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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Graphic of the coronavirus molecule

As guidance is updated, ACL will post or link to it on this page and share it through the ACL Updates email service.

If you need help finding services in your community, the Eldercare Locator can help. Visit https://eldercare.acl.gov/ or call 1-800-677-1116.

 

 

What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know?

En Español

People who are 65 or older are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because immune systems change with age, making it harder to fight off diseases and infection. Older adults also are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.

In addition, people of any age who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility are at higher risk. 

Other people who may be at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, regardless of age or disability, include:

  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate-to-severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40)
  • People with diabetes
  • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • People with liver disease
  • People who are immunocompromised. Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications including people receiving cancer treatment.

Reducing exposure is especially important for people at higher risk of complications!

Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick
  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time. CDC has great resources to help you plan. 
  • Plan now for what you will do if you, or people you rely on for support, become ill.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
  • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
  • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
  • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

Words to the wise: Planning is key!

Many states and communities are implementing community actions designed to reduce exposures to COVID-19 and slow the spread of the disease. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about. You should base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members. CDC's planning resources can help.

Everyday actions to prevent illness

You can learn more about how the virus spreads here. Everyone, regardless of age or disability, should follow CDC's recommendations to help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases, including colds and flu and COVID-19. 

For example, CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC has instructions for making your own and in this video, Dr. Jerome Adams, U.S Surgeon General, shows you how. 

CDC Guidance for People at Higher Risk for Severe Illness

The CDC published guidance for People at Higher Risk for Severe Illness. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

CDC Guidance for Older Adults

The CDC published guidance for older adults about their potential risks during the pandemic, symptoms, developing care plan, and more.

CDC Guidance for People with Disabilities

The CDC published guidance for people with disabilities about their potential risks during the pandemic, how to protect themselves, and how to prepare. Visit the link for more information.

There are some additional things people with disabilities can do to prepare during the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • Plan what you will do if you or your direct support provider gets sick. Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors and local service agencies that can provide support in case you or your direct support provider becomes ill or unavailable.
  • Plan at least two ways of communicating from home and work that can be used rapidly in an emergency (e.g., landline phone, cell phone, text-messaging, email). Write down this information and keep it with you.
  • Have enough household items and groceries so that you will be comfortable staying home for a few weeks, at least a 30-day supply of over the counter and prescription medicines and any medical equipment or supplies that you might need. Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill on prescription medications. Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider. Make a photocopy of prescriptions, as this may help in obtaining medications in an emergency situation.
Tips for Working with Direct Support Providers

People with disabilities and older adults may need to plan for impacts on direct support providers. Green Mountain Self-Advocates created this tip sheet on working with direct support providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More things you can do every day
  • CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC has instructions for making your own and in this video, Dr. Jerome Adams, U.S Surgeon General, shows you how. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. 
  • Stay home when you are sick, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.Comply with local social distancing recommendations!
  • The virus that causes COVID-19 may survive for hours or days on a variety of surfaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, as well as visibly dirty surfaces.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
    • For more information, see CDC’s Handwashing website
    • For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.
  • There are many ways you can safely help during the COVID-19 emergency. FEMA has some suggestions here.
President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America

On 3/16/20, President Trump announced The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 30 Days to Slow the Spread. These are:

  1. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
  2. If you feel sick, stay home.  Do not go to work.  Contact your medical provider.
  3. If your children are sick, keep them at home.  Do not send them to school.  Contact your medical provider. 
  4. If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.  Do not go to work.  Do not go to school.  Contact your medical provider. 
  5. If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people. 
  6. If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.  E
  7. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:
    • Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
    • If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.  You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
    • Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
    • Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
    • Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
    • Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
  8. Practice good hygiene:
    • Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface
    • Avoid touching your face.
    • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
    • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.

 * School operations can accelerate the spread of the coronavirus.  Governors of states with evidence of community transmission should close schools in affected and surrounding areas.  Governors should close schools in communities that are near areas of community transmission, even if those areas are in neighboring states.  In addition, state and local officials should close schools where coronavirus has been identified in the population associated with the school.  States and localities that close schools need to address childcare needs of critical responders, as well as the nutritional needs of children.

