COVID-19: Assistance for Individuals
Finances
Unemployment Benefits
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order: Individuals who are unable to work or who have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have immediate access to unemployment benefits. Anyone in the following situations will now be eligible for state unemployment:
- If your employer temporarily closes due to COVID-19;
- Individuals that need to self-quarantine or are directed to quarantine at the instruction of a health care provider, employer or government official;
- Individuals that need to care for a family member that has COVID-19 or is under quarantine;
- Individuals that need to care for a dependent because of school closures, child care facility closures or other similar types of care programs;
- Self-employed individuals that are temporarily unable to operate their business because of any of the above listed situations will also be eligible.
New Federal Benefits
The Federal CARES Act was enacted Friday, March 27th. This includes an additional $600 per week for all individuals filing in New Hampshire until July 31st. It also provides an additional 13 weeks of eligibility on top of the existing 26 weeks. Please continue to file your claims and check https://www.nhes.nh.gov/ for updated information. There is nothing you need to do to access these new benefits other than continue to file your weekly claims.
The Federal CARES Act provides the following enhancements to the benefits available under Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #5:
- Granite Staters affected by COVID-19 currently drawing from the State's Unemployment Insurance fund will in many instances be shifted to the Federally funded Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. We are still awaiting Federal guidance on this and will provide more detail as received. All claimants will not need to take any new, additional actions, and should continue to file as they have been through the standard state mechanism.
- For those eligible under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, there will be an increase of the minimum weekly benefit amount from $32/week to $168/week, which includes people earning less than $15,500 during their base period.
- An additional $600 per week to be added to an individuals weekly benefits for all weeks claimed starting this week — 100% federally funded.
- Extends the length of time a person can receive benefits by 13 weeks, totaling 39 weeks — 100% federally funded.
General information about unemployment at New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES): https://www.nhes.nh.gov/
To file for unemployment
Online: https://wfc.nhes.nh.gov/auth/sso/login;jsessionid=85AF969020F58FDFACC484F02F5898FD?execution=e1s1
By Phone: Call the following number during the time assigned to you as outlined in the graphic below: 603-271-7700
General assistance and welfare services for Bristol residents
The Bristol Town Offices are closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Intakes and appointments are not being conducted in person at this time. However, please note the following options for applying for assistance:
If you have access to a computer you may submit an application from our website: www.townofbristolnh.org.
Applications can be filled out, saved and emailed directly to [email protected]
Applications can be filled out and dropped off at the Town Offices in the outside dropbox.
Additional information about Bristol's Human Services including the application for general assistance and welfare guidelines can be found at https://www.townofbristolnh.org/human-services-department. You may also contact 744-2522 for information on assistance. You will need to leave a message with your name, phone number and what you need for assistance. Please note that messages are checked daily and responded to as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Federal law)
This bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers.
Summary of the Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201
Specifically, the bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for nutrition and food assistance programs, including
- the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
- the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and
- nutrition assistance grants for U.S. territories.
The bill also provides FY2020 appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for nutrition programs that assist the elderly.
The supplemental appropriations provided by the bill are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.
The bill modifies USDA food assistance and nutrition programs to
- allow certain waivers to requirements for the school meal programs,
- suspend the work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program), and
- allow states to request waivers to provide certain emergency SNAP benefits.
In addition, the bill requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue an emergency temporary standard that requires certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan to protect health care workers.
The bill also includes provisions that
- establish a federal emergency paid leave benefits program to provide payments to employees taking unpaid leave due to the coronavirus outbreak,
- expand unemployment benefits and provide grants to states for processing and paying claims,
- require employers to provide paid sick leave to employees,
- establish requirements for providing coronavirus diagnostic testing at no cost to consumers,
- treat personal respiratory protective devices as covered countermeasures that are eligible for certain liability protections, and
- temporarily increase the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP).
