The American Rescue Plan of 2021 has changed many things for low-income families. Use this list to be sure you get all the help you can. These resources are available to families with no income or modest income. For residents of southwest Kansas, if you have questions or you need help with these applications, call any of our offices listed at the bottom of this web page.
File a 2020 Tax Return
Important: File a 2020 tax return, even if you don't owe taxes so you are eligible for the Child Care Tax Credit mentioned below.
Tax Filing Deadline: May 17, 2021
You can file a free tax return at TurboTax, My Free Taxes, credit karma, or H&R Block. You don't need to pay anyone for this simple tax return.
These tax-filing programs have both free and paid choices. The free filing option will work for what you need.
The tax helpers want you as a future customer. They also get some Federal support for filing simple tax returns. With many filing helpers, you have to make an account before you can find out if you are eligible. The companies safely save your information and will write you in the future (by email) about filing a tax return.
Filing a return will also let you see if you can get an earned income tax credit for the past three years. It will also make sure you have gotten all the stimulus payments for which you are eligible.
Monthly Child Care Tax payments
Filing a 2020 tax return will help you to get the 2021 advance monthly payments of up to $300 per child. You can claim the other half of the payment by filing a 2021 tax return. You may file even if you HAVE NO INCOME in 2021.
Apply for No-Cost Medical Coverage
For Adults (Through August 15)
Apply here: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-insurance-marketplace-glossary/
For people with income between $17,430 for a household of 2 (1 child) up to $43,550 (150% of Federal Poverty Level) – zero cost for the silver plan – NO premium.
Higher incomes have a major decrease in premium costs.
This goes on through 2022.
The money to pay for your coverage comes as a tax credit. If you already have health insurance through the Federal Marketplace, sign in to your account to request this and lower your cost for the remainder of the year. This benefit is retroactive, so some of the money will come in a tax refund on the income tax return filed for 2021.
IF you got any Unemployment Benefits in 2021, you are automatically eligible for Zero cost, if you select the silver plan. Anyone who got Unemployment Benefits in 2021 can buy health insurance in the marketplace - this coverage will only last for 2021.
If you could be eligible for COBRA coverage after leaving a job, you can sign up for COBRA with your former employer for one year or for 60 days after the end of the COVID National Emergency. You can get a tax credit equal to 100% coverage for up to 6 months in 2021, for payments made between 4/1/21 and 9/30/21.
For Children: Health Wave
In Kansas, you may apply for children’s health insurance at any time. Apply online at https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/. You can view eligibility, after answering some simple questions and apply online if you are eligible.
Internet (Broadband) Program
Please check the FCC website, www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, often for the latest information. You are eligible if your child gets reduced school lunches, or if you have loss of income due to COVID, or if your 2020 income was below $99,000. (Not yet available) This will provide free internet for eligible families. You will be able to choose your own provider.
Back Rent Due or Need for Future Rent
Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) - helps with paying rent, some utilities, including internet
- Up to 12 months of payments (past due rent since April 1, 2020 and future rent)
- You must make a joint application with your landlord
- Must have had financial hardship due to COVID
- Your income now (varies by county) has to be less than about $40,000. Check on the website for specific information.
Apply here: https://kera.kshousingcorp.org/kera#/
SNAP (Food Help)
The amount of benefits for a family are up by 15% through September. This is about $25 per person per month. Children who would have gotten free or reduced food from schools can get more money on the family SNAP electronic card if they are not eating at school. This should continue through the summer.
The highest monthly income limit is $1868 for a family of two, $2353 for a family of three. The highest benefit is $374 for a family of two, $535 a month for a family of three. There are limits on resources (money in the bank, etc.)
Apply here: https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal
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This information is provided by Kansas Legal Services and is accurate as of 4/28/21. By necessity, all eligibility criteria for each program are not listed in the summary. Click here for updated information.
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