PG&E to APPLY CLIMATE CREDIT on your next bill

Check your next PG&E bill for a  “California Climate Credit” for your April billing cycle.

The credit for customers receiving natural gas as well as electric services will amount to $62.91. Those who only receive natural gas will receive a credit of $27.18, while those with electric-only services will receive $35.73.

Statement from PG&E Senior Vice President during a press release

“During the COVID-19 public health crisis, we know that many of our customers may face uncertainty and financial instability due to school and childcare closures, job loss and other economic impacts. We want customers to be aware that the semi-annual California Climate Credit will help reduce their energy costs this month.”

Laurie Giammona

To help manage costs associated with increased energy usage, PG&E is offering several rate plan options as well as assistance programs.

Additionally, PG&E has instituted a moratorium on service disconnections for nonpayment that can be applied toward residential and small business customers, according to the release. They will remain in effect until further notice.

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE -> https://www.dailycal.org/2020/04/02/pge-customers-to-receive-california-climate-credit-on-bills/

Oakland Workers Undocumented Relief Fund

OUR Fund has opened up applications for undocumented workers in Oakland who have lost their jobs and income as a result of COVID-19. Undocumented workers will not be receiving the federal help from the stimulus package. If you or if you know someone that could benefit from this great opportunity from this Non-Profit Organization please refer to this information and process!

Step 1 : You will need to go on to this link for the application -> https://www.ourfundoakland.org/apply-for-help/

Step 2 : Fill out the application questions. It will take about 5 minutes as the questions are really straight forward.

Step 3 : One you are going to submit this message appears for your information:

“Once you complete and submit this application, your name will be added to the waiting list. You will not receive any automated response. DO NOT complete the form more than once. If we can help you, we will contact you.”

Step 4 : Submit your application

If you have any questions there is a number and email

(510) 437 – 1554 | ourfund@centrolegal.org

Website for MORE INFO: https://www.ourfundoakland.org

Rental Assistance – Organizations that can help according to your CITY

Here are the different programs that are happening in the city that you reside in. Please keep in mind that there is also high volume in these programs. It never hurts to try for assistance in this time.

City of Berkeley

Berkeley Relief Fund is giving you a very great opportunity to receive a grant that can help with any financial hardships due to the affects of COVID-19. Please remember it is a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis. 

The application process was made a little more clear to me today as I received an email from the City of Berkeley. With the high volume of applications they are no longer accepting email inquiries. You will need to call EBCLC at 510-548-4040, ext. 629 and leave a voicemail message with your 

  1. Name
  2. Phone number
  3. Brief statement that you are a Berkeley Tenant seeking financial assistance. 

The staff will need approximately 3-5 business days to call you back to determine your eligibility. Once the application process is started it takes 2-4 weeks to process. As you await for the call back please make sure that you have all REQUIRED DOCUMENTS on-hand so you can set them immediately. 

City of Oakland

Catholic Charities of Oakland — Rental Assistance Program

For Oakland renters you can apply for the Rental Assistance Program. They are taking in consideration of the COVID-19 crisis for eligibility. Follow these steps instructed by a representative I spoke with. 1) Call this number 510-768-3166 and you will speak with Annie. Only call Mondays from 9am-11am. 2) Leave a voicemail with name, number and reason for needing assistance 3) Allow up to 3 business days for call back 4) Once they call back they will determine your eligibility and next steps. 

City of Albany

None for City yet — Please refer to Alameda County Programs for now

City of El Sobrante

None for City yet — Please refer to Contra Costa County Programs for now

Rental Assistance – Organizations that can help according to your COUNTY

Here are some great non-profits and organizations that have Rental Assistance Programs that may be able to give out a one time payment to help pay for rent. Please keep in consideration that these programs may have high volume of applicants so it can take a while for them to reach out to you. It never hurts to try!

Alameda County

ECHO HOUSING – Rental Assistance Program

For Alameda County renters can apply for the Rental Assistance Program. They are taking in consideration of the COVID-19 crisis for eligibility. Follow these steps instructed by a representative I spoke with. 1) Call this number 510-581-9380 on Mondays around 9am. Make sure you speak with receptionist OR wait until it prompts you to leave a message 2) They will do an intake over the phone with a counselor 3) The counselor will proceed with next steps. 

Website information –> https://www.echofairhousing.org/rent-review–eviction-programs.html

The Seasons of Sharing – Assistance Program

For Alameda County renters who are senior citizens (55+), families with dependent children under 18 years old, disables individuals, veterans, victims of domestic violence, pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester can apply for this assistance. 

It is a one time grant that is paid directly to the supplied of services, such as landlord. It can also assist with water and electric bills. They are taking in consideration of the COVID-19 crisis for eligibility. Follow these steps 1) Call the number 510-272-3700 and you will be directed to an automated pre-screening. Please listen closely, as the process goes really fast. 2) The pre-screening will take about 10-12 minutes. This is what you will need on hand: Your Salary, Benefits and Social Security Number 3) Once completed the program will call within 2-3 business days on a BLOCKED NUMBER, please answer. 

