The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

Sealing or expunging criminal records– automatic in some states, but not Louisiana.

Almost 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have some kind of criminal record.

Because the record can affect your ability to get a job, most states allow it to be sealed after a period of time. This removes it from public records, though police and certain government searches can still find it. In Louisiana this is called “expungement.”

About a dozen states so far have laws that automatically seal completed records.  Not Louisiana.

In Louisiana many records cannot be expunged. Expunging usually costs $550 or more. It can be complicated and can take many months.

There is a Louisiana law that courts should not charge the costs for this or should not charge them in advance. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983. But not many attorneys have been using it and the courts may not know about it.

If you live in Jefferson Parish and have a Jefferson Parish record needing expungement, SLLS may be able to help with the court costs if it has grant funds available and you are eligible for our free legal services; call (504) 529-1000, ext. 287 to find out.

If you can pay the court costs yourself, the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana, at www.jaclouisiana.org, may be able to help you fill out the court’s expungement forms, and explain the court process to you.  JACLA has free clinics where you can get help to go through the process on your own.

If you think you need legal representation in court, you are welcome to apply for our free legal services at www.slls.org, to see if you are eligible.

For more information about what other states have done for Americans with criminal records, to help them get jobs and ease the process, see https://ccresourcecenter.org

The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

If you have been unable to pay your utilities during the Covid-19 crisis, you may be eligible for assistance to help cover your past-due bills. If you are applying for the statewide Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program, you can also apply for assistance to cover past-due utilities, including: electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash removal and fuel oil.

• If you are still in the process of applying for the Rental Assistance Program, you can add your utility requests directly to your application. Instructions are available here.

• If you have already submitted your application, you can request utilities assistance by submitting a "Utilities Assistance Ticket" using your online application portal. Instructions can be found here. This must be done by June 7, 2021.

Eligible renters can get help paying overdue utility bills as far back as April 2020. Assistance is available for current utility charges, past-due utility bills, and for reconnection and late fees. You can get assistance covering up to 15 months of bills in total.

*If you are a resident of Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans or St. Tammany Parish, you cannot apply for the statewide program and must apply directly to the program in your parish. East Baton Rouge Parish residents can apply for rental assistance here. Information on whether utilities assistance will also be provided through this program will be added as it becomes available. Jefferson Parish residents can apply for rental assistance here.  Utilities assistance is not available this time, but may become available in the future. Orleans Parish residents can apply for rental assistance here. Information on whether utilities assistance will also be provided through this program will be added as it becomes available. St. Tammany Parish residents can apply for rent and utility assistance. To apply, you must schedule an appointment by calling 985-898-3016 or emailing STRAP@stpgov.org.

You may be eligible for the statewide rental assistance program if you meet all of the following:

• You reside in a rental unit in one of the 57 parishes covered by the state-administered program and meet certain income requirements for your area.
• At least one individual in your household qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
• You have received a past-due rent notice, a past-due utility notice, or an eviction notice.

What if I am not applying for rental assistance or the parish I live in is not currently providing utilities assistance? Are there other programs I can get utilities assistance from? Yes. You may be eligible for utilities payment assistance through the federally-funded program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In general, you may be eligible for the program if your household income is equal to or less than these amounts:

Number of People in Your Household	Annual Household Income	Average Monthly Income
1	$24,792	$2,066
2	$32,424	$2,702
3	$40,056	$3,338
4	$47,676	$3,973
5	$55,308	$4,609
6	$62,940	$5,245
7	$64,368	$5,364
8	$65,796	$5,483
9	$67,224	$5,602
10	$68,664	$5,722

You will also need to provide:

• Recent copies of your utility bills
• Copies of the last four consecutive check stubs for employed household members
• Proof of other benefits you receive, including: Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and Pension Funds.
• Disconnect notice (if you received a shut-off notice from your energy company)
• Proof of present address (rent receipt, lease or deed, etc.)
• Driver’s license or picture ID of head of household and their Social Security card
• Proof of total members living in your household and their Social Security cards
• Additional information may be required

Assistance is not guaranteed. More information on the program, including where to apply, can be found here. Additional assistance may also be available through this program for those who are experiencing difficulty paying their utility bills due to Covid-19. Eligible applicants will receive a $600 benefit for their heating and cooling bills. To apply, contact your local community action agency. You can find a list of local agencies here. You will also need to provide the identification and income documents listed above and a copy of your heating and cooling bills for one month (not older than six months).

If you live in New Orleans, you may be able to get a deferred payment plan from Entergy, which will allow you up to a year to pay your current bill and/or your unpaid balance. You can request a payment plan by calling 1-800-368-3749 or by making the request online on your “myEntergy” account.

If you live in Jefferson Parish, you may be able to get utilities assistance from the Jefferson Community Action Programs. To apply, you must submit: Your Louisiana driver’s license or State I.D. Each household member’s Social Security card Copies of the last four consecutive check stubs for employed household members Proof of other benefits you receive, including: Food Stamps, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and Pension Funds. Proof of address, such as a current utility bill or any other bill from the last 30 days You can apply by scheduling an appointment at these locations: Dorothy B. Watson Community Center 1300 S. Myrtle Street Metairie, LA 70003 Telephone: (504) 736-6480 Hazel Rhea Hurst Community Center   1121 S. Causeway Blvd. Jefferson, LA 70121 Telephone: (504) 838-4277

If you live outside of Baton Rouge or New Orleans and are behind on your utility bills, your provider should be contacting you to establish a reasonable repayment plan. Please note, if your utilities provider is unable to get in contact with you, you will still be responsible for the past-due amount and your utilities may still be disconnected. Your utilities provider cannot charge you late fees or interest for bills that were unpaid from March 20, 2020 through July 16, 2020. Your provider is also prohibited from making negative credit reports for these unpaid balances. These measures, particularly about late fees, interest, and negative credit reporting, have not been established in Baton Rouge and New Orleans at this time.

