If you have a problem with a bank or other financial institution, contact the Federal Reserve for help.

COVID-19 Information and Resources
Federal Reserve Consumer Help is dedicated to providing consumers with the information they need to guide their personal financial decisions during these difficult times. We have gathered information about economic impact payments, other helpful resources, and answers to frequently asked questions to respond to your resource needs regarding COVID-19. Please check back for new resources as they become available.  We hope this information is helpful.



Economic Impact Payments

On April 17, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched a Get My Payment tool on the IRS website. This tool will provide you the status of your payment, including the date it is scheduled to be deposited into your bank account or mailed to you.  An additional feature of the Get My Payment tool allows you to provide your bank account information to receive your payment more quickly rather than waiting for a paper check. This feature will be unavailable if the Economic Impact Payment has already been scheduled for delivery.

Other helpful resources include the IRS's Economic Impact Payments Information Center and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Guide to COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Relief, where you can find information about payment eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it, and more. Answers to frequently asked questions about economic impact payments can also be found with other COVID-19 FAQs on the Find an Answer page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happened to my complaint?

On March 17, 2020, Federal Reserve Consumer Help temporarily began processing only complaints received electronically. To ensure your complaint is handled timely, please submit it using our online consumer complaint form. If you need assistance completing the online form, please contact Federal Reserve Consumer Help at 1-888-851-1920.

If you submitted a complaint in writing and have not received a response, please contact us regarding the complaint status and to discuss filing alternatives.

  • What action is the Federal Reserve taking to help the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Federal Reserve has taken a number of steps to bolster the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out what the Federal Reserve is doing and why, or visit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 page for more information on specific actions taken.

  • How are banks helping customers affected by COVID-19?

The Federal Reserve System with other regulatory agencies have encouraged banks to take steps to meet the financial needs of customers facing hardship due to the pandemic, including by offering prudent loan modifications (see Press Release), extending responsible small-dollar loans (see Press Release), and continuing to meet the deposit and service needs of customers to the extent possible (see Press Release). It is important to note that these issuances do not require banks to make specific customer accommodations.  You should contact your bank if you have questions regarding its policy changes during this time.

  • Can my bank temporarily close its branch or lobby during a pandemic or natural disaster?

Yes. During a health crisis, natural disaster, or other emergency situation, financial institutions may temporarily close their offices or provide limited services at their offices for security or other reasons. It is important to note that a permanent or temporary bank office closure does not affect deposit insurance. If you have questions about bank’s deposit insurance, visit the Federal Deposit Insurance website, or if your question relates to credit union deposit insurance, visit the National Credit Union Administration website. Before filing a complaint, we recommend that you first contact your financial institution’s head office with questions regarding changes in office hours or closures.

  • What if I am unable to pay my mortgage because of the pandemic?

Contact your bank or loan servicer immediately to let them know of your circumstances. There is still time to take advantage of mortgage protections under the CARES Act, but for some mortgages, there is a deadline of December 31, 2020, to request forbearance. More information is on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website about resources available to you, including this video of important facts about requesting mortgage forbearance. You may also watch this video if you're in forbearance and need help with next steps after it ends.

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Helpful Resources

Credit Reports and Scores

Free Credit Reports, Every Week Through December 2023 (FTC)

Three national credit reporting agencies are giving people free, weekly access to their credit reports to help monitor financial health during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Español: Informes de crédito gratutitos, todas las semanas

Protecting Your Credit During the Coronavirus Pandemic (CFPB)

Understand the steps you can take to protect information in your consumer credit report.

Español: Proteja su crédito durante la pandemia del coronavirus


Deposit Accounts and Deposit Insurance

FDIC: Insured Bank Deposits are Safe; Beware of Potential Scams Using the Agency’s Name (FDIC)

Protect yourself from scammers stating they are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) agents or employees, or who ask for personal financial or deposit account information.

 

Foreclosure/Bankruptcy/Debt Collection

Behind on Car Payments Because of the Coronavirus? (FTC)

Are you worried that you won't be able to make your next car payment because you've lost your job or income because of the Coronavirus? Here's what you can do.

Coronavirus and Dealing with Debt: Tips to Help Ease the Impact (CFPB)

Learn possible steps to take if you have trouble paying your debts during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Español: Lidiando con el coronavirus y deudas: Consejos para aliviar el impacto

Coronavirus and Your Mortgage (FTC)

Learn more about the options that may be available to you if you are unable to make your mortgage payments.

COVID-19 OIG Bulletin for Homeowners (HUD)

Review an outline of the guidance the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has provided for borrowers and servicers to implement the forbearance provisions of the CARES Act.

Credit Card Debt During Coronavirus: Relief Options and Tips (CFPB)

Tips on what to ask and what your options may be if you can’t pay your credit card bill because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Statement Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed Mortgage

Learn about the FHFA's options to help homeowners navigate the forbearance process resulting from financial hardship during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mortgage and Housing Assistance (CFPB)

This website consolidates the CARES Act mortgage relief, protections for renters, resources for additional help, and information on how to avoid COVID-19 related scams.

Español: Asistencia hipotecaria y de vivienda (CFPB)


Protect Yourself Financially from the Impact of the Coronavirus (CFPB)

Find resources for consumers who have lost their income or are unable to pay their debts as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Español: Proteja sus finanzas del impacto del coronavirus

 

Identity Theft/Frauds and Scams

Beware of Scams Related to the Coronavirus (CFPB)

During this time of uncertainty, knowing about possible scams is a good first step toward preventing them.

Coronavirus Scams – Part 1 (FTC)

Get tips on avoiding Coronavirus scams.

Español: Coronavirus: Los estafadores siguen los titulares

Coronavirus Scams – Part 2 (FTC)

Learn about the types of scams related to the Coronavirus and find out what to do.

Español: Las estafas relacionadas con el coronavirus

COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips (FCC)

Learn about the tactics used by text and robocall scammers and how to protect your personal information.

Español: Advertencias y consejos de seguridad para consumidores

National and Community Health Data

Coronavirus (COVID-19) (CDC)

Explore national and community data related to the Coronavirus.

Español: Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades

State Health Departments (USA.gov)

Stay informed about the information provided by your state related to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Other Resources

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System)

Communications issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 is Making the Economy Sick, Too

Find out what the Federal Reserve is doing to keep the nation's economy healthy and why.

COVID-19 and Your Financial Health

Learn about various topics that are more important than ever during the Coronavirus pandemic, including advances with mobile banking, adjusted bank hours, efforts to help those who have lost income, and COVID-19 related scams.

Español: COVID-19 y su salud financiera

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 (OCC)

Read questions consumers affected by the Coronavirus have asked the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) about bank access, deposit accounts, credit concerns, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions for Those Impacted by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): For Bank Customers (FDIC)

Learn from the questions consumers affected by the Coronavirus have asked the FDIC about bank access, deposit accounts, credit concerns, and more.

Tips for Financial Caregivers During the Coronavirus Pandemic (CFPB)

Get tips on how to protect the money of an older adult when you are unable to be with that person because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Español: Consejos para cuidadores financieros durante la pandemia del coronavirus



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