assistance

People who are having a difficult time financially during our COVID-19 public health emergency may need additional help beyond unemployment insurance.

Here are some resources you may want to explore:

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Food assistance

People may also be having trouble putting food on their tables during this time. To help, Congress has passed legislation to strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Governor Kelly issued an executive order to ensure school districts continue to provide school meals. There are a variety of other resources available to help as well.

Here are some resources you can explore:

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New COVID-19 leave options

Kansas workers and families have needed access to more options for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for a long time. But with our public health emergency, it’s now more important than ever. It’s simply a matter of public safety so more people can afford to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19.

That’s why I supported a bipartisan bill to expand leave options to millions of people who never had them before, which is now law. On April 1st, the Department of Labor announced a new temporary rule to outline how employees and employers can get help.
 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • In general, if a qualifying employee is unable to work (or telework) due to one of six reasons related to COVID-19, then that employee may take paid leave or family and medical leave. The employer will then be reimbursed for the cost of providing that leave with a new tax credit.
     
  • Those six reasons include if an employee:
     
    • 1. Is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19,
       
    • 2. Has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19,
       
    • 3. Is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis,
       
    • 4. Is caring for an individual who is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19 or has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19,
       
    • 5. Is caring for his or her child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) due to COVID-19 related reasons, or
       
    • 6. Is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
       
  • According to the Department of Labor, the law covers:
     
    • Private employers with less than 500 employees (including nonprofits) and
       
    • Public agencies, regardless of how many people work there.
       
  • There are some exemptions for employers. For instance:
     
    • Some small businesses who have fewer than 50 employees may be exempt under some circumstances.
       
    • An employer may also exclude employees from leave if they’re emergency responders or health care providers.
       
  • If you’re an employee who qualifies, generally that could mean:
     
    • Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate, or
       
    • Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay, and
       
    • Up to an additional 10 weeks of paid expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay.
       
  • According to the Department of Labor, the Department’s Wage and Hour Division has the authority to investigate violations of the law and enforce compliance.
     
    • Employers may not discharge, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against any employee who lawfully takes paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the law, files a complaint, or institutes a proceeding under or related to the law.
       
    • Employers in violation of the provisions of the law will be subject to penalties and enforcement.
       
    • For additional information or to file a complaint:
       

Here’s how you can learn more:

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Family and Medical Leave Act:

Many workers may also be eligible for the more longstanding federal family leave and medical protections under the federal law known as the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA.

Here’s what you need to know:

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Student loan relief

The bipartisan, economic emergency response legislation my colleagues and I supported in the House of Representatives gives folks with student loan debt several relief options. These are available through September 30, 2020.

During this period, borrowers will be able to:

  • Pause payments for federal student loan borrowers who have Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), which means they won’t be required to make any payments toward outstanding interest or principal balance.
     
  • Suspend interest accrual for such loans so these balances don’t accrue.
     
  • Avoid forced collections such as garnishment of wages, tax refunds, & Social Security benefits.
     
  • Halt negative credit reporting.
     
  • Ensure a borrower continues to receive credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness, and loan rehabilitation.
     
  • Please click here to learn more on the Department of Education website and see their frequently asked questions.

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Educational resources for students, parents, and teachers

Given the public health emergency, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has ordered all public schools in Kansas to remain closed throughout the academic year. I know many students, parents, and teachers are grappling with how to fulfill their educational needs during this difficult time.
 

Here are some important resources you should know about:


Here are public education resources that are available free of charge:
 

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Protect yourself from fraud and cyber scams

Unfortunately, many law enforcement officials are seeing criminals use this public health emergency to rip off families and consumers. Many scams are conducted online, through text messaging or other virtual means, because so many people now are socially distancing or working remotely from home.
 

Here are some things you should know:

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said they’ve received a surge of reports about fraudulent calls, texts, and emails from people who are pretending to be from a federal agency, such as Social Security Administration, IRS, Census, USCIS, or the FDIC. The FTC says:
     
    • These fake government messages might say that you’re approved for money, can get quick relief payments, or get cash grants due to COVID-19. Scammers might also promise you small business loans or send a (phishing) alert that a check is ready to be picked up. These are all scams, and none of those messages come from a government agency.
       
    • If you respond to these calls or messages, they might ask you for money, personal information, or both. Don’t give it. And remember that the surest sign of a scam is anyone who asks you to send cash, pay with a gift card, wire money, or pay with cryptocurrency.
       
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that some criminals “are selling fake COVID-19 test kits and unapproved treatments through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits.”
     
    • Many scammers are doing this to get ahold of your personal information, such as your birth date and Social Security number.
       
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that some scammers are preying on older adults by offering to buy groceries or other items but never return with any of the goods or give the money back. They say that if you don’t know the person who is offering the service, be wary.
     

Here are some resources you can use to learn more:

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