Can my utilities be cut off if I haven’t been able to pay due to Covid? Yes. If you are behind on your payments, your utilities may be disconnected. You should try to work out a payment plan with your utilities provider and get any payment plan in writing. Once you are able to, be sure to pay your utility bills on time to avoid a disruption in service. For those living in New Orleans, the Sewerage & Water Board is moving towards resuming shut offs for non-payment. While a plan isn't in place yet, the Swerage & Water Board will be offering payment plans if you are far behind on your past due water bills.

The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

The state may drop pandemic unemployment benefits.

At least 26 states have decided to stop paying the federal unemployment that has helped millions of American workers during the pandemic. This includes $300 a week that is currently being added to unemployment checks. It also can include “PUA”—the benefits for workers who are not usually eligible for unemployment benefits (like people whose earnings are not reported on W2, people with little work history, and people caring for children due to Covid closures).

Governor Edwards will end at least the extra $300 a week in Louisiana on July 31.

There are also other reasons why your unemployment benefits may end.

Your unemployment benefits may end if you are offered a job, but refuse it.

You can lose unemployment benefits if you do not have a very good reason for refusing to accept work when it is offered to you, whether it is your old job or a new one.

If your employer calls you to return to work and you refuse, they can report you to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The agency makes this easy for employers to do. This may disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits. You may also have to pay back any benefits you received in the time after you refused to return to work.

You can appeal and seek representation from Southeast Louisiana if the work offer does not pay close to what you recently earned or is otherwise not “suitable” for you given your background. Call our Covid-19 Helpline at 1-844-244-7871 to apply for free legal assistance or fill out our online application here.

A job should be considered not suitable if it is not following Covid-related health and safety requirements, such as social distancing or not requiring those who may have Covid to stay home.

Your unemployment benefits may end if the Louisiana Workforce Commission determines you are and always have been ineligible for benefits.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is going back on hundreds (and maybe even thousands) of people’s unemployment claims and determining they have always been ineligible for benefits and should not have been awarded any. In these cases, the agency is also requiring claimants to pay back all of the money they received—usually over $10,000.

The agency should not cut off your benefits without sending you a notice (a letter sent to your HIRE account or hardcopy letter to the address you have on file) and without offering you a hearing.

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services can often help on these cases, but it can take several months to get these issues corrected. You can apply for free legal assistance by calling our Covid-19 Helpline at 1-844-244-7871 or by filling out an online application here.

In the meantime, you can appeal any decision that you should not get unemployment or that you have been “overpaid.”  Appeal right away to protect your rights! You only have 15 days form an agency notice to submit your appeal. Your notice will include the date you must submit your appeal by. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your right to appeal.

The letter will provide instructions on how to appeal. You can find more information on appeals here.

The hearing on your appeal may be months away.

If your unemployment benefits were stopped, SLLS may be able to help, even before the hearing. Call our Covid-19 Helpline at 1-844-244-7871 to apply for free legal assistance or fill out our online application here.

 

*Please note, our services are only available for residents of the following parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana

The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

Current as of August 10, 2021

The government offers discounted internet service for some people. You may be eligible for discounted or free internet assistance. Some programs also offer discounts for computers and tablets.

How can I get free or discounted internet service?

You can apply for free or discounted internet service through the Lifeline program. Eligible customers will save at least $9.25 off their monthly internet bill.

If you already receive a cell phone discount from Lifeline, you cannot also get internet service through the program. However, you may be able to get discounted Internet with a special Covid-related program (more information below). More information on cell phone assistance through Lifeline is available here.

In general, you qualify for the program if:

1. You or someone in your household receives:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but not if you just receive regular Social Security
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)

 OR

2. Your household income is equal to or less than these amounts:

   Number of People in Your Household	Annual Household Income	Monthly Average
   1	$17,388	$1,449.00
   2	$23,517	$1,959.75
   3	$29,646	$2,470.50
   4	$35,775	$2,981.25
   5	$41,904	$3,492.00
   6	$48,033	$4,002.75
   7	$54,162	$4,513.50
   8	$60,291	$5,024.25
   For each additional person, add	$6,129	$510.75

To apply for the program, you will need to complete an eligibility form.

• You can complete the eligibility form online here. If you apply online, you may get an immediate decision.
• You can also print out the application and mail it in. The application in English is available here and the application in Spanish is available here. Once you complete it, you will mail it to: Lifeline Support Center P.O. Box 7081 London, KY 40742

When you apply, you will need to provide:

• Your Name
• Your Social Security Number
• A Working Email Address
• A Mailing Address (cannot be a P.O. Box)
• Income or Benefits documentation as listed above. If you are not receiving a government assistance listed above, you should send a copy if your tax return from last year or proof of three months in a row of your income; other proof may be accepted if you do not have year-long income documents.

If you are approved, you will be sent an eligibility certificate. You will present this to a provider that accepts the Lifeline discount to get your discounted Internet service.

• You can ask your current provider if they accept Lifeline or visit this website to see what providers in your area accept the discount.

Are there additional benefits available during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Yes. The federal government has created the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. The program will provide:

• A discount of up to $50 per month towards Internet service for eligible households.
• A discount of up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.
• Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute at least $10 and less than $50 towards the purchase price.

The benefit is available to eligible new or existing customers of participating companies, (listed below) but there is a limit of one discount per household.

You can also combine these benefits with other Lifeline benefits. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline discount for their cell phone service and can also get discounted Internet with this new program.  

Who is eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

A household is eligible if at least one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Qualifies for the Lifeline program (as described above);
• Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or received free or reduced school lunch in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Is a college student who received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers’ existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

A household is a group who lives together and share money. If you don’t live together or don’t share money, more than one person under the same roof may qualify for a discount (i.e., roommates who do not share money, seniors in assisted-living homes, or students who receive Pell Grants and don’t live with their parents).

Will I receive the funds directly?

No. The program will send your benefits to your Internet provider every month.

If I already receive Lifeline benefits will I automatically receive the Emergency Broadband Benefit? 

No. You automatically qualify for it. But must still enroll to get it. Talk to your provider to to learn how to start receiving this discount. You can receive both Lifeline benefits and this new program at the same time. You can choose to use the new benefit with your current Lifeline service provider or switch to another company.

How do I apply for it?