Full text of the Act: www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201/text
COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities. Find the resource guide at: https://rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf?utm_source=AdaptiveMailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Community%20and%20Economic%20Development%20Update&org=785&lvl=100&ite=12135&lea=2278515&ctr=0&par=1&trk=a0W6f00000UnrLsEAJ
IRS tax payment deadline extended
Individuals: Income tax payment deadlines for individual returns, with a due date of April 15, 2020, are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020, for up to $1 million of their 2019 tax due.
Utilities will not be shut off
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order: All providers of electric, gas, water, telephone, cable, VOIP, internet service, and deliverable fuel services will be prohibited from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payments for the duration of the State of Emergency.
Evictions and foreclosures prohibited
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order: Landlords will not be allowed to start eviction proceedings for those unable to pay due to their financial situations. To do so would be against the law. All judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions will also be prohibited during the state of emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions and answers about evictions and foreclosures during COVID-19 can be found at: http://granitestateorganizing.org/covid-19-resources/
Free internet for residential, hot spots, and reduced fees for businesses
Atlantic Broadband launches low-cost internet options and business options and business solutions to keep communities connected during COVID-19 Crisis, including free internet for residential customers for 60 days. Press release with details: www.townofbristolnh.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2866/f/uploads/abb_internet_assist_release-march_20.pdf
Be aware of charitable donation and other scams
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald urges people in New Hampshire to be on the alert for charitable giving and consumer product scams related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Things to watch for when making donations: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news/2020/20200326-covid-scam-alert.htm. Also be on the lookout for scams targeting aging adults, employment security scams, and stimulus payment scams. Learn more at: https://www.doj.nh.gov/covid-19-scams/.
Food and Nutrition
Grocery Shopping Service for Seniors and Others In Need in the Newfound Community
A new service has been implemented in our community (Bristol, Alexandria, Bridgewater, Hebron, Hill, Danbury, New Hampton). In an effort to maintain safety within our area, there is a group of volunteers who will shop for, handle payment and deliver groceries to Seniors (over age 60) and others in need. To request this service contact Tapply-Thompson Community Center at 603-744-2713. Provide them with your name, address, phone number and email address (if you have one). A volunteer will reach out to you to obtain your grocery order.
Shopping is done at Hannaford-Bristol on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We ask that each customer limits their shopping request to once per week or less. The volunteer will need your list on either Monday or Wednesday, the day prior to the shopping day. The customer and volunteer will remain together as long as the service is needed. After the groceries are ready, volunteers will deliver them to your doorstep (they cannot go inside any residence or apartment building) and handle payment with you.
Watch a video about this service at: https://vimeo.com/407155439
Food Stamps (SNAP)
Visit https://nheasy.nh.gov/#/ or call 1-844-275-3447
New Hampshire Food Bank
New Hampshire Food Bank's listing of food pantries. Search by zipcode: https://www.nhfoodbank.org/need-food/agency-list/
New Hampshire Food Access Map
University of New Hampshire Extension has created a map that helps those in need find located where they can access food and personal items: bit.ly/nhfoodaccessmap
Benefits of Physical Activity
The CDC is reminding people of the benefits of physical activity, how to stay healthy and to do so while social distancing: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
Children and Families
Child Care Aware
Visit nh.childcareaware.org for COVID-19 childcare support for essential workers and others.
Women, Infant, and Child (WIC) to conduct all appointments by phone
The New Hampshire Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has received authorization from the US Department of Agriculture to conduct all appointments by phone.
Individuals can apply for assistance by contacting their local WIC office, and find the office closest to them at http://signupwic.com. The phone number for Bristol's WIC office is: (800) 578-2050. All appointment types, including certifications and follow up appointments, can be completed by phone. Residents who have a scheduled WIC appointment should keep it and expect a phone call from their local WIC office.
