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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Accessing Financial Relief through L.A. Connected

L.A. Connected is a citywide effort helping Angelenos access their Economic Impact Payments (also known as the federal stimulus checks), unemployment benefit insurance, income tax credits, and other vital financial assistance needed to recover from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. L.A. Connected aims to educate Angelenos about how to access available state and federal financial aid.

L.A. Connected is focused on the following financial relief:

  • Economic Impact Payments: Angelenos who make less than $12,200 a year may be eligible for federal stimulus checks, even if they have not yet filed their taxes this year. L.A. Connected will provide online or in-person support to assist such Angelenos with accessing federal stimulus checks.

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Angelenos who have been laid off, furloughed, or had their hours reduced, including self-employed and gig workers, may be eligible for unemployment benefits. L.A. Connected will provide free online sessions on how to access UI benefits and jobs available, as well as phone and in-person support at one the City’s WorkSource or FamilySource Centers.

  • Income Tax Credits and Free Tax Prep: Individuals and households with incomes of less than $55,000 a year may be eligible for tax credits and free assistance with filing taxes. L.A. Connected, through the Free Tax Prep L.A. program, will connect such Angelenos with IRS-certified volunteers and experts for tax assistance.

Government or Lead Agency

City of Los Angeles, Office of the Mayor

Dates Available

August 12, 2020 to October 15, 2020 for Economic Impact Payments.

August 12, 2020 to TBD for Unemployment Insurance and Income Tax Credits and Free Tax Prep.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Anyone who has been laid off, furloughed, or had their hours reduced, including self-employed and gig workers.

  • Income Tax Credits and Free Tax Prep: Individuals and households with annual incomes of less than $55,000.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

October 15, 2020 for Economic Impact Payments.

N/A for unemployment insurance, income tax credits, and free tax prep.

Contact for More Information

For help with the above-listed financial relief, call your local WorkSource or FamilySource Center.

List of Additional Information

L.A. Connected website

Mayor Garcetti’s August 12, 2020 Press Release about L.A. Connected.

Mayor Garcetti’s webpage about Free Tax Prep LA.

L.A. Connected Informational Flyer

L.A. Connected Postcard Mailer

L.A. Connected FAQs


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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