If you are not enrolled in the Lifeline benefit program, you will need to apply in one of three ways:

1. Contact a participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. If you are unable to apply through them directly, you will have to apply using option 2 or 3 below. After that, contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan
2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online. After you are found eligible, use their list of participating providers, and contact one to select a plan.
3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application OR print out the application and mail it in. The application in English is available here and the application in Spanish is available here. Once you complete it, mail it to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 4074

When you apply, you will need to provide:

• Your Name
• Your Home Address where you will get internet
• Income or Benefits documentation as listed above. If you are not receiving a government assistance listed above, you should send a copy if your tax return from last year or proof of three months in a row of your income; other proof may be accepted if you do not have year-long income documents.

If you qualify, households must contact a participating provider to select an Emergency Broadband Benefit eligible service plan.

How long will this last?

The broadband help will end at a date not yet known. It will be based on when funds run out or when the pandemic improves enough.

Which companies can I use the discount at? 

Access Wireless

AT&T

Boost Mobile

Charter (Spectrum)

CoBridge Broadband, LLC 

Comcast (Xfinity)

Cox

EATEL

enTouch Wireless

Fidelity Communications

good2go mobile

human-I-T

Life Wireless

LUS Fiber

NewPhone Wireless

PCs for People

Q Link Wireless

Reserve Telephone Company (RTC)

Sano Health

Selectel Wireless

Sparklight

StandUp Wireless

Star Telephone Company

Swyft Connect

TerraCom

T-Mobile

TM Telecomm Corp.

TracFone Wireless

TruConnect

Verizon

Vexus

Vision

Vyve Broadband

Where do I go if I have questions?

If you have more questions, go to www.GetEmergencyBroadband.org or contact the Emergency Broadband Support Center at (833)511-0311.

 

The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

The federal government has opened applications for the Covid-19 Funeral Assistance Program. The program will help cover funeral costs from after January 20, 2020 for those who died from Covid.

There is no deadline to apply to the program, but you should apply as soon as possible.

Who is eligible for funeral assistance?

• S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens who paid funeral expenses after January 20, 2020 for someone who died from Covid-19. The deceased did not have to be a U.S. citizen in order for their funeral expenses to be covered by the program.
• The death must have happened in the United States, in a U.S. Territory, or in Washington D.C. Assistance is not available for the funeral expenses of U.S. citizens who died outside of the United States.
• The death certificate must say that the death was related to Covid-19.
• Applicants will have to show that the funeral costs were not covered by another source, such as funeral insurance, donations from volunteer or charity organizations, or other related government programs.

What costs does the program cover?

The program will reimburse up to $9,000 per funeral. (For example, if you had to pay for two funerals since January 20 for loved ones who passed due to Covid, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for up to $18,000.)

Expenses that the program will cover include:

• Transportation for up to 2 individuals to identify the deceased
• Transfer of remains
• Casket/Urn
• Burial plot/cremation niche
• Marker/headstone
• Clergy or officiant services
• Arrangements for ceremony
• Funeral home equipment or staff
• Burial costs
• Costs associated for producing death certificates
• Additional expenses required by any applicable local or state laws

What documentation will I need to submit when I apply?

• Death Certificate: The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely a result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.
• Proof of Funeral Expenses: Documentation (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) must include the applicant’s name as the responsible person for the expense, the deceased’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and that funeral expenses were from after January 20, 2020. The documentation must include all of the following information:

1. The applicant’s name must be listed as the person paying;
2. The total amount of the funeral expenses;
3. The deceased’s name; and
4. The date funeral expenses were paid.

• Insurance or Other Funeral Benefits: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance will not be awarded if all funeral costs were covered by funeral or burial insurance, a pre-paid funeral contract, a pre-paid trust for funeral expenses, or an irrevocable trust for Medicare, or from other funding. If you received any assistance to pay for the costs of the funeral, you will need to show documentation of what you received.

Other information you will need to submit:

• Social Security number for the applicant and the deceased individual
• Date of birth for the applicant and the deceased individual
• Your current mailing address and telephone number
• Location or address where the deceased individual passed away
• Information about burial or funeral insurance policies
• Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations
• CARES Act grants and assistance from voluntary organizations you received
• Routing and account number for your checking or savings account (for direct deposit, if that is your preferred payment method)

How do I apply?

You can apply by calling 844-684-6333 or 800-462-7585 from 8:00 am-8:00 pm CT. No online applications will be accepted.

The program is receiving a lot of calls, so it may take some time for you to talk to an agent.

Once you talk to an agent to complete your application, you will be given an application number.

After you get your application number, you will submit your documents by either:

• Uploading your documents to your DisasterAssistance.gov account,
• Faxing your documents to 855-261-3452, or
• Mailing your documents to P.O. BOX 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

You cannot submit your documents until your application is complete and you have an application number.

I was responsible for funeral expenses for more than one person whose death was caused by Covid-19. Can I apply for assistance for more than one death? Is there a limit?

Applicants may receive assistance for the funeral expenses of multiple individuals.

Assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per applicant per state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

Someone else helped me pay for funeral expenses. Can they apply for the program too?

FEMA will generally only provide assistance to one applicant per deceased individual.

If more than one person helped with funeral expenses, they must register with FEMA under the same application as the applicant as a co-applicant. If not, the funds will go to the first applicant that submits all required documentation. No more than one co-applicant can be included on an application.

Can I apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance even though I’ve already applied for a recent disaster, like a hurricane?

Yes. If you recently applied for FEMA assistance for home and/or personal property damage from a disaster, you can still apply for the Funeral Assistance program, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

The death certificate doesn’t say the death was caused by Covid. Can I get the death certificate changed to include it?

It is possible to change or amend a death certificate. This process starts with contacting the person who certified the death. Their name and address is on the death certificate. You’ll likely be asked to present evidence to them to sow why the death was related to Covid.

How will I receive COVID-19 Funeral Assistance?

If you are approved assistance, you will receive a check by mail or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you chose when applying for assistance.

I received a decision letter and was not approved. How do I appeal FEMA’s decision?

You have 60 days from the date of the decision letter to upload, fax or mail a signed letter appealing FEMA's decision.

