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City of Dallas Residents

Dear City of Dallas residents,

These are extraordinary times. Please know the City of Dallas is deeply concerned about the impacts to residents, businesses and their employees. We are with you.

Mayor Johnson’s disaster declaration is meant to protect life and property and preserve critical resources while a state of disaster is in effect.

In this email, you will find a list of resources available as of today, March 20th, regarding finances and COVID-19 topics such as unemployment, paying rent and mortgages, student loans, utilities, food assistance, resources for businesses and more. This will remain a living document and we will send you regular updates with new resources added. Grocery stores, pharmacies, daycare centers, banks, and hardware stores remain open. Restaurants may still operate takeout and delivery services.

Please feel free to share this with your friends, family, coworkers, community, or anyone else who could use it. If you have additional information you wish to share with your neighbors and community, please do not hesitate to contact our office at DistrictXX@dallascityhall.com.

Additionally, VisitDallas has compiled a list to feature Dallas restaurants who are still operating and offering home delivery.

Please promote #TakeOutTuesday in your neighborhoods and networks. Encourage people to order take out or delivery from local restaurants every Tuesday! Follow their Facebook @TakeOutTues

We continue to provide information at the City’s dedicated COVID-19 website here. Dallas County also has valuable information here.

Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

  • Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Information on that can be found here. Per the Workforce Commission, “a delay in filing will not impact the benefits you receive, your benefits are tied to your date of layoff, not filing date.”
  • Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or is required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
  • If you or a friend or family member are out of work, the Texas Workforce Commission provides support services as well.

Financial Assistance

The IRS has deferred the federal tax filing deadline to July 15th. Find more information on Coronavirus tax relief here.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has a list of financial resources for consumers.

Residents can call 211 and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.

 

Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued an order providing guidance to the Justice’s of the Peace to suspend evictions for 60 days. This includes ALL evictions - residential, commercial, and industrial.

The federal government announced they are suspending all HUD foreclosures and evictions for 60 days.

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

  • If you are a Dallas Housing Authority client, please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of rent and inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
  • Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
  • Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection or call 800-621-0508
  • Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources available. There may be vouchers to assist those in need with paying their rent. Also get government assistance with other needs, including lease application fees, information on low income housing and security deposits. Dial 1-877-541-7905 to find additional ways to get rent help.
  • Texas offers programs that can help you with paying your mortgage and also avoid foreclosure. Local resources, including government and non-profit assistance, can help qualified homeowners
  • Homeowners have other resources too. Also click here for a listing of Texas HUD counseling agencies that provide free foreclosure counseling.

Paying Utilities

  • If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.
  • Atmos and Dallas Water Utilities have suspended disconnections at this time.
  • Vistra, on behalf of TXU, Ambit, and Tri-Eagle electric is going to: waive late fees, extend payment due dates with no down payment required, reduce down payments and deferring balances over five equal installments. Additionally, for TXU customers, they are providing additional bill payment assistance to customers in need through its TXU Energy AidSM program
  • Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Residents should call: 1-844-488-8395. Charter is also working with school districts to ensure that communication is provided about the free wi-fi; Charter continues to offer Spectrum Assist for households without school-aged children; Charter is also opening its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.

Food Assistance and Donation

  • Here is also a list of open food pantries inclusive of hours.
  • North Texas Food Bank has shifted to box distribution model with partner agencies. Food4Kids and School Pantry programs remain fully functional, and they are partnering with the City to deliver snack/hydration kits to the homeless.
  • Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Program is currently providing meals delivered to homebound seniors. There is a drive-thru for hot meal pick-up service set up at each senior center location. Seniors needing these resources can call 214-819-1860 to enroll.
  • Meals will be provided to all children at most district middle and high schools and will be distributed twice a week, on Monday and Thursday beteen 10 AM and 1 PM. On Monday you will receive Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for the rest of the week, including Saturday. For pick up locations and menus, visit this link.

Insurance Issues

The Texas Department of Insurance has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.

For Businesses

  • The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development has created a web page with information for small businesses.
  • The State of Texas has officially declared a state of emergency. Businesses are encouraged to fill out Economic Injury worksheets to prepare for distribution of disaster relief funds.
  • A loan program has been established by the Small Business Administration, specifically for those impacted by the coronavirus.
  • Facebook also has a $100 million Small Grants Program accessible here.
  • The Texas Comptroller’s Office has resources available.

Mental Health Resources

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has extensive resources available for mental health support, including those facing a mental health crisis.

The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line is available during our normal business hours Monday through Friday for those Dallas County residents experiencing high anxiety or depression during these turbulent times. Metrocare’s professionals will assist individuals in accessing our mental health services and provide referrals for other services that may be needed. The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215.

Domestic Violence Survivor Resources

Student Loans Deferment

The US Department of Education has suspended federal student loan payments and waived interest. The Office of Federal Student Aid has specific details.

Childcare Resources

The Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized childcare program is making changes to their requirements in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Please check their website regularly for announcements coming soon.

Due to COVID-19, YMCA branches are currently closed; however, they continue to offer limited childcare programming on a daily basis, supporting the childcare needs of first responders, medical professionals, government officials, and those that must continue their work in this challenging time. This care will be offered until further notice, at 11 YMCA branches across the Dallas Metroplex, in accordance to state guidelines.

Other Resources

Paid Sick Leave information: City of Dallas employers must provide employees with paid sick leave to care for themselves or a family member. An employee may use paid sick leave for the employee’s or their family member’s illness, injury, healthcare, and reasons related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. For more information or to file a complaint, call 214-670-FAIR (3246) or visit www.dallascityhall.com/paid-sick-leave. 

The Texas State Department of Public Safety has suspended expired IDs: driver’s licenses, IDs, commercial drivers licenses, and election identification certificates expiration dates will be extended.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, The Dallas County Clerk’s Office will be closing its Vital Records and Recording Divisions to the public. All transactions will be done either by mail, document drop off, or by appointment only. The public closure will take effect starting Monday, March 23, 2020 through May 1, 2020, but may be extended based on COVID-19 status.

Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus

Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

Job Interrupted —A To-Do List for Tough Times

Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

Financial Peace of Mind in the Age of Coronavirus

Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

Avoiding Coronavirus Scams

Information from the Federal Trade Commission

 

#OneDallas