COVID-19 Update Center

COVID-19 Resources

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COMMERCIAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES

April 16, 2021

As of Thursday, April 16, SBA is no longer processing PPP or EIDL loans due to reaching their statutorily-allowed lending cap.

On Wednesday evening, April 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury Department announced that funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans had been depleted. Sutton Bank is no longer accepting PPP Loan applications.

March 30, 2021

PPP extension signed into law

President Joe Biden signed into law legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing borrowers to apply for loans through May 31, 2021. Previous deadline was March 31.

February 22, 2021

ODJFS creates online portal for employers to report unemployment identity theft

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has created a new online portal that provides a direct way for employers to notify the agency if they believe their employees’ personal information was compromised and used to file fraudulent unemployment claims.

Employers can visit unemployment.ohio.gov and click on the “Report Identity Theft” button. They will then be directed to both the portal and additional resources. The portal includes a template that employers can download, complete and then upload to provide the names of multiple employees whose personal information may have been compromised.

February 22, 2021

U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers business-reopening resource center

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted a new resource center with the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, vaccine information, and other tools to help employers and employees return to work safely, including state-by-state mask guidance.

January 15, 2021

Third round of PPP Loans made available!

Small Business Administration (SBA) released its guidance for the third round PPP loans. If you received a PPP loan in either the first or second round (First Draw PPP Loan), the third round offers the opportunity for small businesses to receive a Second Draw. While the program parameters and requirements remain generally the same, there are several notable changes. The following are information provided by SBA as of its January 6, 2021 releases. As was the case before, additional guidance will be forthcoming. Our bankers will keep you informed.  

Timing: The last day to apply for and receive a PPP loan is March 31, 2021 or when the funds are depleted, whichever is sooner.

Loan Amount:

• 2.5x of average monthly payroll, or $2,000,000, whichever is less; or
• 3.5x of average monthly payroll, or $2,000,000, whichever is less for borrowers with NAICS industry code beginning with 72 (Retail and Hospitality businesses).
• Payroll calculated either the twelve-month period prior to when the loan is made, or calendar year 2019.

Eligibility:

• Business may have up to 300 or less employees per physical location; previously was 500.
• Second Draw PPP Loan may only be made to an eligible borrower that:
• • Has received a First Draw PPP Loan; and
  • Has used, or will use, the full amount of the First Draw PPP loan on or before the expected date on which the Second Draw PPP Loan is disbursed to the borrower.
  • Must have spent the full amount of its First Draw PPP Loan on eligible expenses under the PPP rules.
• Borrower must have experienced a revenue reduction of 25% or greater in 2020 relative to 2019 which can be calculated in a number of ways:
• • Annual receipts in 2020 compared to 2019 and copies of annual tax forms substantiating the revenue decline.
  • Compare gross receipts from one quarter in 2020 with receipts in the same quarter in 2019.

As an SBA 7(a) lender, Sutton Bank has been assisting it's Small Business customers with the Paycheck Protection Program since its inception, and we're here to help you! Contact your local Commercial Lender or call us at 800-422-3641 to get the process started for your business.  

 

December 7, 2020

Ohio Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund

The Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund is designed to assist Ohio's on-premise liquor permit holders. Governor Mike Dewine has designated $38.7 Million of funding received by the State of Ohio from the federal CARES Act to provide $2,500 assistance payments to on-premise liquor permit holders to help them through the financial difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These permit holders have not been able to fully use their liquor permit and it's had an impact on their business. The program, which began accepting applications on November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. This funding is not competitive, which means every eligible on-premises permit holder will receive $2,500 per unique business location.

Permit holders must submit their liquor permit number and federal tax information at businesshelp.ohio.gov before Dec. 30, 2020 to take advantage of this opportunity. More information can be found here.