The appeal should include the following:

• Why you think the decision is not correct.
• Supporting documentation (i.e., death certificate, funeral expenses, or other supporting documents).
• The application number must be included on each page of the appeal submitted.

Please be sure to review the decision letter you received for all instructions.

BEWARE OF SCAMS! FEMA will not contact you to ask for personal information unless you have applied for assistance. Do not disclose information such as the name, birth date or social security number of any deceased family member to any unsolicited telephone calls or e-mails from anyone claiming to be a federal employee or from FEMA.

If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

 

La información proporcionada en este artículo no representa, ni pretende, asesoramiento legal. Toda la información disponible en este sitio es solo con fines informativos generales. Si necesita ayuda legal, debe ponerse en contacto con un abogado. Usted puede ser elegible para nuestros servicios legales gratuitos y puede llamarnos a nuestra línea directa legal de Covid al 1-844-244-7871 o aplicar con nuestra aplicación electrónica aquí.

El moratorio hecho por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) sobre ciertos desalojos se extiende hasta el 30 de junio de 2021. Todavía puede ser desalojado por algunas razones que no sean razones por el impago del alquiler.

Para calificar para la protección debe llenar un formulario de declaración y proporcionarlo a su arrendador. Para conseguir el formulario solo haga clic aquí.

Es importante que tenga todas las copias sobre su desalojo aguardado. Aunque llene su declaración, todavía necesita ir  a la corte para presentar su declaración del moratorio hecho por el CDC.

Declaraciones hechos en otros idiomas se pueden encontrar aquí.

Si necesita asistencia legal de cómo aplicar para esta ayuda,  usted puede llamar los siguientes números:

• Para las parroquias de Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles y Plaquemines llame esta línea para contactar la unidad de Hogares y Desalojos de la oficina de Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, (504) 529-1000 extensión 223.
• Para otras parroquias en el sureste de Louisiana (incluyendo la parroquia de East Baton Rouge) llame esta línea de emergencias relacionadas a COVID-19, 1-844-244-7871.
• Para cualquier otro lugar no mencionado llame a las oficinas de Acadiana Legal Services. El numero de ellos es 1-800-256-1175.

Puede ser que usted también es elegible para asistencia de renta. El gobierno federal ha proveído el estado de Luisiana  con millones de dólares para asistencia de renta. Puede ser que usted es elegible si usted ha perdido ingresos por razones relacionadas a COVID-19 y la asistencia puede cubrir hasta 12 meses de renta debida por usted mas 3 pagos de renta prospectiva (dependiendo de donde usted aplica). Usted debe de aplicar pronto.

• El Tesoro de los Estados Unidos del estado de Luisiana: Programa de asistencia de emergencia para el alquiler. Haga clic aquí. (Este es un programa para todos el estado de Luisiana pero si usted es un residente de la parroquia de Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans o St. Tammany, entonces tiene que aplicar para esta asistencia directamente al programa en su parroquia.)
• El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de East Baton Rouge. Haga clic aquí para una traducción de la página en español hecha por el programa de Google.
• El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de Jefferson. Haga clic aquí.
• El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de Orleans. Haga clic aquí.
• El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de St. Tammany. Haga clic aquí. La página está en inglés. No hay una versión en español.

Otros Programas:

• Acción de La Comunidad para la Parroquia de Jefferson: Asistencia de Alquileres Para Tiempos de Emergencia. Haga clic arriba para una traducción de la página en español hecha por el programa de Google.
• La fundación para la autoridad financiera para comunidad de Nuevo Orleans. Haga clic aquí. La página está en inglés. No hay una versión en español.
• La fundación para empleados de servicio y hospitalidad para la ciudad de Nuevo Orleans. Haga clic aquí. La página esta en inglés. No hay una versión en español.

¿Cuándo fue que la orden hecha por el CDC se hizo efectivo?

La orden fue hecho efectivo el 4 de Septiembre del 2020.

¿Cuáles propiedades está cubierta por este orden?

La orden hecha por el CDC se aplica a todas las propiedades de alquiler residencial. Pero sólo ciertas personas están protegidas.

Esto es diferente de la moratoria de desalojo anterior de la Ley CARES, que se basó en si la propiedad tenía una hipoteca respaldada por el gobierno federal o un subsidio federal. La orden hecha por el CDC no se aplica a las propiedades de alquiler comercial (por ejemplo, las empresas). La orden del CDC tampoco se aplica a los desalojos de hoteles y moteles.

¿Cuáles inquilinos están protegidos por esta orden?

Una persona es una "persona cubierta" bajo la orden si le dan a su arrendador una declaración bajo pena de perjurio que:

1. La persona ha utilizado los mejores esfuerzos para obtener toda la ayuda gubernamental disponible para alquiler o vivienda;
2. El individuo ya sea:

• El individuo no espera ganar más de $99,000 en ingresos anuales para el Año Calendario 2020 (o no más de $198,000 si presenta una declaración conjunta con su esposa o esposo.)
• No estaba obligado a reportar ningún ingreso en 2019 al Servicio de Impuestos Internos de los Estados Unidos,
• o si usted recibió un cheque de estímulo bajo la Ley CARES;

3. El individuo no puede pagar el alquiler completo o hacer un pago completo de la vivienda debido a la pérdida sustancial de los ingresos del hogar, la pérdida de horas de trabajo o salarios compensables, un despido, o gastos médicos extraordinarios de su bolsillo;
4. El desalojo probablemente haría que las personas pierden su hogar —o obligara a la persona a mudarse y vivir en lugares cercanos donde se está compartiendo un espacio con otras personas— porque el individuo no tiene otras opciones de vivienda disponibles.

Aquí esta una copia de la declaración en inglés. Haga clic aquí.

Recuerde que es un crimen mentir debajo de una declaración de perjurio.

¿Hay que notariar la declaración?

No. Es jurado, así que si lo firmas pero no se aplica a ti, puedes ser procesado por perjurio debido al lenguaje en el formulario.

¿Qué desalojos están cubiertos?

