COVID19 | Making Change

As Howard County residents continue to face the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, Making Change, a provider of financial wellness programs, understands the personal financial challenges facing individuals with limited and/or reduced income. We also understand the need for reliable and current information. We can help.

Questions? Browse our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Anxious? Uncertain what to do next? Looking to speak with someone regarding your personal financial situation? If you would like to speak with someone, one-on-one, about your specific personal financial situation, e-mail us at info@makingchangecenter.org and be sure to include your name, telephone number, best time to speak, and topics you’d like to discuss. Counseling sessions will be conducted by telephone.

Thinking about Money? So are We. Check out our Blog.

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COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

I lost my job. Am I entitled to Maryland Unemployment Benefits?

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program pays benefits to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and meet the program’s eligibility requirements. For more information and/or to file for benefits go to:

https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml

Hot Links

Scams & Shams: Times of crises and uncertainty oftentimes are used by those seeking to scam others; this time is no different.

FTC Information

Maryland Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information and the latest updates regarding COVID-19.

MD Department of Health: Information regarding Maryland’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including background, prevention, preparedness, and guidance.

Howard County, Maryland: Information regarding Howard County resources and its response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus Blog

Food in the time of COVID-19

Posted on April 22, 2020

On social media, pictures of freshly baked homemade bread abound. Comments regarding the dearth of yeast are common, yielding to threads and tips regarding sourdough starters. Even my sister sent me a photo of Seymour, her star starter. And while I’d like to blame bread for my recent increase in eating, sadly, I’ve not made… Read More

Getting a Stimulus Check? Start Planning What to Do with It. Now.

Posted on April 10, 2020

A lot has been written regarding the CARES Act direct payments. Articles addressing payment eligibility, methods of payment delivery and speculation regarding when payments are to be received abound. (Information regarding direct payments can be found here.) For those awaiting payments to hit bank accounts or mailboxes, there’s no time like the present to consider… Read More

Do I Need a Will? Short Answer: Maybe.

Posted on April 8, 2020

*This post does not, and is not intended to, provide legal or tax advice. Individuals seeking such advice should contact a qualified professional. The coronavirus has upended our lives and lifestyle. Not only are we keeping our distance and washing our hands more often, but recent headlines have many thinking about the unthinkable: death and… Read More

Ugh, My Hair! Don’t Ignore Self-Care.

Posted on April 2, 2020

My hair. It is embarrassing to admit, but my hair has been dominating my thoughts for the past 72 hours. Yes, I am aware of the pandemic. Yes, I am aware of Governor Hogan’s recent executive order requiring all Maryland residents to stay at home, unless engaged in essential activities, such as working for an… Read More

What’s in the Economic Relief Package. And When Do I Get my Check?

Posted on March 30, 2020

On Friday, March 27, 2020, Congress passed—and President Trump signed into law—a $2 trillion economic relief package to assist American households during the coronavirus crisis. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), was passed, in part, to provide financial relief to individuals and small businesses; it also provides financial assistance for hospitals… Read More

Financial Help for Military Members, Active Reservists, and Retirees.

Posted on March 28, 2020

The economic fallout from COVID-19 is just beginning in many parts of the country. Active duty servicemembers—and their families—are neither isolated, nor immune, from such financial consequences. For those serving our country—be it through the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, or Marine Corps— and facing financial hardship, be assured there are resources to… Read More

The Best Things in Life are Free. Really.

Posted on March 27, 2020

Social distancing. Self-isolating. Quarantine. If you’re following current federal and state guidelines, likely you are at home trying to stay away from others. For some, this time is peaceful. It’s uninterrupted family time without the constant busyness of everyday life. There is no rushing from here to there and all points in between, no gatherings,… Read More

Reduced Income Causing Money Problems? Here are some Tips.

Posted on March 23, 2020

Whether caused by lack of work, illness (yours or a loved one’s), or political stalemate, a reduced income can trigger immediate and substantial financial hardship. While personal finance professionals preach the wisdom of having a liquid emergency fund totaling three to six months of living expenses to help ease the financial burden of an emergency, such… Read More