November 13, 2020

Richland County COVID-19 Nonprofit Grant Program Launches

Thanks to support from the Richland County Commissioners, the Richland Area Chamber announced the opening of a Nonprofit Grant Program for nonprofits in Richland County. With $500,000 to award, some of the important criteria include:

• Must be a 501c3 organization as recognized by the IRS and registered with the Ohio Secretary of State
• Have 40 or less FTE's (part-time count as 1/2 employee)
• Have $4M or less in 2019 operating revenues
• Must have been in operation on February 18, 2020 or prior
• The principal place of operation, or headquarters for the nonprofit must be located within Richland County
• Nonprofits must fit into one of two program fund categories
  + Nonprofit Relief Grant Program
  + Arts, Culture, and Attractions Program

Application and full grant guidelines, including exclusions can be found here. Applications are open now through 11:59 PM Sunday, November 20, 2020.

 

October 30, 2020

Home Relief Grant

Starting November 2, 2020, the State of Ohio, working with local Community Action Agencies, will help eligible Ohioans who are behind on rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer utility bills catch up on past payments back to April 1, 2020 and provide additional assistance through December 30, 2020.

Ohioans will be able to apply for assistance through their local Community Action Agency starting November 2, 2020. Eligibility requirements and more information, including a list of local Community Action Agencies can be found here.

 

October 28, 2020

Richland County COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund--Round 2 announced

Thanks to a fresh infusion of funds ($675,000) from the Richland County Commissioners, a new round of grants have opened up for businesses in Richland County. There have been changes made from the first round--here are the highlights:

• Businesses can have 40 FTE's or less
• Businesses can have up to $4M in 2019 revenues
• Businesses must have been in operation on Feb. 28, 2020 or prior
• The real estate restriction, pass-through restriction, and "main income" for sole proprietors' restriction and others have been removed
• Certain types of non-profits qualify (501c4, 501c6, 501c7, 501c19, 501c23)
• If your business received funding in Round 1, you are not eligible to apply in Round 2

The maximum grant amounts are $7,500 (for 2-40 FTE's) and $2,500 (for less than 2 FTE's). There are other eligibility requirements, please read the full grant guidelines. The application and full grant guidelines can be found here on their website. Applications will be taken through Thursday, November 5, 2020.

October 23, 2020

Seneca County announced today that the application process for the Seneca CARES Small Business Relief Program, which provides small businesses in Seneca County, including the cities of Fostoria and Tiffin, with financial relief from loss of revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, opens next week. For businesses in Tiffin and Seneca County, the program opens at 12 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, and closes at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. The program was approved by the Seneca County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 22, and is being administered by the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. $500,000 is being allocated to the program.

Applicants must complete the online application during the application period; paper applications will not be available or accepted.

For Tiffin and Seneca County businesses, applications can be found at senecacares.com.

For businesses in Fostoria, applications can be found at fostoriaedc.org.

 

Sept. 25, 2020

The City of Tiffin recently announced the Tiffin CARES Small Business Relief Program, which provides small businesses in Tiffin with financial relief from loss of revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program opens at 12 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 30, closes at 5 pm on Monday, Oct. 12, and is being administered by the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. $600,000 is being allocated to this program. Businesses must complete the online application druing the application period at tiffincares.com. Paper applications are not available or accepted. Businesses with between two and 30 employees are eligible for grants up to $6,000, and businesses with less than two employees are eligible for grants up to $3,000.  Click here for more information.

 

Sept. 2, 2020

The Richland Area Chamber of Commerce today launched the Richland County/Mansfield COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund, designed to assist small businesses (for-profit entities with 20 FTE's & less and $1.5 M or less in 2019 revenue). The maximum grant amounts are $7,500 (for 2-20 FTE's and $2,500 (for less than 2 FTE's). There are other eligibility requirements and exclusions, which can be found here. 

The application and full grant guidelines can be found here on the Chamber website. Applications are open through 11:59 PM Sunday, September 13, 2020.

September 2, 2020

The Richland Area Chamber today announced the launch of the Richland County/Mansfield COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund, designed to assist small businesses. Eligibility requirements and exclusions can be found here. The application and full grant guidlines can be found on the Chamber's website, and here. This grant is being funded with dollars from the CARES Act. This is NOT a first-come, first-served grant. All eligible applications will be scored. However, in the event of a tie in scoring, an earlier application would get a slight edge. Call the Richland Area Chamber if you have additional questions.

