May Day has arrived and the distress call is loud and clear. Being 2020 emails and social media are the modern day version of radio communication. For many of us the first of the month means that rent is due, plus health insurance, car insurance and all the other necessary stuff to survive. Never a fun time, but right now is harder than it has ever been. Many of you still haven’t received the $1200 stimulus payment, not that would go very far but it all helps, right? If it’s any consolation, I am still waiting for mine too. Fortunately California has said that we can’t be evicted right now, although I know that some landlords are not necessarily following the law. If that applies to you make sure to either contact your local housing department or your local council member.
There has also been a lot of confusion as to whether those of you here on visas or green cards are safe to apply for unemployment benefit. ‘Safe’ meaning will your status be revoked if you claim government benefits? We have been told that you are within your rights to apply for unemployment as it is not classified as a welfare handout but rather an insurance policy that you have paid in to. Hence the name UI; ‘Unemployment Insurance’. Visit edd.ca.gov to check your eligibility.
I would still recommend confirming this with either your lawyer or perhaps a financial advisor as I would rather not be held responsible for your final decision!
The same goes for access to healthcare, if it is Covid-19 related. The Californian government has stated that protecting all of our health is a priority right now and it shouldn’t negatively affect visa renewals or citizenship applications at a later date. Obviously, rules, laws and circumstances are constantly changing, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a screenshot of what you read for safekeeping!
Even if you are successful in getting government help I know it doesn’t go very far, I think you would be lucky if it even covered your over-inflated Los Angeles rent right now. I have noticed a lot of activity over at our Brits in LA Selling Group on Facebook, there are lots of great bargains to be had right now, if you happen to be one of the lucky ones who aren’t struggling financially visit facebook.com/groups/britsinlaselling to have a browse and help a fellow member out at the same time.
Our Meet a Member this week is Tyler Galt, who also happens to be a good friend of mine. She hasn’t had her unemployment claim approved yet so is using her excellent sewing skills to make and sell masks. She is hoping her earnings will help cover her bills but she is also donating 15% to a charity close to her heart, the Pasadena Humane Society. Please do consider purchasing from her. If you have a skill that you have adapted to try and make an income at the moment please let us know as we would love to help and share the news of as many of you as possible. You can email us at info@britsin.la
Sadly some of you are probably stuck in limbo, with nothing to sell, not eligible to claim and perhaps no one to turn to for help. If you are an actor please make sure to visit the charity The Actors Fund who are trying their best to provide support https://actorsfund.org.
If you are a British citizen you should consider reaching out to the British Benevolent Society of California. We are working with them to spread the word about their charity right now, as they are offering financial aid grants to those who have no where else to go. You can email them at info@bbsofca.org or visit their website https://bbsofca.org. They really want to help as many people as possible. They have been going since 1858 and guiding Brits in California through rough patches ever since. Be assured that everything will be kept confidential and there are absolutely no strings attached.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions and we will do our best to help you or at least point you in the right direction.
I know it’s tough right now having to stay at home, but please try and keep it up. California is doing a good job so far, our numbers are much lower than predicted at the moment, which is thanks to all of you who are sheltering in place!
Cheers
Eileen