Los desalojos por impago de alquiler están cubiertos. Todavía puede ser desalojado por:

• Participar en actividades delictivas en la propiedad;
• Amenazar la salud o la seguridad de otros residentes;
• Dañar o representar un riesgo inmediato y significativo de daños a la propiedad;
• Violar cualquier código de construcción, ordenanza de salud o regulación similar relacionada con la salud y la seguridad;
• o Violar cualquier otro requisito de arrendamiento que no sea el pago del alquiler.

¿Todavía puedo ser desalojado porque mi contrato de arrendamiento ha caducado?

La orden no dice si usted puede ser desalojado porque su contrato de arrendamiento ha expirado y el propietario quiere posesión.  Un juez tendrá que decidir este tema a menos que los Centros federales para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) aclare este tipo de situación.

Todavía tendría que cumplir con los demás requisitos de la declaración. Si usted es desalojado por no renovación de arrendamiento, podría ser importante que un abogado familiarizado con la orden hecha por el  CDC lo represente en la corte. (Llame al número anterior para ver si SLLS puede proporcionarle ayuda legal gratuita).

¿Cuándo debo dar mi declaración a mi arrendador?

Usted debe proporcionar el formulario a su arrendador tan pronto como sea posible. La orden no proporciona una fecha límite, siempre y cuando sea antes de que usted sea desalojado físicamente de su hogar.

¿Cómo debo dar mi declaración a mi arrendador?

Usted debe mantener algún tipo de prueba para cualquier tribunal que usted dio la declaración a su arrendador. Por ejemplo, puede:

• envíe un mensaje de texto de una imagen de la declaración firmada a su arrendador y, a continuación, haga una captura de pantalla del mensaje de texto.
• Envíe por correo electrónico una foto de la declaración firmada a su arrendador e imprima el correo electrónico antes de ir a la corte.
• Envíe la declaración firmada a su arrendador por correo certificado y guarde una copia del seguimiento de correo.
• Haga una copia de la declaración y pida a su arrendador que la firme para indicar el recibo cuando entregue el original.

¿Puedo darle algo a mi arrendador para explicar la importancia del formulario?

Estos son algunos recursos útiles que explican el moratorio de desalojo hecho por el CDC que usted puede usar:

• Recursos de la Coalición Nacional de Vivienda de Bajos Ingresos:
  • https://nlihc.org/coronavirus-and-housing-homelessness/national-eviction-moratorium
• Recursos del Proyecto de Ley Nacional de Vivienda:
  • https://www.nhlp.org/covid/cdc-eviction-moratorium/

¿Qué pruebas necesito para respaldar la declaración?

Usted debe esperar que los jueces o su arrendador puedan hacerle preguntas sobre la declaración, por lo que debe estar preparado para llevar lo siguiente a los tribunales si el arrendador presenta o ha solicitado un desalojo:

• Hable, y aún mejor, muestre su presupuesto mensual con gastos que no puede evitar como facturas de servicios públicos, gastos médicos, cuidado de niños y alimentos.
• Explique, y aún mejor, muestre cómo utilizó sus pagos de estímulo si no lo utilizó para pagar el alquiler.
• Hable, y aún mejor, muestre evidencia de tratar de hacer pagos parciales si su presupuesto lo permite. Por ejemplo, puede traer capturas de pantalla de mensajes de texto, otras pruebas de que intentó elaborar un plan de pago o realizar pagos, o giros postales para alquiler parcial.
• Hable sobre, y aún mejor, muestre evidencia de que ha intentado obtener asistencia de alquiler, por ejemplo, una lista de lugares a los que llamó y cuándo los llamó, o papeleo de una agencia donde solicitó ayuda.
• Muestre que sus ingresos están por debajo de $99,000, por ejemplo, un documento que muestra que recibe SSI, cupones de alimentos, la carta que muestra que recibió un pago de estímulo, un talón de pago o una impresión que muestra la cantidad de sus beneficios de desempleo.
• Explique por qué no tiene a dónde ir si es desalojado, además de duplicarse con su familia o amigos, o ir a un refugio.

¿Qué pasa si mi casero ya tiene una sentencia de desalojo, pero todavía estoy en mi apartamento porque el alguacil aún no ha salido?

Si el desalojo fue por impago de alquiler está protegido, SOLO si rápidamente usted dio el paso de convertirse en una "persona cubierta" dando la declaración a su arrendador.

Así que asegúrese de proporcionarlo de inmediato. Después usted debe llamar al tribunal y al alguacil para proporcionar pruebas de que usted dio la declaración para parar el desalojo. Si esta es su situación, debe considerar ponerse en contacto con un abogado de inmediato. Usted puede calificar para recibir asistencia legal gratuita de Southeast Louisiana Legal Services al (504) 529-1000 x.223.

Aquí está el formulario de Declaración de los CDC.

La orden actualizada por el CDC y la orientación hecha por el CDC lo protegen explícitamente incluso si proporciona la orden después de recibir una sentencia de desalojo, pero antes de ser eliminado físicamente de la propiedad.

¿Puede mi arrendador seguir presentando un desalojo en mi contra?

Sí, su arrendador todavía puede presentar un desalojo en su contra por impago de alquiler o cualquier otra razón. Si usted cree que está cubierto por la orden de los CDC, todavía debe ir a la corte si recibe un aviso de desalojo para probar al juez que usted es una "persona cubierta" bajo la orden.

¿Mi alquiler aún debe pagarse?

Sí, su alquiler aún vence, y su arrendador puede cobrarle cargos por mora si no paga. Su arrendador puede demandarlo para cobrar una deuda de alquiler, o puede reportar cobros que podrían afectar su crédito o capacidad para obtener futuras viviendas.

Recuerde, para ser una "persona cubierta" usted debe ser capaz de declarar bajo sanción de perjurio que usted intentará hacer pagos lo más cerca posible del monto total de su alquiler dado su circunstancia financiera. Considere la posibilidad de obtener repetidamente giros postales por la cantidad de alquiler que puede permitirse. Por ejemplo, cuando reciba su cheque de desempleo, chequeo de pago o seguro social, piense en cuánto puede poner para el alquiler, incluso aunque sea una cantidad muy pequeña. Ofrezca los giros postales a su arrendador y asegúrese de obtener un recibo si son aceptados. Si tiene la capacidad de enviar un mensaje de texto o enviar por correo electrónico una foto de los giros postales a su arrendador, hazlo. Si su arrendador no acepta el pago parcial, mantenga las órdenes de dinero en un lugar seguro para que pueda mostrar a un juez que trató de hacer pagos y que todavía tiene ese dinero disponible para dar a su arrendador.

