Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Beginning April 12, 2021, families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 can apply to receive up to $9,000 in financial assistance for burial costs. Assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application per state, territory, or the District of Columbia.  For more information, click here.

Attention UFCW 1546 members in Indiana. The Hardest Hit Fund is a financial resource for Hoosier homeowners to help keep their homes, if they had gotten behind in their mortgage payments through no fault of their own. The deadline to apply for up to $30,000 in mortgage assistance financing through the HHF has been set for Monday, May 3, 2021. To apply for this mortgage payment assistance, call 1-877-GET-HOPE (1-877-438-4673).

In addition, if you need to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination shot, a mass vaccination center has been set up at Roosevelt High School (730 West 25th Avenue, Gary, IN). This site is open 7 Days a week through June 2, 2021 from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Appointments are recommended but not required. Register online at ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211.

U.S. President Joe Biden recently signed the COVID relief bill into law. This will provide millions of workers and families with the urgent relief they need as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

What’s in the American Rescue Plan for UFCW Members:

• Relief Payments: Provides $1,400 in relief payments per person for individuals making less than $75,000 and married couples making less than $150,000. along with additional tax relief for working families with children. 
• Childcare: Includes $15 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and allows those funds to be used by essential workers. 
• COVID Testing and Vaccine: Provides funding towards testing, contact tracing, PPE, and vaccine distribution.
• Health and safety: Provides $100 million for increased workplace protections including money to support working training and enforcement for high-risk work activities through OSHA.
• Retirement Security: Strengthens the entire pension system by helping pension plans that are in danger of failing.

For more information, watch the following video with UFCW International President Marc Perrone speaking on the American Rescue Plan with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website for the latest information on the state's vaccine plan and get answers to your most commonly asked questions including where and when you can get a vaccine, the stages of distribution, and vaccine safety. You can also find out which tier or phase your region is currently in and much more. This site also includes translation services for Spanish, Polish and several other languages.

Click here for the IDPH website