Information about COVID-19

– The TWC has an automated virtual assistant to help Texans sign up for unemployment insurance. The artificial intelligence-enabled chatbot can instantly answer many of the most common questions about the UI process.

• Disaster Licensing for Out of State Nurses – learn more here.
• Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas has resources for job seekers. Those seeking employment can register here.  
• The Dallas Regional Chamber has a virtual job board. 
• The North Texas Food Bank is partnering with a flexible-work company to employ hospitality industry workers who have lost their employment due to restaurant and business closures. Apply online at Get Shift Done.
• Frito-Lay Job Postings: https://fritolayemployment.com/
• Pepsi Jobs Postings: https://pepsifrontlinecareers.com/
• Kroger Job Postings: https://jobs.kroger.com
• Amazon Job Postings: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/location/dallasfort-worth-area-tx
• You can email Goodwill at [email protected] with your name, city/zip code, contact number and any additional information. You can also contact a Goodwill Job Connection Center by phone at the location nearest you:

– 3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185

– 1661 E. Northwest Hwy., Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549

– 919 W. Main St. , Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-7381

Housing – Mortgage and Rental Assistance

The Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) may provide up to 15 months of rental assistance and utility assistance to eligible tenants. To determine your eligibility for the program, click here.

The Texas Rent Relief Program is providing emergency rental assistance and utility bill assistance for qualifying Texas tenants and landlords who have been impacted by the global pandemic. Visit TexasRentRelief.com or call 833-989-7368.

• Who Can Qualify? Qualifying households must be at or below 80% of the area median income as well as meet other criteria listed on their website.
• Landlords are encouraged to apply on behalf of tenants, who must co-sign the application.
• Priority Applications: Priority will be given to applications from the following groups:

-Eligible households that have filled out a Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) application have the highest priority level for being reviewed.

-For applications received during the first 21 days the program was open, beginning on March 8, 2021, priority is given to the following:

• Eligible households with income at or below the 50% area median income.
• Eligible households where one or more members are currently unemployed and have been for at least 90 days prior to the date of application for assistance.

(Note: Federal guidelines require the prioritization of these populations.)

• Dallas County has a tenant helpline and email address for tenants who have been evicted or who are pending eviction. *Please leave a voicemail or email them with your name, address and phone number. The hotline and email account are monitored by the Dallas County Unincorporated Services Department: [email protected]/ 214-653-6563 or 1-833-743-0072.

– Prior to contacting the hotline, residents are being advised of the following:

• • • Tenants engaged in criminal activity or causing an imminent threat to health and safety may be subject to eviction prior to the aforementioned date.
    • Tenants maintain responsibility for paying their rent.
    • Tenants are encouraged to contact their landlord and make sure they are aware when eviction moratoriums are in place.
    • When having difficulty paying rent, tenants should attempt to make payments and/or establish a payment schedule with their landlord.

Once you have taken the above steps and for all other tenants, if you have been evicted or notified of a pending eviction, notify the Tenant Hotline by email or phone: [email protected] / 214-653-6563 or 1-833-743-0072.

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

– Dallas Housing Authority clients: 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.

– The City of Dallas’ Short-term Rental Assistance webpage features a number of rent relief programs.

– Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Foreclosure Prevention – 1- 888-995-HOPE (4673). TDHCA suggest homeowners who are affected by COVID-19 to contact their loan service provider to see if they qualify for reduced or suspended payments. See additional details here.

– Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Social Services – 214-670-8416. Those interested in rental or utility assistance through the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Social Services program, may call the appointment line to speak with a caseworker, Monday-Friday – 9am-2pm. For more information, click

– West Dallas Multipurpose Center Social Services – 214-670-6530

– Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection – 800-621-0508

– The University of Texas School of Law hasa website to track policies adopted by federal, state, and local governments to help Texas residents stay in their residences.

 

Bill & Utility Payment Assistance

Non-Profit Assistance:

• org –provides a list of local entities who may be able to provide some assistance. Learn more here.
• The Salvation Army –offers financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities and prescription medication; and food delivery for seniors and veterans. Income verification and other typical requirements for assistance have been suspended to serve anyone that is in need. Check here for the location nearest you.

 

Additional Assistance:

• Coppell Residents – If you’re having trouble paying your utility bill, call Utility Billing at 972-304-3695 or visit https://www.coppelltx.gov/509/Utility-Billing.

– Dallas Residents – Dallas Water Utilities have suspended water service disconnects until further notice. Customers whose ability to pay utility bills has been impaired by COVID-19 should contact Water Customer Service at 214-651-1441 to make payment arrangements. Learn more here.

– Garland Residents– the City of Garland has resumed termination notices but continues to work with customers who have fallen behind on their utility bills. To avoid disruption of service, contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 972-205-2671. Learn more here.