¿Y si ya le di la declaración a mi arrendador? ¿Tendré que presentar uno nuevo bajo la nueva extensión?

No. Si no se ha mudado y ya ha firmado y presentado una declaración de moratoria de desalojo, no es necesario darle a su arrendador otra.

¿Qué sucede cuando la Orden expira el 30 de junio de 2021?

Si todavía tiene alquiler no pagado el 30 de junio de 2021, su arrendador podrá desalojarlo por impago de alquiler. Su arrendador también puede demandarlo para cobrar una deuda de alquiler, o puede reportar los cobros que podrían afectar su crédito o capacidad para obtener futuras viviendas.

¿Qué pasa si le doy la declaración a mi arrendador, pero mi arrendador sigue solicitando el desalojo?

Puede solicitar servicios legales gratuitos de los Servicios Legales del Sureste de Luisiana en los números siguientes. Vea la sección "¿Qué pruebas necesito para respaldar la declaración?" anteriormente para comenzar a compilar la documentación que podría necesitar en la corte para demostrar que su arrendador no puede desalojarlo. Asegúrese de ir a la corte incluso si ya ha proporcionado la declaración a su arrendador.

• Para las parroquias de Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles y Plaquemines llame esta línea para contactar la unidad de Hogares y Desalojos de la oficina de Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, (504) 529-1000 extensión 223.
• Para otras parroquias en el sureste de Louisiana (incluyendo la parroquia de East Baton Rouge) llame esta línea de emergencias relacionadas a COVID-19, 1-844-244-7871.

 

La información proporcionada en este artículo no representa, ni pretende, asesoramiento legal. Toda la información disponible en este sitio es solo con fines informativos generales. Si necesita ayuda legal, debe ponerse en contacto con un abogado. Usted puede ser elegible para nuestros servicios legales gratuitos y puede llamarnos a nuestra línea directa legal de Covid al 1-844-244-7871 o aplicar con nuestra aplicación electrónica aquí.

El moratorio hecho por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) sobre ciertos desalojos se extiende hasta el 30 de junio de 2021. Todavía puede ser desalojado por algunas razones que no sean razones por el impago del alquiler. Para calificar para la protección debe llenar un formulario de declaración y proporcionarlo a su arrendador. Para conseguir el formulario solo haga clic aquí. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre el moratorio hecho por el CDC.

La última ley de estímulo aprobada por el Congreso también proporciona ciertas protecciones y recursos para los inquilinos afectados por COVID-19:

1. La ley incluye $25 mil millones en asistencia de alquiler para propietarios e inquilinos. Manténgase atento a cómo acceder a este dinero. Actualmente estos recursos pueden estar disponibles para la asistencia de alquiler:
   1. El Tesoro de los Estados Unidos del estado de Luisiana: Programa de asistencia de emergencia para el alquiler. Haga clic aquí. (Este es un programa para todos el estado de Luisiana pero si usted es un residente de la parroquia de Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans o St. Tammany, entonces tiene que aplicar para esta asistencia directamente al programa en su parroquia.)
   2. El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de East Baton Rouge. Haga clic aquí para una traducción de la página en español hecha por el programa de Google.
   3. El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de Jefferson. Haga clic aquí.
   4. El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de Orleans. Haga clic aquí.
   5. El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de la Parroquia de St. Tammany. Haga clic aquí. La página está en inglés. No hay una versión en español.

Otros Programas:

• Acción de La Comunidad para la Parroquia de Jefferson: Asistencia de Alquileres Para Tiempos de Emergencia. Haga clic arriba para una traducción de la página en español hecha por el programa de Google.
• La fundación para la autoridad financiera para comunidad de Nuevo Orleans. Haga clic aquí. La página está en inglés. No hay una versión en español.
• La fundación para empleados de servicio y hospitalidad para la ciudad de Nuevo Orleans. Haga clic aquí. La página esta en inglés. No hay una versión en español.

2. La ley también incluye un aumento de $300 semanal para los programas de desempleo hasta el 4 de Septiembre. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre los cambios en el desempleo bajo el plan de estímulo. Para obtener más información sobre cómo solicitar beneficios de desempleo, vaya a louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx.
3. Las personas que califiquen que ganan menos de $75,000 por año recibirán un pago de estímulo de $1,400. Haga clic aquí para obtener información importante sobre cómo acceder a un pago de estímulo si no presenta impuestos.

 

The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moratorium on certain evictions has been extended until June 30, 2021. You can still be evicted for some reasons other than nonpayment of rent.

In order to qualify for this protection you must fill out a declaration form and provide it to your landlord. You can download a copy of the declaration form in English here.

Be sure to keep a copy for your records. If you receive an eviction notice you still need to go to court to show the judge that you provided the declaration.

Declaration forms in other languages are available here: https://nlihc.org/coronavirus-and-housing-homelessness/national-eviction-moratorium

If you need legal advice on how this order may apply to you, contact:

• For Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Plaquemines: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services’ Housing Line at (504) 529-1000 ext. 223.
• For other parishes throughout Southeast Louisiana (including and east of Baton Rouge): COVID-19 helpline at 1-844-244-7871
• For all other parishes outside of our service area contact Acadiana Legal Services at 1-800-256-1175.