September 1, 2020
Update: This grant application deadline has been extended to Sept. 25!

The City of Willard has created the Willard CARES Small Business Grant Program to provide financial assistance to small businesses that have sustained economic hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible entities can receive grants in the amount of $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. For more information, including how to apply, Click Here.

August 13, 2020

The City of Ashland has created a COVID Relief Grant for City of Ashland businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is intended to assist local and small Ashland businesses with expenses directly resulting from business interruption or arising from the decrease in gross revenue in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information or to request an application, interested businesses should contact Community Outreach Coordinator Amanda Patterson in the Mayor's Office at 206 Claremont Ave; 419-289-4181.

August 5, 2020

SBA issues loan-forgiveness FAQs

The Small Business Administration released frequently asked questions on Paycheck Protection loan forgiveness. The FAQs address loan-forgiveness applications, payroll and nonpayroll costs, owner-employee compensation, reductions in the forgiveness amount, and more, including new guidance on issues such as covered utility payments and eligible electricity supply charges.

July 7, 2020

The SBA and Treasury recently released information about individual Paycheck Protection Program Loans. The data released includes business names, addresses, lender names, and other information for loans of $150,000 and up, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the dollar volume of PPP loans. For loans below $150,000, the agencies will not release business names but will report loan totals, aggregated by ZIP code, industry, business type, and various demographic categories.

The data release follows the extension of the PPP application deadline until Aug 8 shortly after the SBA stopped accepting PPP applications last week. The agency has roughly $130 billion in remaining PPP funds.

Make no mistake, Sutton Bank is not voluntarily releasing this loan information and is not calling for its publication. The decision to publish PPP borrower and loan information is a result of actions from Congress and the SBA and Treasury, which oversee and administer the PPP and are responsible for the program's implementation, terms and conditions.

We are proud to participate in the PPP and help customers navigate the challenging COVID-19 environment. Please contact us with any questions or if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,

Tom Showman
President

June 16, 2020

The Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) recently announced the creation of the Small Business Loan Fund with roughly $194,000. This project was launched in partnership with three local lenders, including Sutton Bank, and is a loan program with collateral enhancement aimed at helping to support Richland County small businesses.

Many local small businesses in Richland County may need extra capital help them fully reopen after the pandemic caused large scale shutdowns, but often have no additional assets to use as collateral to obtain a loan. With this program, companies will apply to the bank for a loan, and these RCDG funds will be used as additional collateral for the bank to make the loan. RCDG will be able to allocate up to $10,000 of collateral per loan.

For more information about the RCDG Small Business Loan Fund, you can visit the Chamber's website at RichlandAreaChamber.com and click "Economic Development." Barrett Thomas, Economic Development Director can be reached at 419-522-3211 or by email at [email protected].

To begin your application process with Sutton Bank, or for more information, please contact Scott Them at 419-747-2007, or [email protected].

 

May 21, 2020

Sutton Bank recently communicated via email the details (and application) pertaining to PPP loan forgiveness to all it's PPP loan recipients. Please check your inbox, as this is important information. If you did not receive this email, please contact your lender, and they will send you the information and application. You can also find the information on our Resources tab: Money IQ Financial Literacy and Education Center: Money IQ For Business: PPP Loan Forgiveness Explained.

April 22, 2020
Ashland Community Non-Profit Relief Grants

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ashland County Community Foundation and the United Way are joining efforts to support nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to Ashland County residents. Whether an organization is expanding current services to meet new demand or facing unanticipated revenue disruption, ACCF and United Way hope to help alleviate financial burden during these unprecedented times. Emergnecy operational grant funding of up to $10,000 is available. Requests will be reviewed promptly, and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. More details here.

April 14, 2020
BWC to provide $1.6 Billion dividend for Ohio employers

Last Friday, the BWC Board of Directors unanimously approved the $1.6 billion dollar employer rebate as recommended by Governor DeWine and BWC Administrator McCloud. At the Board meeting, the Administrator made clear it is the Bureau's goal to have all checks mailed to employers by the end of April.

Read the full update here.