 ** Older people are particularly at risk from the coronavirus.  All states should follow Federal guidance and halt social visits to nursing homes and retirement and long-term care facilities.

 *** In states with evidence of community transmission, bars, restaurants, food courts, gyms, and other indoor and outdoor venues where groups of people congregate should be closed.

Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs

  • COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, or at least two of the following
    • fever
    • chills
    • repeated shaking with chills
    • muscle pain
    • headache
    • sore throat
    • new loss of taste or smell
  • If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. These include:
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face
    • This list is not all inclusive. Consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.

Follow your state's guidance

Decisions about community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate,  based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness.  It's important for everyone to pay close attention to information and instructions published by states. Click on the "state-by-state links" box to find yours (and if we missed something, please send them to us through our web form.)  

State-by-state links

Information for the Aging and Disability Networks

Grant and Program Guidance

Guidance for Recipients of Discretionary Grants 

This FAQ covers the COVID-19-related questions we are hearing most often from recipients of discretionary grants. 

Independent Living Programs

New! FAQs about Centers for Independent Living and COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act) Funding - Updated 4/24/2020

Older Americans Act Programs

Overarching guidance 

Senior Nutrition Program

Nutrition Resources

State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Aging and Disability Resource Centers

Other Older Americans Act Programs

Assistive Technology Act Programs

Frequently Asked Questions for State Assistive Technology Programs

NIDILRR Guidance and Information

Application of OMB Memo M-20-17 to NIDILRR Grants (March 30, 2020)

Information from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication

For all network partners

Upcoming Webinars and Teleconferences

Click on a title below to learn more about each upcoming webinar

Alzheimer's Association COVID-19 and Caregiving Town Hall

Wednesday, April 29, 1pm ET

This Town Hall will feature:

  • Facts about dementia and risk for COVID-19.

  • Tips for home caregivers to support people living with dementia.
  • Tips for those with loved ones living in care facilities.

There will also be a question-and-answer session with Beth Kallmyer, Alzheimer's Association vice president of Care and Support.

Coping with COVID-19 – Financial Tools & Resources to Help Small Businesses – Q&A with the SBA’s Washington Metropolitan Area District Office

Friday, April 24, 2020 1:00-2:30 PM ET

Federal agencies and financial institutions are working diligently to implement the EIDL and CARES Act programs. In addition, Congress is currently negotiating legislation to add funds to assist Small Businesses through this challenging time. However, many questions still arise:

* If my application has been approved, what steps should I be taking now?
* If I submitted an application and it has not been approved, what steps should I take?
* Assuming additional funds will be approved, what changes can I expect in the procedures to apply for these programs?

As a follow-on to our (SBA) April 15 webinar, the Washington DC Chapter of SCORE invites you to join us on Friday, April 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a free webinar with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Washington Metropolitan Area District Office.

Register today to get an update on the tools and resources available to survive this pandemic.

AUCD COVID-19 Public Health Webinar Series 

Session 3: Advice from People who have a Disability on Dealing with COVID-19
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 4:00-5:30 PM ET

Session 4: Advice on Your Questions
Thursday, April 30, 2020 4:00-5:30 PM ET

Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) Webinar: Supporting Family Caregivers of Older Adults through Times of Stress and Isolation

Thursday, April 30, 2020 12:00-1:30 PM ET

More than 34 million individuals in the U.S. provide unpaid care for an older adult, including many individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Due to the emergency brought on by COVID-19, caregivers of older adults may be experiencing new challenges and others may be new to caregiving responsibilities. The emotional, physical, and financial impact of caregiving can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and other health problems. Providers and health plan staff can play key roles in supporting caregivers, particularly during this time of isolation. 

This webinar will offer strategies for supporting caregivers and their loved ones, information on access to health and social supports, and practical tips for addressing the needs of caregivers experiencing social isolation and stress-related conditions. Speakers will also include strategies for virtual settings.