Website Information –>  https://seasonofsharing.org/about-the-fund/how-to-apply-for-assistance/

Contra Costa County

The Seasons of Sharing  

For Contra Costa County renters who are senior citizens (60+), head of household with dependent children under 18 years old, disable individuals are able to apply for assistance.

It is a one time grant that is paid directly to the supplied of services, such as landlord. It will not cover utility bills. Follow these steps 1) Call the number 925-521-5065 and you will be directed to a voicemail. 2) Please leave you name, phone number and reason for calling 3) Expect up to 3-4 business days due to high call volume at this time. 4) You will be directed to an intake agency once they call you back. 

Shelter Inc

For Contra Costa County renters you can apply for rental assistance through Shelter Inc. They have high volume calls right now expect long delays in response back, they are returning calls in order they receive them. 1) Call 925–338- 1038 and leave a voicemail stating your name, phone number and the reason for your call 2) Someone will get back to you as soon as they can so please be on alert for a phone call. 3) They will instruct you with next steps. 

SBA & PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN PROCESS BROKEN DOWN

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loans (EIDLs)

  • Applicants may apply by visiting the SBA’s secure access site at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html  Note: you may experience instability with the website due to high volume, so you may want to try the email address listed below.
  • Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 ((800) 877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

Program Terms (as of March 26, 2020):

  • Maximum Borrowing Amount:  $2,000,000
  • Use of Funds:  Pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.  
  • Rate:  3.75% for Businesses and 2.75% for Non-Profits
  • Term:  Up to 30 years based on the ability of the borrower to repay
  • Collateral:  SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but requires borrowers to pledge what is available, including real estate. This collateral requirement may be waived with legislation under discussion in Congress.
  • Stated Timeline for Approval:  2-3 weeks
  • Applicant is physically located in a declared disaster county and suffered working capital losses due to the declared disaster, not due to a downturn in the economy or other reasons

Must be a small business as defined by the SBA — generally fewer than 500 employees or size standards established for specific industries, any individual who operates as a sole proprietor, or as an independent contractor.

If you have any questions about this type of disaster relief loan, they have a 24/7 call center that can be reached at 1-800-659-295. I have already called them myself today and was able to get through to a live person within 10 minutes.

SBA Loan – Small Businesses *New Advance of up to $10,000 *added April 15th

On March 29, 2020, following the passage of the CARES Act, the SBA provided small business owners and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 with the opportunity to obtain up to a $10,000 Advance on their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The Advance is available as part of the full EIDL application and will be transferred into the account you provide shortly after your application is submitted. To ensure that the greatest number of applicants can receive assistance during this challenging time, the amount of your Advance will be determined by the number of your pre-disaster (i.e., as of January 31, 2020) employees. The Advance will provide $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000.

Another type of loan that the SBA is offering is the Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.

Who Can Apply: 

  • Any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons)
  • Private non-profit organization 
  • 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by coronavirus/COVID-19.

How to Apply:

You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. Here’s the link to the list of venders, by state: https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/microloan-program/list-lenders. 

Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020.

Loan Details and Forgiveness:

  • The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
  • Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels.  Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
  • This loan has a maturity of 2 years and an interest rate of .5%.
  • If you wish to begin preparing your application, you can download a sample form to see the information that will be requested from you. The sample form is attached.

In addition to being a small business owner, if you are do not own your home as your primary residence, there are also other resources to assist renters at this time, specific to the city you live and rent in. 

Unemployment is OPEN for those who are Self-Employed

In this video you are able to learn about the following points.

  • The Stimulus Package Bill that passed will not only send families a check in the mail but it will also ADD $600 ON TOP OF your Unemployment Pay /per week should you get approved through California Employment Development (EDD)
  • If you are self-employed you are NOW ELIGIBLE to Apply for Unemployment due to loss of income due to COVID-19.
  • Who qualifies (though there might be more): Independent contractors, Self-Employed, a Part-Time worker, Gig workers, Uber/Lyft Driver, Small Business workers and etc..
  • Apply for State Unemployment plan, we’ve had ALREADY 3.3 million people applied for Unemployment, so ACT FAST!
  • The Unemployment is EXTENDED from 26 weeks to 39 weeks.

BERKELEY HOUSING RETENTION GRANT – NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION

APPLY NOW

Here at Premium Properties we want to commit ourselves to continue to support and guide you as much as we can during this tough time. We hope that you are keeping safe, keeping indoors and following all specified guidelines provided to us from all officials. I am reaching out to residents with important information about any COVID-19 Relief Programs. These are programs you can apply for if you have been financially affected by COVID-19. 

As of YESTERDAY, you are OPEN TO APPLY for the Berkeley Housing Retention Grant. This is on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis, so act quickly. If you are approved this grant ranges from $5,000 – $10,000. Please see eligibility below and don’t miss this great opportunity that can assist you if needed. 

