We understand how important clear and accurate information will be to the health and success of our residents and business community during these times of uncertainty. Information and resources are rapidly changing, but here are some that may be of use:

Business & Employer Resources

Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Small businesses and most private non-profits are eligible to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA. To apply for a loan or to learn more, click here.  For additional information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The SBA will be hosting a webinar on Friday, March 27th at 11:30 am CST to discuss the process for applying for an SBA Economic Injury and Disaster Loan. Join via Zoom at zoom.us/j/960028356 with Meeting ID 960 029 356. For information on how to join the webinar, click here.

Visit the SBA’s small business guidance to learn more about loans and workplace guidelines relative to the novel coronavirus.

Unemployment Insurance & Support Services

If you have reduced staffing due to coronavirus or if your employees have taken unpaid time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative, the impacted individuals should apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Visit https://www.dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits for more information.

Governor Pete Rickets issued an executive order to loosen the eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance benefits. Between March 22nd and May 2nd, the following requirements have been waived:

• Work search (this change waives the requirement that individuals actively search for work)
• Unpaid waiting week (this change will make the first week of eligibility payable)
• Employer charging (this change waives charges incurred by employers whose team members are filing claims)

For more information, click here.

Utilities

Local utilities are taking steps to ensure reliable delivery of services. All providers understand that some customers may experience challenges during this time.

M.U.D.

Until further notice, M.U.D. will not be disconnecting water or gas services due to non-payment.

OPPD

OPPD has suspended disconnections for non-payment through April 30.

COX

Cox is doing their part with a temporary price reduction and speed increase for the organization’s Starter internet product, to help seniors, low income households and college students – plus, the Cox team is “pledging for the next 60 days to not terminate service” to any residential or small business customer because of an inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more by calling Cox Customer Care at 402-933-3000.

Century Link

CenturyLink will waive late fees and will not terminate a residential or small business customer’s service for the next 60 days due to financial circumstances associated with COVID-19. We have also committed to the FCC’s ‘Keep Americans Connected Pledge’ outlining these actions. More information here.

Taxes

Nebraska State Taxes

The tax filing deadline will automatically be extended to July 15, 2020 for state income tax payments and estimated payments that were originally due on April 15, 2020.   Nebraskans who are able to pay earlier are encouraged to do so to help the State manage its cash flow. The official release from the Office of Governor Pete Ricketts can be found by clicking here. 

Federal Taxes

The Federal Internal Revenue Services has announced an extension of the April 15th tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, regardless of the amount owed. Fore more information, click here. 

Additional Resources

•    Omaha Chamber of Commerce

•    Sarpy/Cass County Health Department 

•    Nebraska Department of Economic Development 

•    Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services

•    Center for Disease Control & Prevention