Featured Speakers:

  • Erin E. Emery-Tiburcio, Ph.D., ABPP, Co-Director of Rush Center for Excellence in Aging at Rush University Medical Center
  • Kathy Kelly, Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance/National Center on Caregiving
  • Bryan Godfrey, LCSW; Care Management Social Worker, UNC Geriatrics Specialty Clinic

National Older Adults Mental Health Awareness Day 2020 Webinar

Thursday, May 7, 2020 1:00-2:30 PM ET

Please join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Administration for Community Living, Veterans Health Administration, and National Coalition on Mental Health,and Aging for the NATIONAL OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 2020: Combating Social Isolation for Seniors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020 will include important remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use - Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, the Assistant Secretary for Aging –Mr.  Lance Robertson, and the latest information on coping with social isolation and loneliness from University of California San Diego Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Dilip Jeste.

Archived Webinars

Volunteer Outreach Strategies During COVID-19 (4/9/2020)

The SMP National Resource Center, the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, and the Center for Benefits Access, and ACL offered a series of webinars to help grantees manage their volunteer programs and outreach efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. The April 9th webinar provided an opportunity for SMP, SHIP, and MIPPA grantees to share their concerns and, more importantly, their strategies and practices about how to do outreach, counseling, and benefits enrollment during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

 Preventing Medicare Fraud – from the Senior Medicare Patrol resource center
CARES Act Assistance for Small Businesses (including non-profit orgs)

Assistance for Small Businesses:

The Paycheck Protection Program ensures that small businesses can continue to pay employees and cover costs during this unprecedented health crisis. For up to eight weeks, this program can be used to cover the entire cost of payroll and other eligible expenses.

Private non-profit organizations are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Resources from the Department of the Treasury:

Learn about other programs for small businesses.

FEMA Public Assistance Program Guidance: Eligibility of purchase and distribution of food by governments and non-profits

FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program supports communities’ recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. Under the President’s March 13, 2020, COVID-19 emergency declaration and subsequent major disaster declarations for COVID-19, state, local, tribal, and territorial government entities and certain private non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for assistance under the FEMA Public Assistance Program.

FEMA has released a policy providing flexibility to applicants to protect the health and safety of impacted communities in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency through the purchase and distribution of food.

Distance learning and IDEA resources for schools

On March 17, the Department of Education released a webinar on ensuring web accessibility for students with disabilities for schools utilizing online learning, as well as a fact sheet on how to protect students' civil rights as school leaders take steps to keep students safe and secure. These resources will assist education leaders in making distance learning accessible to students with disabilities and in preventing discrimination during this Administration-wide response effort.

The Department of Education has also produced a document answering questions schools might have about students with disabilities and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document is one of several resources on the department's IDEA page.

Telehealth flexibilities and resource for long-term care facilities

The Department of Health and Human Services has expanded to telehealth access to combat COVID-19.

  • Medicare beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services through telehealth. See the CMS press release and FAQ for more information.
  • A covered health care provider also may use any non-public facing remote communication product that is available to communicate with patients. The HHS Office of Civil Rights will exercise its enforcement discretion and will not impose penalties for noncompliance with the regulatory requirements under the HIPAA Rules against covered health care providers in connection with the good faith provision of telehealth during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. Details can be found in the OCR press release and this OCR bulletin.
  • The HHS Office of Inspector General provided flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive beneficiary cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs. See the OIG policy statement for more information.
  • CMS has created an electronic toolkit regarding telehealth and telemedicine for long-term care facilities. The toolkit includes electronic links to reliable sources of information regarding telehealth and telemedicine and information on choosing telemedicine vendors, equipment, and software; initiating a telemedicine program; monitoring patients remotely; and developing documentation tools. There is also information that will be useful for providers who intend to care for patients through electronic virtual services that may be temporarily used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medicaid COVID-19 guidance:  HCBS waivers, nursing home visitation, telehealth & more 

CMS's COVID-19 web page includes a variety of resources for the networks:

Planning for COVID-19 in your community

Capacity-Building Toolkit for including Aging & Disability Networks in Emergency Planning

ACL worked with the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) to create this resource to guide the aging and disability networks in increasing their ability to plan for and respond to public health emergencies and disasters.