Step 1: You must meet ALL of these requirements WITH supporting documentation:

  • Berkeley residents OR Berkeley Shelter Plus Care/Rapid Rehousing tenants who are at imminent risk of losing their permanent housing. 
  • Grant must prevent an eviction OR support housing related financial assistance (may include, but is not limited to rent, future rent, utilities and needed health and safety related home repairs that, if left unaddressed, will jeopardize occupancy) due to loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis. 
  • Households requesting assistance must have a signed rental agreement or an alternate form of documentation verifying applicant’s tenancy and monthly rent. 
  • Households must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Income must be verified by documentation from a third party or an affidavit signed by the applicant stating current income during the COVID-19 emergency.

Step 2: Review the requirements below and take a note of each one that applies to you

You must meet one OR more of these WITH supporting documentation:

  • Decrease in income
  • Unexpected medical and/or disability expenses paid without credit
  • Fleeing domestic violence
  • Work-related vehicle expense (vehicle is required for the job supporting documentation from employer may be required)
  • COVID-19 related financial losses
  • Fell behind on rent for other factors to be approved at the discretion of the fund administrator.

Step 3: Gather these documents that are needed for the application

  • Picture ID or Social Security Card for all household members older than 18.
  • Verification of Current Income for all income included in the budget sheet.
  • A dated Notice of Eviction from landlord stating amount owed for back rent OR a letter of verification from landlord stating the amount owed for back rent (requirement waived for COVID-19 related assistance, applicant will provide certification of amount owed if verification from the landlord is not available).  
  • Rental Agreement or Lease. If applicant is not on the lease, the lease holder must submit a signed dated letter indicating applicant’s portion of the rent and rent due. If Section 8 Housing or Shelter Plus Care, copy of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Agreement. (WE WILL SEND IF REQUESTED PLEASE EMAIL selena@premiumpd.com)
  • W-9 Form (Tax I.D.) signed by landlord (WE WILL SEND IF REQUESTED PLEASE EMAIL selena@premiumpd.com)
  • Proof of Building Ownership is needed if not a BHA property (WE WILL SEND IF REQUESTED PLEASE EMAIL selena@premiumpd.com)
  • Documentation showing decrease in income, unexpected medical/disability expense, fleeing domestic violence, or work-related vehicle expense, if applicable. An affidavit signed by the applicant is an acceptable form of documentation during the COVID-19 emergency.
  • You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your application for financial assistance.

Step 4: TO APPLY — You will need to contact to receive application!

East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC)

(510) 548-4040, and dial ext. 629. 

Leave a message and a member of the ECBLC intake team will return your call. 

You can also email berkeleyhrp@ebclc.org to determine if you’re eligible for financial assistance. 

Premium Properties is here to help our residents. You can contact me personally at selena@premiumpd.com to set up a phone call or email me for further questions on this program. You can also get daily updates on other COVID-19 Relief Programs to apply for on our *NEW PREMIUM PROPERTIES COVID-19 BLOG 

http://blog.premiumpd.com

For FULL INFORMATION VISIT -> https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-housing-retention/

City Of Berkeley – Small Business Continuity Grants APPLY NOW!

“The City of Berkeley has launched an emergency relief fund with an allocation of $1 million to help mitigate COVID-19 related financial losses that Berkeley’s small businesses have suffered. Through this program the City is making grants of up to $10,000 available to Berkeley-based small businesses and nonprofits to enable continuity through and/or beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”

APPLICATION DEADLINE : MONDAY, APRIL 6TH 2020.

Eligibility Requirements

  • An existing business or nonprofit organization located within City of Berkeley with an active business license with the City of Berkeley as of March 1, 2020
  • Minimum 1 employee, Maximum 50 employees
  • Can demonstrate a 25% reduction in revenues due to COVID-19
  • Will use grant funding for payroll, rent, operating expenses and working capital

APPLY HERE NOW! -> https://cityofberkeleyoed.submittable.com/submit/4955c463-709c-49b8-b78d-2d48efa6922f/small-business-continuity-grants

California Eviction Moratorium

We ask that you please keep an open communication with Premium Properties when it comes to rent payments. We are here to help and provide any assistance if you have been financially affected by COVID-19. A message from the State:

“California issued a statewide moratorium on residential evictions for renters who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 related economic hardships. The moratorium went into effect on March 27 and is valid through May 31, 2020.​

If COVID-19 has impacted your ability to pay all or part of your rent, you should:

  • Explain your financial situation to your landlord and relay how much you are able to pay 
  • Save all financial documents 
  • Pay as much of your rent as you can

If your landlord is attempting to evict you for not paying rent and you took all of the above steps, contact a local legal aid provider.”

Read More ->

Governor issues executive order on COVID-19 and evictions

SMALL BUSINESS : COVID-19 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION

“U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SBA) has their application process ready so that you can apply for a loan for you business. SBA is collecting the requested information in order to make a loan under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to the qualified entities listed in this application that are impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The information will be used in determining whether the applicant is eligible for an economic injury loan. If you do not submit all the information requested, your loan cannot be fully processed.U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION has their application process ready so that you can apply for a loan for you business…”

APPLY HERE-> https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

STEP BY STEP PROCESS