Responding to Coronavirus: GreenPath is here for you while making it a priority to keep everyone safe

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues across the United States, we are closely monitoring the situation and following the guidance of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to protect the health and wellbeing of our clients, our staff and our community.

See these resources to help manage financial uncertainties as a result of the coronavirus-related crisis.

COVID-19 Financial Resource Guide

Our COVID-19 Resource Guide was created to help consumers address financial challenges created by the current pandemic.

This guide provides:

• Advice on handling a number of financial concerns caused by the pandemic
• Actionable steps you can take now to address your financial concerns
• Links and contacts to useful resources

Download the Guide (PDF)

GreenPath Blog Posts on Coronavirus

Managing Debt

What creditors are doing to help

Most creditors and lenders have their own policies on help and assistance for consumers during this time. We’re regularly updating this document with details of what some creditors may offer to help you if you’re going to struggle to make your usual payments.

Coronavirus advice for GreenPath Debt Management clients

We’re working closely with creditors to understand how they’ll help our clients during the coronavirus crisis and will continue to update this page regularly. If coronavirus is impacting your ability to sustain your debt management plan, let’s talk. We will work with you to identify resources and reassess your budget to get through this difficult time. The best way to reach your client success team is by using the chat function on the client portal.

Housing and Bills

What lenders and landlords are doing to help

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to have their mortgage payments reduced or suspended for up to 12 months. If you are struggling to make your payments, reach out to your servicer as soon as you can.

Most lenders and landlords have their own policies on help and assistance during this time. Check your servicer’s website for the most up to date information and how to reach out for assistance. You can also check Eviction Lab’s website for the latest eviction policy changes.

Additional resources

• U.S. Housing and Urban Development offers specific resources for those facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
• Just Shelter allows you to search over 600 organizations across the U.S. working hard to preserve affordable housing, prevent eviction, and reduce family homelessness.
• Fannie Mae offers assistance options for homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
• Freddie Mac offers resources assistance options for homeowners impacted by COVID-19.

Phone and Internet

More than 650 companies have signed the Keep America Connected Pledge.

Companies who sign pledge:

• Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
• To waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic.
• To open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

You can check the Federal Communications Commission’s website for a list of companies and associations who have signed the pledge.

Other Utilities

Many states have suspended utility shut offs and have made assistance available for people. You can check your state’s announcements and responses here.

Student Loans

Federal Loans

The U.S. government is automatically suspending payments and waiving interest on most federal student loans until September 30, 2020. If payments are made during this time, they will all go to principle.

Those who have set up autopay will have that turned off. You can ask them to turn it on, if you would like. If you need that money back,  any auto-debit payments processed between March 13 and September 30 can be refunded.

If you are looking to reduce your payments, reach out to your servicer.  Federal loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows for a temporary suspension of payment during the pandemic.

If you’re at least 31 days behind on your payments as of March 13, 2020, or become more than 31 days delinquent after that date, you’ll automatically be placed in an administrative forbearance to give you a safety net during the pandemic.

Additional Resources

Loansense’s guide to lowering your student loan payments

Private Loans

Private student loans are not covered under the CARES Act. If you have private student loans, you can contact your loan servicer to see what options are available to you. Many servicers offer options to postpone payments, such as forbearance.

Taxes and Unemployment

Taxes

The filing and payment of federal income taxes has been extended to 7/15/2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed.

The IRS is encouraging people who are expecting to receive a refund to file as soon as they can. Most tax refunds are being issued within 21 days.

State filing and payment deadlines vary and are not always the same.  You can check your state’s deadling here or find your state’s tax website here.

Unemployment

State and local governments vary in the programs and offerings to help those financially impacted by the coronavirus. You can check the Department of Labor’s website for a list of programs and services by state.

Older adults may be impacted by the coronavirus and quarantine procedures in different ways than the general public. There may be government benefits available to older adults who need financial help. Visit benefitscheckup.org for more information and to see you qualify for any state or local assistance.