The Toolkit can help emergency managers and public health officials to understand the capabilities and expertise of CBOs within the aging and disability networks and welcome their partnership in emergency planning activities.

While the Toolkit is not specifically focused on COVID-19, its recommendations and resources apply to a wide range of emergency situations. Module Three, which begins on page 21, specifically addresses preparing for public health emergencies, including infectious disease.

Get your Organization Ready - CDC Interim Guidance

This interim guidance is intended to help community-based organizations plan for COVID-19 in their communities. Although it does not answer all the questions we know  the aging and disability networks have, it addresses many of those we have heard most frequently.  

Addressing Social Isolation

Methods to Counter Loneliness and Social Isolation of Older Adults - Resource document from Wheaton College's Humanitarian Disaster Institute

The Humanitarian Disaster Institute, a faith-based academic disaster research center, has created a detailed document that describes ways of connecting while social distancing guidelines are in place.

Guidance from Advancing States on Social Isolation

Addressing Social Isolation for Older Adults during COVID-19

More Resources

From the Federal Government 

White House Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force  

Stay on top of the latest information from the official White House COVID-19 Task Force.

USA.gov 

USA.gov has a directory of COVID-19 websites managed by government agencies. 

Health information from CDC 

CDC's COVID-19 web page includes a number of resources, including specific guidance for:

CDC Video

Protecting Civil Rights of People with Disabilities

On March 28, the HHS Office of Civil Rights published OCR Bulletin: Civil Rights, HIPAA, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to ensure that entities covered by civil rights authorities keep in mind their obligations under laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and exercise of conscience and religion in HHS-funded programs. 

The bulletin states that, “…persons with disabilities should not be denied medical care on the basis of stereotypes, assessments of quality of life, or judgments about a person’s relative “worth” based on the presence or absence of disabilities or age. Decisions by covered entities concerning whether an individual is a candidate for treatment should be based on an individualized assessment of the patient and his or her circumstances, based on the best available objective medical evidence.”

A fact sheet for health care professionals titled Safeguard Against Disability Discrimination During COVID-19 is available from the The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities. A second Fact Sheet describes the rights of people with disabilities and self-advocacy tips when receiving medical care.

Behavioral health resources to help during social distancing and quarantine 
  • SAMHSA's Tips for Social Distancing and Isolation - This tip sheet describes feelings and thoughts people may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways to care for behavioral health during these experiences and provides resources for more help. (Published Mar. 16, 2020)
  • SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to people experiencing disaster-related emotional distress.
    • Deaf/Hard of Hearing instructions:
      • Text TalkWithUs to 66746
      • Use your preferred relay service to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
      • TTY 1-800-846-8517
  • SAMHSA VIrtual Recovery Resources describes resources that can be used to virtually support recovery from mental/substance use disorders and to help local recovery programs create virtual meetings.
Information for Medicare beneficiaries

Medicare.gov's COVID-19 page includes information for beneficiaries.  A few key things:

  • Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-of-pocket costs.
  • Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.
  • At this time, there's no vaccine for COVID-19. However, if one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).
  • If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits beyond the ones described below. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.
Beware of Fraud and Scams 

ACL has become aware of a scam, via text messages, that purport to offer funds related to an Aging Empowerment Program. The scam may offer $150,000. These text messages are scams and the sender is trying to get your personal information. Do not respond to these scams no matter whose name is attached to the text.

FTC Guidance: Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19.  

The FTC’s Coronavirus Scams resource page in English & Spanish has blogs, links to law enforcement actions, recordings of scam calls about the Coronavirus, and tips for avoiding and reporting scams, including:

  • Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.

  • Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
  • Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
  • For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.
  • Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

Investor Alert: Look Out for Coronavirus-Related Investment Scams

Visit ftc.gov/coronavirus for updates and subscribe to get alerts for consumers and businesses about the latest scams.

Report Coronavirus Scams

How to report:

Adult Protective Services and Older Americans Act legal assistance programs can also support people who have been targeted by scams. Find your local programs using the Eldercare Locator. 

