In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress quickly enacted three new laws that provide myriad new streams of financial assistance to individuals. AAF’s Director of Human Welfare Policy Tara O’Neill Hayes summarizes these new streams — direct payments, paid leave, enhanced unemployment benefits, student loan relief, mortgage and rental assistance, and increased nutrition assistance — and how they are able to help individuals struggling during the ongoing crisis.

Her summary:

• Some provisions are cash transfers, while others offer forbearance for missing payments or limit penalties for withdrawing money from existing accounts;
• The effect is to ensure that individuals have access to more cash, that they receive adequate nutrition, and that they can receive testing for COVID-19.

Read the analysis.