Paycheck Protection Program

April 27, 2020 Important Update
The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27 at 10:30 a. EDT.

April 16, 2020 Important Update
The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for PPP as they've reached the $350 Billion cap. Banking trade groups and organizations are urging policymakers to immediately approve additional funds to ensure the program reaches as many small businesses and employees as possible. If/when additional funding is approved and becomes available, we will post it on this page, so please check back regularly. Contact your Sutton Bank Commercial Lender for other SBA lending options that may be available to you.

What is the Paycheck Protection Program? Forgiveable SBA loans for eligible small businesses to cover payroll costs and other operating expenses.

Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees are encouraged to quickly apply for the newly created Paycheck Protection Program, a loan that provides a direct incentive for small businesses that keep or quickly rehire employees, as well as for certain other expenses.

These loans provide up to 8 weeks of your payroll and benefit costs, plus an additional 25%. SBA will forgive the loan if all employees are retained on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

At least 75% of the funds must be used for payroll. If you reduce the number of employees or have a reduction of more than 25% in wages paid to employees, the amount of loan forgiveness will be reduced. The loan forgivness cannot exceed the principal and any accrued interest.

Here's a quick look at some of the Small Business Administration program's most important features.

• All small businesses with 500 or fewer employees are eligible--including nonprofits, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors.
• Loans can be for up to 8 weeks of your average payroll and benefit costs from last year, plus and additional 25%. The amount is subject to a $10 million maximum and payroll costs will be capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee.
• There is no collateral or personal guarantee required. No loan fees.
• To apply for loan forgiveness, a borrower must send a request to its lender and provide the relevant documents to verify compliance of the conditions discussed above.
• The loan will have an interest rate of 1.00%, a maturity of 2 years, and payments are deferred for six months, however interest will continue to accrue over this six-month period. If all requirements are met, the loan will qualify to be forgiven. Terms of the loans are the same for all applicants.
• Our team will work to approve these loan applications as quickly as possible following SBA eligibility guidelines.

What if I need to rehire employees to qualify for the PPP loan?

You have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020.

What about the other relief programs under the CARES Act?

Borrowers may apply for other SBA financial assistance, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans, provided there is no duplication in the use of funds. For example, if a borrower uses its PPP loan to pay the salary of certain employees in the 8-week period, it cannot use a different SBA loan to cover those same costs.

However, obtaining a loan under the PPP makes a business ineligible for certain other relief, such as the payroll tax relief that is otherwise available under the CARES Act.

What documents do I need for the loan?

A copy of the following documents, as applicable to your business:

• PPP completed loan application
• 2019 IRS Quarterly 940, 941, or 944 payroll tax reports
• Payroll reports (listing by employee; exclude any personal identifying information such as SSN or ID information) for the 12 months of 2019 which will show the following information:
• Gross wages for each employee, including officers, if paid W-2 wages
• Paid time off for each employee
• Vacation pay for each employee
• Family medical leave pay for each employee
• State and local taxes assessed on an employee's compensation
• Documentation showing total of all health insurance premiums paid by the company owner(s) under a group health plan for 2019. Include all employees and the company owners
• Document the sum of all retirement plan funding that was paid by the company owner(s) for 2019 (do not include funding that came from employees out of their paycheck deferrals).
•    Include all employees and the company owners
•    Include 401k plans, Simple IRA, SEP IRA's    

Questions? Click here for Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Information Sheet

Click here for the US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Guide and Checklist

As an SBA 7(a) lender, Sutton Bank has been assisting it's Small Business customers with the Paycheck Protection Program since its inception, and we're here to help you! Contact your local Commercial Lender or call us at 800-422-3641 to get the process started for your business.  

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Ohio Small Businesses

What is an EIDL?

• The SBA EIDL program can provide low-interest loans of up to $2 Million to businesses and private non-profits.
• EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.
• The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
• EIDLs have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on borrower's ability to repay.

How do I apply?

• Online at SBA.gov/disaster
• Need help? Access the step-by-step online instructions
• Still need help? Call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected]. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call 800-877-8339.