Department of Justice Resources

The Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. Find the latest COVID-19 information from the Department of Justice

The Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative works to support and coordinate DOJ's efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target older adults.They have developed a flyer (PDF) with COVID-19 resource.

Mail Scams

The United States Postal Inspection Service is tracking and providing resources on coronavirus-related scams. If you’ve encountered a coronavirus scam, and the U.S. Mail® has been used in any way, the United States Postal Inspection Service wants to help. Please report the crime using their online form. 

IRS warning: watch out for schemes tied to economic impact payments

The Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

Scammers may:

  • Emphasize the words "Stimulus Check" or "Stimulus Payment." The official term is economic impact payment.
  • Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
  • Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
  • Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer's behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
  • Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impact payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov. 

  • If you spot a scam, please tell the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/Complaint. Reports go into the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Database, and are shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    See data about Coronavirus-related consumer complaints submitted to the FTC at ftc.gov/exploredata.
  • Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
  • Report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov
  • If it's a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
  • Emphasize the words "Stimulus Check" or "Stimulus Payment." The official term is economic impact payment.
  • Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
  • Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
  • Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer's behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
  • Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.
CARES Act Economic Impact Payments for Individuals and Businesses

On March 27, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, into law. This law provides direct payments to individuals and support to small businesses.

IRS Information on Stimulus Check Delivery

The latest information from the IRS on stimulus payments to Individuals is available here: www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Economic Impact Payments for Individuals

Eligible individuals will receive economic impact payments of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child.

The IRS Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool allows you to quickly register for Economic Impact Payments if you don't normally file a tax return. The feature is available only on IRS.gov. Using the tool will not result in any taxes being owed. Entering bank account information will allow the IRS to deposit your payment directly into your account. Otherwise, your payment will be mailed to you.

Important Notes for Social Security beneficiaries:

New! Important update from IRS for SSI recipients SI recipients who have dependent children and did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes. For new May 5, 2020, Deadline Announcement, click here.

  • Eligible Social Security (including SSDI and SSI), Veterans Administration, and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries who don’t normally file taxes will automatically receive payments of $1,200.
  • Any of these beneficiaries who have qualifying children under age 17 and did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes must use the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info" tool on IRS.gov to claim the $500 payment per child.
    • SSA retirement, SSA survivor, SSDI, and RRB beneficiaries must submit this information by noon ET Wednesday, April 22.
    • For those who miss the April 22 deadline, their automatic payment will be $1,200 and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child would be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020.
    • SSI and VA beneficiaries have some additional time but should enter information as soon as possible.
  • Any new beneficiaries since January 1, 2020, of either Social Security or SSI benefits, who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, will also need to go to the IRS’s Non-Filers website to enter their information.
  • Economic impact payments will not be counted as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months.

Assistance for Small Businesses:

The Paycheck Protection Program ensures that small businesses can continue to pay employees and cover costs during this unprecedented health crisis. For up to eight weeks, this program can be used to cover the entire cost of payroll and other eligible expenses.

Private non-profit organizations are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Resources from the Department of the Treasury:

Private non-profit organizations are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Learn about other programs for small businesses.

Equal employment and other labor-related resources
Financial Tips and Resources From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has resources to protect and manage your finances during the COVID-19 emergency. Some of the resources are specifically for those facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

Resources include:

Resources for Veterans

The VA is working to protect and care for Veterans, their families, health care providers, and staff in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic. 

Veterans with symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. VA urges Veterans to contact VA before visiting – you can find contact information for your closest VA facility. Alternatively, Veterans can sign into My HealtheVet to send secure messages to their VA providers or use telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.

Resources for veterans from the VA:

Resources from our non-federal partners

The COVID-19 situation is fast-moving, and what people need to know is changing fast as well. In the interest of providing information as quickly as we can, we are sharing resources created by our partners in the aging and disability networks and non-governmental agencies when a comparable resource from a government source does not exist. This does not constitute endorsement for one organization over another or indicate support for opinions expressed by the organizations.

