COVID Update 4/13/21, American Rescue Plan Stimulus Update, & Utility Assistance

covid
April 13, 2021
The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

For a series of interactive graphs and maps that provide additional data, including metrics related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as data broken down by every town and city in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.
Operation Fuel Assistance

Operation Fuel's Home Energy Assistance Program has grant funding still available to help Connecticut families reduce their unpaid utility and water bills.
 
This is especially important for customers with hardships who are protected from shutoffs through May 1, 2021 and whose bills continue to mount and must be paid.
 
You can watch this short video about how to apply for assistance:
Application Instructions
Visit Operation Fuel's website for information and instructions on how to apply for assistance.
American Rescue Plan Stimulus Update 
 

This year’s extended tax deadline, May 17th, is just over a month away. Filing your taxes is more important than ever to ensure you receive critical federal stimulus money that may be available to you.
 
With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, there have now been three Economic Impact Payments over the past year, the so-called stimulus checks, made to individuals. 
 

  • First Round - $1,200 per adult and $500 per child
  • Second Round - $600 per adult and $600 per child
  • Third Round - $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per child

 
If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. In order to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, along with several expanded and refundable tax credits available to individuals, you must file a 2020 tax return, even if you usually don’t file a tax return.
 
The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit. Previously limited to people over 25, the Earned Income Tax Credit is now open to 

  • Individuals over 19
  • Former foster kids who are 18 years or older
  • Homeless youth (no age specified)

 
In addition, the amount available under the Earned Income Tax Credit for individuals without children has more than doubled to $1,500. Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit here. 
 
If you need assistance filing your 2020 taxes, you can find a number of resources here.