COVID-19 Resources

By: Nicole Juliette Hetlyn

With a global pandemic happening, we need to help each other now more than ever.  Most of our friends have lost their jobs and have friends/family who are facing the virus. We don’t know how long this will be going on, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some helpful links with all of you.  If you have any other resources or helpful links, please e-mail us - savvagemedia@gmail.com. We will add them to the article / update as we can.  Several of these were compiled from other blogs or sent in from friends, we appreciate your help as we try to share the knowledge.  Remember - stay home, stay safe, and wash your hands!

Image via rnz.co.nz

Image via rnz.co.nz

General assistance/relief:

  • Apply for Unemployment - Unemployment Insurance is an employer paid program that provides partial income replacement when you become unemployed or have your hours reduced and meet all eligibility requirements. This varies state by state - look up your state's requirements for more information.

  • Apply for Food Stamps - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program. Known previously as "food stamps," SNAP benefits can help you stretch your food budget if you have a low income.

  • Medical Aid - primary areas of support Music Health Alliance is focused on during this critical season: COVID-19/TORNADO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – a relief grant for immediate financial support; SOLUTION SERIES – simplified solutions to timely issues like the loss of group health insurance; RESOURCE DATABASE – a comprehensive list of resources ranging from temporary employment to healthcare.

  • Many people who have lost jobs can get subsidized health insurance. Several states have open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act to allow laid-off workers to get subsidized health insurance. And here is a more general guide to getting or keeping insurance, with updates on very recent rule changes.

  • Amazon Deliver - hiring asap, $17+/hr - https://www.amazondelivers.jobs/

  • Get paid for remote freelance projects (graphic design, web, etc) - http://www.upwork.com 

  • Some quick and easy gigs that will pay decent (check to see what is within social distancing guidelines first) - http://www.care.com

  • Dog walking / dog sitting - eliminate stress while getting paid - http://www.rover.com

  • Stimulus Checks - Single adults who have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will get the full $1,200, while married couples with no children and earning $150,000 or less will receive a total of $2,400. If the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has.

  • You have three extra months to file your federal income taxes. The federal government has moved the tax filing deadline to July 15. You don’t have to file your return or make payments until then. If you are owed a refund, you’ll still receive it as normal when you file your tax return, no matter when you submit it. Don’t forget about your state income taxes: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is tracking state changes on its website.

  • Utility Bills - Some utility providers are offering to stop cutting people off for nonpayment. A number of large internet companies have agreed not to terminate residential or small business customers who can’t pay their bills: AT&T, Comcast, Cox, RCN, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. A full list of companies is available on the Federal Communications Commission site. It is not yet clear whether companies want customers to call to invoke this relief and provide proof or whether they will offer it automatically to everyone. People who need help should call and askl make sure to mention that CoronaVirus is the reason that you are out of work.

Music Related financial relief/funding:

Mental health resources:

  • Hope For The Day - https://www.hftd.org/

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

  • Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741-741

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

  • Backline – a hub for artists, industry professionals and their families to access mental health and wellness resources: https://backline.care/about/

  • Centers for Disease Control’s tips for managing anxiety & stress in regards to COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

  • Tour Support - Tens of thousands of live entertainment crew are out of work right now and for the foreseeable future. In an attempt to provide mental health relief in this crucial time, Tour Support is providing free tele-therapy services to those out of work due to the crisis.  (response to COVID-19 includes providing one month of free online therapy through Better Help to independent touring contractors who are unemployed or were planning to join a tour that has been postponed or canceled): Websites: Better Help: Tour Support Individual Application (For Artists touring independently without a crew or band) / Shading The Limelight (Wellness coaching); https://www.lighthopelife.org/covid19-response

  • Music Minds Matter - Help Musicians runs a support line called Music Minds Matter (MMM) available any time of day or night for a listening ear; it doesn’t have to be a crisis. They have trained advisors that are here to listen, support and help at any time. Through calling MMM, eligible musicians can access free face-to-face or telephone counselling, or online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Requirements: Must be UK resident. If living overseas, but are UK national, you can still call. Contact Info: 0808 802 8008 / MMM@helpmusicians.org.uk


Additional websites with an abundance of information:


Social distancing is key right now! Stay home. If you need to go anywhere, stay 6+ feet apart. Wear a mask and gloves if you need to go out. Nashville is giving out free masks while supplies last (just pay shipping) over here - LINK. Wash your hands frequently for 30+ seconds. The faster this is resolved, the faster we can go back to life as we know it (and see all of you at a show again). We look forward to shooting more shows and bringing you more coverage in the future; everyone’s safety is priority.

Savvage Media