You may also be eligible for rental assistance. The federal government has provided the state of Louisiana with millions of dollars for rental assistance. You qualify if you have lost income due to COVID-19, and they can pay up to 12 months of back rent plus up to 3 months prospective rent (depending on the program). Apply as soon as possible:

• Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (This is a statewide program, but if you are a resident of Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans or St. Tammany Parish, you must apply directly to the program in your parish.)
  • This program has also been expanded to help cover the costs of past-due utilities you may have, including: electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash removal and fuel oil.
  • Eligible renters can get help paying overdue utility bills as far back as April 2020. Assistance is available for current utility charges, past-due utility bills, and for reconnection and late fees. Eligible renters can get assistance covering up to 15 months of bills in total.
  • If you are still in the process of applying for the Rental Assistance Program, you can add your utility requests directly to your application. Instructions are available here.
  • If you have already submitted your application, you can request utilities assistance by submitting a "Utilities Assistance Ticket" using your online application portal. Instructions can be found here. This must be done by June 7, 2021.
• East Baton Rouge Emergency Housing Assistance
• Jefferson Parish Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• City of New Orleans Rental Assistance Program 
• St. Tammany Rental Assistance Program

Other programs that may be able to provide assistance:

• Jefferson Parish Community Action Programs (JEFFCAP) emergency rent assistance
• Finance Authority of New Orleans Community Support Fund
• Greater New Orleans Foundation Service and Hospitality Family Assistance Program

When did the CDC order become effective?

The order took effect on Friday, September 4, 2020.

What properties are covered?

The CDC order applies to all residential rental properties. But as set out below only certain people are protected.

This is different from the earlier CARES Act eviction moratorium, which was based on whether the property had a federally backed mortgage or federal subsidy. The CDC order does not apply to commercial rental properties (for example, businesses). The CDC order also does not apply to evictions from hotels and motels.

What tenants are covered?

A person is a “covered person” under the order if they give their landlord a declaration under penalty of perjury that:

1. The individual has used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing;

2. The individual either

• expects to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for Calendar Year 2020 (or no more than $198,000 if filing a joint return),
• was not required to report any income in 2019 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or
• received a stimulus check under the CARES Act;

3. The individual is unable to pay the full rent or make a full housing payment due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, a layoff, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses;

4. The individual is using best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as the individual’s circumstances may permit, taking into account other necessary expenses; and

5. Eviction would likely render the individual homeless—or force the individual to move into and live in close quarters in a new congregate or shared living setting— because the individual has no other available housing options.

The declaration containing the required language is available for download here. 

*Remember that it is a criminal offense to lie on a declaration under penalty of perjury!

Does the declaration have to be notarized?

No. It is sworn, so if you sign it but it does not apply to you, you can be prosecuted for perjury because of the language on the form.

What evictions are covered?

Evictions for non-payment of rent are covered. You can still be evicted for:

1. Engaging in criminal activity on the property;
2. Threatening the health or safety of other residents;
3. Damaging or posing an immediate and significant risk of damage to property;
4. Violating any building code, health ordinance, or similar regulation relating to health and safety; or
5. Violating any other lease requirement other than payment of rent.

Can I still be evicted because my lease is expired?

The order does not say whether you can be evicted because your lease is expired and the owner wants possession.  A judge will have to decide this issue unless the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarifies it.

You would still have to meet the other requirements on the declaration.

If you are evicted for lease non-renewal it might be important to have an attorney familiar with the CDC order represent you in court. (Call the number above to see if SLLS can provide you with free legal help).

When should I give my declaration to my landlord?

You should provide the form to your landlord as soon as possible. The order does not provide a deadline, as long as it is before you are physically evicted.

How should I give my declaration to my landlord?

You should keep some form of proof for any court that you gave the declaration to your landlord. For example you can:

• Text a picture of the signed declaration to your landlord, then screenshot the text message.
• Email a picture of the signed declaration to your landlord, and print the email before going to court
• Send the signed declaration to your landlord by certified mail and keep a copy of the mail tracking.
• Make a copy of the declaration and have your landlord sign it to indicate receipt when you turn in the original.

Can I give something to my landlord to explain the importance of the form?

Here are some helpful resources explaining the CDC eviction moratorium that you can use:

• National Low Income Housing Coalition Resources: https://nlihc.org/coronavirus-and-housing-homelessness/national-eviction-moratorium
• National Housing Law Project Resources:https://www.nhlp.org/covid/cdc-eviction-moratorium/

What evidence do I need to back up the declaration?

You should expect that judges or your landlord may ask you questions about the declaration, so you should be prepared bring the following to court if the landlord files or has filed for an eviction:

• Talk about, and even better, show your monthly budget with expenses you cannot avoid like utility bills, medical expenses, childcare, and food.
• Explain, and even better, show how you used your stimulus payments if you did not use it to pay rent.
• Talk about, and even better, show evidence of trying to make partial payments if your budget allows. For example you can bring screenshots of text messages, other evidence that you tried to work out a payment plan or make payments, or money orders for partial rent.
• Talk about, and even better, show evidence that you have attempted to obtain rental assistance, for example a list of places you called and when you called them, or paperwork from an agency where you applied for assistance.
• Show that your income is below $99,000, for example a document showing that you receive SSI, food stamps, the letter showing you got a Stimulus payment, a pay stub, or a printout showing the amount of your unemployment benefits.
• Explain why you have nowhere to go if you get evicted, besides doubling up with family or friends, or going to a shelter.

What if my landlord already got an eviction judgment but I am still in my apartment because the constable has not come out yet?

If the eviction was for nonpaymentof rent you are protected, ONLY IF you quickly take the step to become a “covered person” by giving the declaration to your landlord. So be sure to provide it right away. Then you must call the court and the constable to provide proof that you gave the declaration in order for them to stop the eviction. If this is your situation you should consider contacting an attorney right away. You may qualify for free legal aid from Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at (504) 529-1000 x.223.

Here is the CDC Declaration form.

The updated CDC order and guidance from the CDC explicitly protect you even if you provide the order after receiving an eviction judgment, but before being physically removed from the property.

Can my landlord still file an eviction against me?

Yes, your landlord can still file an eviction against you for nonpayment of rent or any other reason. If you believe you are covered by the CDC order, you must still go to court if you receive an eviction notice to prove to the judge that you are a “covered person” under the order.

Is my rent still due?

Yes, your rent is still due, and your landlord can charge you late fees if you do not pay. Your landlord can sue you to collect a rent debt, or can report it to collections which could affect your credit or ability to get future housing.

