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Broadband, computer subsidies on the way for those who qualify

May 11, 2021
Applications open May 12 for low-income consumers who need help paying for faster, more reliable internet.
Those who qualify will receive a discount on their monthly internet bill and money toward a new computer.
Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images

“This is not Christmas,” Illinois comptroller warns of federal relief money

Mar 16, 2021
“That money is essentially spoken for,” Susana Mendoza says of the $7.5 billion coming to the state from the American Rescue Plan.
Federal relief money offers a chance for Illinois to pay down its debt. Above, a view of Lake Michigan from the Sears Tower Skydeck in Chicago.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images

What we know about the next round of relief checks

Feb 12, 2021
House Democrats have proposed sending $1,400 checks to Americans, with the full amount going to people who earn up to $75,000.
House Democrats released a proposal this week for COVID-19 relief that would include distributing $1,400 checks to American households.
Evgenia Parajanian/Getty Images

How Americans are likely to spend the second round of relief checks

Dec 29, 2020
Back in March, many people didn't spend all of their relief money right away. That may be more difficult this time around.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked Democrats' move for $2,000 relief checks. Above, McConnell arrives on Capitol Hill on Dec. 20.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Millions of people may still be eligible to receive one-time pandemic relief checks

Nov 9, 2020
The deadline for filing information with the IRS to get the money is Nov. 21.
People who didn't receive a COVID-19 relief check could still get one.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

With a divided government likely, chances of a big economic relief plan wane

Nov 4, 2020
As the pandemic continues, it may fall to the Federal Reserve to find more ways to boost the economy.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in July. A divided government will make it harder to pass COVID-19 relief, which has already been a challenge for politicians.
Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

What Senate Republicans are proposing for the COVID-19 relief bill

They're divided on whether and how to extend emergency pandemic unemployment benefits.
The unemployment extension for the GOP bill will be based on approximately 70% wage replacement, according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Some people still have not received the first COVID-19 relief check. Here's why.

A new study by the Brookings Institution found racial disparities in whose checks were delayed.
One way to make sure more people get their payments if their is a second round is to consider prepaid debit cards instead of Treasury checks.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Where does Congress stand on another COVID-19 relief package?

The House has passed a $3 trillion relief bill. Senate Republicans are expected to roll out their own package this week.
Senate Republicans are expected to roll out another coronavirus relief package proposal this week.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

How are you spending your $1,200 relief payment?

May 1, 2020
Americans are paying back friends, buying necessities, paying bills and giving to charity.
Some people are donating stimulus checks while others are using it for essentials.
Mario Tama/Getty Images