For family caregivers
New! Comparing Video Communication Tools: Usability and Accessibility
  • ODEP's Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) published a "How to Pick an Accessible Virtual Meeting Platform" tip sheet. This resource provides best practices on the process of ensuring that employers' meeting platforms support full accessibility for people with disabilities.
  • Disability:IN has developed a resource page on digital accessibility and other best practices for remote work.
  • Rooted in Rights offers tips for making virtual meeting more accessible for people with disabilities.
  • "The Big Hack," a project of the British non-profit Scope, provides an overview of accessibility features found in various video conferencing apps.
  • The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has developed a detailed overview of remote video communication options titled, Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience. NCOA provides pros and cons for each tool, including Facebook Live, Google Hangouts, Zoom and several others. Links to additional information are included in the document. This resource is a convenient first stop for people wanting to connect to each other remotely and also includes information about tools that can be used for meetings and presentations.
Information for people with developmental disabilities and self-advocates
Cross-disability resources from the the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Communications tools to support people with complex communication needs

Emergency communication tool from Temple University Institute on Disabilities

  • Communication during times of emergency is critical. However, many individuals may not use verbal communication due to their disability, injury, or shock. These communication tools may be used during times of emergency when spoken English or Spanish may not be an option.
  • The UConn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities has developed a flipbook provides communication strategies for addressing the needs of people who do not communicate through speech to express themselves and/or to understand what is being said to them. Aids include an emergency QWERTY board for typing, pain charts, sign language basics, and icon-based options. It can be printed out and hung inside emergency vehicles for easy reference on the job.
  • The Patient-Provider Communication Forum, with the support of the United States Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC), is providing a free bank of communication supports to patients and their health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Resources from the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center

How Do Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Communicate at the Hospital During COVID-19?

Resources from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Communication supports for children and adults with communication needs during the COVID-19 pandemic

For people with paralysis  

The Paralysis Resource Center, an ACL grantee, has created this resource for people living with paralysis. See also:

New! NCOA Resource Guide for Senior Centers

Senior Centers Connect is a resource guide from the National Council on Aging for centers that are temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The guide includes ideas for programming and continuing services.

Telehealth for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People: Guidance for Consumers and Medical Professionals

A coalition of deaf and hard of hearing consumer advocacy organizations, deaf healthcare providers, and other experts have developed guidelines on telehealth for consumers and medical professionals.

Resources for Health Professionals and First Responders

AADMD Resources for Those Serving People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

AADMD's Coronavirus Center is a resource and knowledge-sharing hub for individuals, caregivers, and, in particular, health care workers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tips for First Responders

Tips for First Responders was developed by the University of New Mexico, Center for Development and Disability, the American Association on Health and Disability, and other partners offers quick, easy-to-use procedures for assisting people with disabilities in an emergency. The guide includes specific tips to support:

  • Seniors
  • People with service animals
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with Autism
  • People who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • People who are blind or visually impaired
  • People with cognitive disabilities
  • People with multiple chemical sensitivities
  • People who are mentally ill
  • Childbearing women and newborns
  • People With Seizure Disorders

Download as a PDF.

Resources for LGBT Older Adults and People Living with HIV

Accessibility at Drive-Thru Medical Sites

Drive-thru medical sites are one way that hospitals and health departments provide intermittent medical services with greater ease and/or safety for their patients. The sites are especially useful for medical testing during times of an outbreak since keeping patients in vehicles can help to minimize exposure to a contagious disease.

Whether these drive-thru medical services are funded/operated by the state, county, or city or a private business, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that the services are accessible to people with disabilities. The Northwest ADA Center has created a fact sheet that lists considerations and strategies to promote accessibility at drive-thru medical sites.

Fact sheets for older adults and people with disabilities

Common Questions and Answers About COVID-19 for Older Adults and People with Chronic Health Conditions, created by the Alliance for Aging Research and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

New! Staying Safe at Home Fact Sheet for Older AdultsNew accordion title

Staying Safe at Home During the Coronavirus Crisis. New Fact Sheet from Eldercare Locator and the Alliance for Aging Research.

American Sign Language

COVID-19 resources are now available in American Sign Language via YouTube:

En Español

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Last modified on 04/28/2020


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