– Rowlett Residents – Customers experiencing issues with utility disconnects or suspensions are encouraged to contact the Utility Office to discuss a payment plan or learn about other assistance available. Contact [email protected] or call 972-412-6105. Learn more here.

 

Provider Assistance:

• Ambit Energy: Payment flexibility and assistance may be offered. Learn more here.
• Tri-Eagle Electric: Customers are encouraged to reach out if experiencing financial difficulties. Deferred payment plans may be offered. Learn more here.
• Atmos Energy is currently offering solutions to help pay for gas bills and past due balances. Customers are strongly encouraged to call 2-1-1 or the Atmos Energy customer service line at 888-286-6700 to set up a payment plan or inquire about financial assistance programs. Learn more here.
• Reliant Customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, learn about Reliant’s CARE program, payment extensions and deferred paymentplan options via online chat, at 866-222-7100, or on the Reliant app.

 

Internet Access

• Charter Communications will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Assist to eligible, low income households. Wi-Fi hotspots have also been made available for public use. Learn more here.
• AT&T is temporarily expanding Access from AT&T eligibility through 12/31/21 based on income as well as for households participating in National School Lunch and Head Start programs. Additionally, they are waiving home internet data overage fees. Learn more here.
• Garland Residents – Public Wi-Fi is now available at most City buildings, including libraries, recreation centers, City Hall, theaters and more. Even while the buildings are closed, the Garland Public Wi-Fi coverage extends outside and is available for free. Find a list of locations here.

 

Food Assistance

• Hereis a list of open food pantries inclusive of hours.
• North Texas Food Bankis working with local school districts to ensure continuity of their Food 4 Kids program as well as the School Pantry program. More information, as well as volunteer opportunities, can be found
• The Salvation Army of North Texascontinues to provide food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Locations can be found in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and Tarrant counties to support families experiencing a loss in income or lowered wages due to the coronavirus outbreak. Locations, as well as a host of other services offered, can be found
• Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Programis 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 can enroll for these resources by calling 214-819-1860.
• Crossroads Community Services Food Pantrydetails can be found 
• Metrocrest Services food pantry details can be found Those in need of assistance should call 972-446-2100, Monday-Friday – 8:30am-5pm.
• Texas Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Families may call their local WIC clinics to learn more about how they can receive services.

– Visit https://find.texaswic.org/ to find your local clinic or call 1-800-942-3678.

– Start your online application at https://texaswic.org/apply. If you’re seeking benefits for the first time, please enroll attexaswic.org, and you will be contacted. You may also call 214-670-7200 or 1-800-942-3678.

– Breastfeeding questions? Call 214-670-7222.

– Update your contact information by emailing[email protected].

• TheTexas Education Agency’s meal finder website provides information about each school district’s meal service.
• Pet food resource – any family, community organization, or rescue group who needs help with dog food; please feel free to reach out to Ninfa Beltran with the SPCA at[email protected]. She will be coordinating and facilitating the distribution of dog food.

 

Misc.

• SNAP and Medicaid– The American Rescue Plan Act, enacted on March 11, 2021, has extended the SNAP benefit increase through September 2021.
• Medicaid recipients will continue to receive coverage during the federally-declared public health emergency. Recipients who have renewals during the pandemic will receive a notice from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the next steps to take to maintain Medicaid coverage after the pandemic ends. Many Medicaid and CHIP flexibilities have been extended to July 31, 2021. HHSC will provide more information if changes occur. Learn more here.
• 211 Texas– Dial 2-1-1 to for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in your area. This HHSC program has a specific COVID-19 option, and specialists across the state are available 24/7 to answer the most frequently asked, non-medical, questions based on material provided by DSHS and CDC.  Learn more here.
• Driver’s License Renewal– The waiver on expiration dates for driver’s licenses and identification cards ended April 14, 2021. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages customers who need to renew to schedule an appointment at their local driver license office online.
• Vehicle Registration– The temporary waiver of certain vehicle title and registration requirements will ended April 14, 2021. To renew your vehicle registration, click here. 

– For more FAQs about vehicle registration, vehicle inspection, vehicle titling, and disabled parking placard requirements, please visit https://www.txdmv.gov/covid-19.

• Student Loans– the US Department of Education announced that federal student loan borrowers were automatically placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows for a temporary halt in payments effective through September 30, 2021. Important details can be found here.
• Price Gougingis illegal. Please report to the Texas Attorney General if you witness it happening.
• Eldercare– Older adults who need assistance can contact the Eldercare Locator to find services available in their community. The Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116. Learn more here.
• Texas Department of Aging and Disability Resource Center who provides help for older adults and people with disabilities can be reached at 1-855-937-2372. Learn more here.
• The City of Dallashas organized a community page for senior citizens. Learn more here.
• City of Dallas Senior Services Help Line – 214-670-5227