Click here for the US Chamber of Commerce Guide to SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans

For a quick "at a glance" resource for both the PPP and EIDL programs, click here.

In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here for all of the Coronavirus relief options.

For resources related to COVID-19, please find a number of videos on our Money IQ Financial Literacy & Education Center page here.

U.S. Chamber Foundation--Save Small Business Fund-April 21, 2020--APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED due to overwhelming response

The US Chamber Foundation just announced the Save Small Business Fund, a grantmaking initiative funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners. It will provide $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States through one-time supplemental cash grants for businesses that have between 3-20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community. The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20 at 3:00 ET. To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, visit savesmallbusiness.com. On that website, you can enter your zip code to determine eligibility, and then enter your email address to get a reminder of when the grant opens.

CONSUMER INFORMATION & RESOURCES

For our credit card customers who are experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19, a skip-payment option may be available. Contact your Personal Banker at the office nearest you, or complete the Contact Us form to arrange for a banker to contact you to discuss. We're here to help!

For our mortgage customers who have been experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19, help may be available. Each situation is unique, so we want to understand yours. Please complete the Contact Us form to arrange for a banker to contact you to discuss, or call us at 800-422-3641. We're here to help you!

June 14, 2021

IRS issues new Child Tax Credit tool

The Treasury Department and IRS released a new online tool to help families who normally aren’t required to file an income tax return to register quickly for the Advance Child Tax Credit.

Details: The new Non-filer Sign-up Tool is for people who did not file an income tax return for 2019 or 2020 and did not use the non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments.

Background: The American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit in 2021 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child for children between ages 6 and 17.

Payments: Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above.

Schedule: The IRS will pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments scheduled for July 15, Aug. 13, Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.

More: Additional information is available on ICBA’s frequently asked questions on the payments and via the IRS website.

May 18, 2021

VAX-A-MILLION UPDATE

Governor DeWine announced today that the Ohio Vax-a-Million drawing will be an opt-in program. Starting tomorrow, Ohioans will be asked to register for the drawings by visiting OhioVaxaMillion.com or by calling the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Detailed information about the drawings is available in this press release from the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Lottery.

 

February 22, 2021

ODJFS creates new hotline for victims of unemployment identity theft

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has established a new toll-free number for individuals to notify the agency if they believe their personal information was compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim: (833) 658-0394. This number is staffed by 50 dedicated, cross-trained customer service representatives, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. One way victims have been discovering identity theft is by receiving an IRS 1099-G form for unemployment benefits that were never received.

The phone number complements a secure online portal ODJFS established last month to provide a direct way for victims to report identity theft. Individuals who believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim can visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the “Report Identity Theft” button and follow the guidance for individuals. This includes three steps: 1. Complete the reporting form, 2. File your taxes with IRS guidance, and 3. Protect your identity. 

January 28, 2021

COVID Relief assistance available for households in Seneca County

Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) completed 2020 by helping 987 northwest Ohio households with COVID-19-related financial assistance. In late October, GLCAP received $1.3 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act stimulus funding to provide mortgage, rent, water and utility, and food assistance to Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County residents who were financially impacted by COVID-19. 

GLCAP has since received a second round of CARES Act funding in the amount of $1 million to continue helping households in the four-county region throughout 2021.

COVID Relief assistance is available for households that are at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $52,400 annual income/household of four) and need assistance. Residents may be eligible for
assistance if they have missed or fallen behind on rent, mortgage or water/sewer payments for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons may include lost wages due to business closures, reduced work hours, household quarantines, and other hardships.

Those who need help may visit www.glcap.org/covidrelief or call GLCAP at 1-800-775-9767.

More information on other GLCAP programs is available at www.glcap.org.

The CARES Act was signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020. The legislation was created to provide relief for individuals and businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Here are a few things it provides for individuals:

Direct Payments--Americans who pay taxes will receive a one-time direct deposit of up to $1,200 and married couples will receive $2,400 plus an additional $500 per child. Individuals who make more than $75,000 or married couples who make more than $150,000 combined are not eligible. The payments will be direct-deposited to whatever financial institution you have set up to receive your tax refund from the IRS. These payments began hitting our depositors accounts on Wednesday, April 15. Checks will be mailed to those who didn't have this set up already.