Circuit Court to Expedite Emergency Guardianship over Adults Petitions
Given the anticipated surge in critical care patients with COVID-19, the Circuit Court announced that it has developed temporary protocols for the electronic filing for an emergency expedited guardianship petition over an adult. Using either telephonic or videoconference services, the Circuit Court-Probate Division will now provide a limited number of hearings within a 48-hour period to determine when a guardianship appointment is necessary to make medical decisions for an incapacitated adult. For more information: https://www.courts.state.nh.us/aoc/corona-covid-19.html
Crisis Services
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Voices Against Violence provides free and confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking or bullying. You do not have to be in crisis to call. To speak with an advocate during regular business hours of 8am-4pm, call the main office at 536-5999 or text 506-6500 and someone will return your call as soon as possible. In an immediate crisis, call the 24-hour hotline 1-877-221-6176 or 536-1659. Voices Against Violence is available to help through COVID-19 and beyond.
Domestic Violence Helpline
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence offers free, confidential 24/7 help at 1-866-644-3574 or www.nhcadsv.org.
Crisis Text Line
Text 741741 or visit crisistextline.org for free, 24/7 support from a trained Crisis Counselor.
National Alliance on Mental Illness New Hampshire
For information on a variety of crisis and mental health supports visit www.naminh.org/resources-2/covid-19 or call (800) 950-6264 M-F, 10am-6pm. For 24/7 crisis support text "NAMI" TO 741741.
NH Doorways
For help with substance abuse, call 2-1-1 for information on substance use disorder treatment during COVID-19, or visit www.thedoorway.nh.gov.
Shopping Services
Prescription Drug Service for Seniors and Others in Need in the Newfound Community
To request a prescription drug pick up from Rite Aid-Bristol, you may contact the Bristol Police Department at 603-744-6320.
Hannaford offers shopping hour for high-risk customers and those 60+
Walmart offers shopping hour for those 60+
To better support customers age 60 and up, Walmart stores will host a special shopping hour from 6 am to 7 am every Tuesday, Mar. 24 through Apr. 28. It will start one hour before stores open to the public, and pharmacies will be available during this time, as well. Vision centers will also be open to help with emergency and essential needs only.
R.P. Williams and Sons in Bristol offers pick-up and delivery service
R.P. Williams and Sons is open for business. To support their community, they are offering pick up and delivery service. To place an order for delivery or pick-up, call: (603) 744-5446.
Aubuchon Hardware in Bristol offers curbside pick-up
In an effort to limit exposure between customers and employees, they are now offering curbside service at the Bristol, NH location.
1. Place your order online: https://www.hardwarestore.com/
2. You will receive a confirmation email that your order is ready
3. Call the Bristol store at 603-217-2527 once in parking lot
4. Employee will bring your order out to your car
Dollar General offers senior store hour and closes one hour early
On March 17, Dollar General began senior store hours, which are designed to allow some of their most vulnerable customers the ability to shop during the first hour that stores are open to avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods. For customers who can wait an hour, Dollar General strongly encourage them to plan their shopping accordingly to help support our at-risk customers.
Earlier Closing Times: Although stores will open at normal hours, Dollar General will continue closing an hour early for the time being to allow employees to clean stores, restock shelves and care for their own well-being.
Volunteer opportunities through the state
Governor Chris Sununu has announced that the State has mobilized three websites to coordinate volunteer efforts in response to COVID-19. Opportunities can be found through the following websites:
NHResponds.org: This effort will serve as a secure online registration system for medical and non-medical volunteers who can quickly mobilize if needed. NHResponds is part of a nationwide volunteer management system that was established after 9/11 to get medical professionals quickly, and properly deploy them during a public health emergency or disaster.
VolunteerNH.org: New Hampshire is blessed to have many amazing non-profits which do critical work 365 days a year – and especially in times like these. Individuals interested in volunteering for a local non-profit can visit volunteernh.org to be connected with an organization in their area.
NHEconomy.com/PPEHelp: This portal will allow for all businesses to see what products the State needs, and reach out to offer assistance. The State has already heard from nearly 100 companies who are ready to adapt and adjust their operations to provide the protection, equipment, and knowledge base to stop the spread of COVID19.