Remember, to be a “covered person” you must be able to declare under penalty of perjury that you will attempt to make payments as close to the full amount of your rent as possible given your financial circumstances. Consider repeatedly getting money orders for the amount of rent that you can afford. For example, when you get your unemployment, paycheck, or social security check, think about how much you can put toward rent, even if it is a very small amount. Offer the money orders to your landlord and be sure to get a receipt if they are accepted. If you have the ability to text or email a picture of the money orders to your landlord, do so. If your landlord will not accept partial payment, keep the money orders somewhere safe so you can show a judge that you tried to make payments and that you still have that money available to give your landlord.

What if I already gave my landlord the declaration? Will I need to submit a new one under the new extension?

No. If you have not moved and have already signed and submitted an eviction moratorium declaration, you do not need to give your landlord another one.

What happens when the Order Expires on June 30, 2021?

If you still have unpaid rent on June 30, 2021, your landlord will be able to evict you for nonpayment of rent. Your landlord can also sue you to collect a rent debt, or can report it to collections which could affect your credit or ability to get future housing.

What if I give my landlord the declaration, but my landlord still files for eviction?

You can apply for free legal services from Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at the numbers below. See “What evidence do I need to back up the declaration?” above to start compiling documentation that you might need in court to show that your landlord cannot evict you. Be sure to go to court even if you have already provided the declaration to your landlord.

• For Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Plaquemines: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services’ Housing Line at (504) 529-1000 ext. 223.
• For other parishes throughout Southeast Louisiana (including and east of Baton Rouge): COVID-19 helpline at 1-844-244-7871

 

*Please note, our services are only available for residents of the following parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana

The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

Do I need to pay taxes on my Unemployment Benefits?

Yes. Unemployment benefits are like wages, and you must report it as income on your tax return if you earned enough income to need to file taxes. BUT, the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits you received is not taxable by the IRS. If you received more than $10,200 in unemployment benefits, that will be taxed.

Do I get a special tax form for my Unemployment Benefits?

Yes. The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) has begun the process of mailing out a 1099-G form to everyone who received unemployment benefits in 2020.

You can also get a copy online by logging into your HIRE account at louisianaworks.net.

Where do I find my 1099-G form in my HIRE account?

1. When you log into your HIRE account, go the menu located on the left of your screen.
2. Click on the option, “Services for Individuals.”
3. Click “Unemployment Services.”
4. You will then see several options, but you will one to click “Form 1099-G.”
5. You will then be brought to a new page and will need to click “View” on the row marked 2020. This will give you a copy of your 1099-G form that you can print.

What amount do I need to report from my 1099-G form?

• Individuals who are required to file a tax return must report the total show in Box 1 on the 1099-G form as income.
• However, the first $10,200 of the unemployment benefit you received is not taxable income to the IRS and does not need to be reported if you have not opted into having your taxes withdrawn from your weekly benefit payments.

What if I already filed my taxes, do I need to make any changes?

• On March 12, 2021, the IRS issued a statement that you do not need to make any changes to your return if you have already filed. If anything changes, the IRS will provide more information.
• Click here for more information.

How do I know if the amount listed on my 1099-G form is correct?

If you have access to your HIRE account, you may want to look at your “Claim Summary” page to see the benefits you have been paid out throughout the weeks you have filed. Both your weekly benefit amount and your additional Loss Wage Assistance, (previous additional $300 weekly amount in August), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, (previous $600 weekly benefit amount), are counted as benefits paid to you.

However, this option may not be helpful if you have received benefits under several unemployment programs in 2020. This is because Claimants often have their claim summary page refreshed, for example, when filing a new claim for an extension of benefits or consideration of another benefit program.

Are there other ways to know if the amount listed on your 1099-G is correct?

If you think the amount of benefits listed in your 1099-G is incorrect, you can contact the Unemployment Call Center at 866-783-5567 and request a “paper review.”

If an error is identified, the agency will take make the necessary corrections and issue a corrected 1099-G.

Should I file my taxes if the 1099-G amount information has not been corrected?

Maybe. If the issue is corrected before the filing deadline then you will want to wait until your receive your corrected 1099-G form.

But if the problem has not been corrected, the IRS advises that you may still file your federal income tax return, but to NOT place the amount that is listed in your 1099-G form. You will simply file your return without reporting your 1099-G information and you will need attach a statement to your tax return.

The statement will need to include why you are not reporting the 1099-G income. A copy of the confirmation you will receive from the LWC’s online fraud reporting form can serve as the written statement.

How do I report fraud?

You can report fraud using the forms that the Agency has provided here. You can also call 1-800-201-3362.

The agency encourages that you only submit this form once. You receive a confirmation email with more information on the next steps. This form can be if you received a 1099-G in error and you have not claimed any unemployment benefits in 2020.

What if I did not receive a confirmation email by the Agency after I filed my report for Fraud?

The agency suggests that you should submit the Identity Theft request again at the following link: https://www2.laworks.net/Forms/UI_ReportSuspectedFraudForm.asp

Saving the confirmation that you have submitted a request for Identity Theft and other report for fraud is important. Proof of these requests and reports can be helpful for tax purposes.

Other ways to report fraud:

• You may file a report with your local law enforcement agency.
• You can fill out the Office of Inspector General’s online Allegation Form, available at https://www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline.
• Confirmation of a filed identity theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/. You will want to share that a person has used your personal information to receive public benefits.

What if I received a disqualification that led to an overpayment and/or I have repaid some (or all) of the overpayment? Do I need to have a corrected 1099-G form?

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is required by the IRS to put all benefit payments, including overpaid amounts on your 1099-G form. These benefits were paid out to you by the Agency and they will not issue a corrected 1099 if:

• You were disqualified and received an overpayment amount and/or
• If you have made any repayments to the Agency for an overpayment made against you.

 If I received back payments in 2021 for weeks that I was unemployed in 2020. Do I need a corrected 1099-G form?

No. These benefits have been paid to you in 2021 and not 2020. The Agency will need to report this information to the IRS next year for your 2021 income tax return and such amounts will be included in your 2021 1099- G form.

You may continue to use the original 1099-G form that was sent to you.