October 30, 2020

Home Relief Grant

Starting November 2, 2020, the State of Ohio, working with local Community Action Agencies, will help eligible Ohioans who are behind on rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer utility bills catch up on past payments back to April 1, 2020 and provide additional assistance through December 30, 2020.

Ohioans will be able to apply for assistance through their local Community Action Agency starting November 2, 2020. Eligibility requirements and more information, including a list of local Community Action Agencies can be found here.

July 22, 2020

On Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Governor Mike DeWine issued a statewide face mask mandate in the face of rising numbers of coronovirus cases. The order applies to anyone in a public place where social distancing isn't possible. That includes indoor spaces other than residences and outdoor spaces where a large number of people are congregated. People with medical conditions that preclude the use of a face mask are not required to wear one. Children under 10 years old are also not required to wear masks.

As a result of this statewide order, all Sutton Bank employees are required to wear face coverings. In addition, our teller windows have been equipped with sneeze guards, and social distancing will continue to be part of our everyday practices. Face coverings are now required for our customers. When entering our lobbies wearing face coverings, we reserve the right to request you remove it at our entrance door, within security camera and teller view in order to properly identify you. You can then place the face covering back on. If you are not comfortable with these practices, we ask that you please utilize our drive-up windows and alternate banking methods such as mobile, online, and ATMs. We thank our customers for their consideration in advance. Again, together we can get through this if we all do our part.

Tony Gorrell, CEO

April 20, 2020
Treasury: Stimulus checks in the mail
The Treasury Department said it began mailing Economic Impact Payment checks on Saturday, April 18, with twice-daily mail pick-ups starting today, April 20. These checks are being mailed first to the lowest-income individuals and households.

If you received payment either by direct deposit or by check for a deceased spouse or other family member, the Payment should be returned to the IRS by following the instructions in the Q & A about repayments. Return the entire payment unless the payment was made to joint filers and one spouse had not died before receipt of the payment, in which case, you only need return the portion of the payment made on account of the decedent. This amount will be $1,200 unless adjusted gross income exceeded $150,000.

If you are a filer and want to provide the IRS your direct deposit information or check your payment status, you will be able to do so here, the just-released portal set up for this purpose. With direct deposit information, you will receive your deposit "immediately" instead of through the mail.

The IRS has released the portal for non-filers to enter their payment information. Please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments page.

If you don't file taxes, use the application for Non-Filers. You should use this application if:

• You did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income. Or
• You weren't required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons

If you receive these benefits, we already have your information and you will receive $1,200. Do not use this application if your receive:

• Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits
• Railroad Retirement and Survivor Benefits

Unsure if you are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment? Click here to access the IRS's Economic Impact Payment Information Center

Beware of scams: some things to know! As we get closer to the federal government payments, it is important to know that the government WILL NOT:

• Ask you to pay any fees to get the money
• Call you to get your Social Security, bank account or credit card number, or your PayPal information in order to issue your check or directly deposit your money
• Direct how you use the money

In most cases, the assistance will be sent directly to you if you qualify, based on the income you already reported to the federal government on this year's or last year's tax returns. Anyone who tells you they can get you your money faster is a scammer.

If you receive a stimulus check and it's for an odd amount of money (for example $1,499.50) or if it states you need to verify the check online or over the phone, it's a scam.

You should get a paper notice in the mail a couple weeks after your payment is sent, letting you know where it was sent and when. If you can't locate the payment at that point, call the IRS at a legitimate phone number.

As a reminder, Sutton Bank will never contact you and ask for your full Social Security Number, account or card numbers, one-time passwords, PIN numbers, user names or passwords.

Other provision of the CARES Act

Unemployment--It provides for extended unemployment insurance and expands eligibility, offering an additional $600 per week for four months, on top of what state programs pay.

Coronavirus testing--All testing and potential vaccines for COVID-19 will be covered at no cost to the patients.

For more helpful videos related to COVID-19, you can access them from our Money IQ Financial Literacy & Education Center page, or click here.