Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Consumer Resources

Please note: This website refers to actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. For recent news visit Press Releases and reporting visit Reports to Congress Pursuant to Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act in response to COVID-19.

What consumers should know about working with their banks during the COVID-19 public health crisis:

• If you owe money to your bank and your ability to repay your debts has been negatively affected by COVID-19, you should inquire with your bank about what programs it may have in place to help its borrowers during the national emergency. The federal agencies have issued two statements that encourage banks to work with their COVID-19 affected customers and borrowers and extend responsible small dollar loans.
• During the national emergency, the agencies are deferring certain appraisals and evaluations for up to 120 days after closing of residential or commercial real estate loan transactions.

 

Consumer information and resources

Federal Reserve Consumer Help (FRCH) is dedicated to providing consumers with the information they need to help guide their personal financial decisions during these difficult times. FRCH staff also stands ready to help consumers with complaints regarding financial institutions. For more information and resources, please visit the FRCH website.

To file a complaint electronically with FRCH, please use the online consumer complaint form.

To find answers to questions consumers frequently ask about COVID-19 and their banks, see these FAQs about COVID-19 and banking.

 

Resources for individuals and families

Financial and Other Assistance

• U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS): CARES Act Eviction Moratorium (PDF)
• U.S. CRS: Mortgage Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS): SNAP state directory
• IRS: Economic impact payments: What you need to know

Financial Counseling and Credit Protection

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Coronavirus and consumer finances
• NeighborWorks America: National NeighborWorks network directory
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD): HUD-approved housing counseling agencies

Housing and Mortgages

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP)
  • Help for homeowners and renters during the coronavirus national emergency
• Fannie Mae
  • Overall approach to COVID-19
  • Help for homeowners affected by the coronavirus pandemic
  • Help for renters affected by the coronavirus pandemic (PDF)
• Freddie Mac
  • COVID-19 response page
  • Help for homeowners impacted by COVID-19
  • Relief for multifamily landlords and their renters
• Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): Coronavirus Assistance Information page
• USDA Rural Development: COVID-19 Response page
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Foreclosure Moratorium for Borrowers Affected by COVID-19 (PDF)

Identity Theft, Frauds and Scams

• CFPB: Beware of scams related to the coronavirus
• Federal Reserve Consumer Help: Identity Theft, Frauds and Scams, including Coronavirus Scams resource page
• U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC): COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips
• U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Avoid coronavirus scams
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Look out for coronavirus-related investment scams

Student Loans

• CFPB: What you need to know about student loans and the coronavirus pandemic
• U.S. Department of Education: Coronavirus and forbearance info for students, borrowers, and parents

Employment, Work, and Unemployment Resources

• U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS): Unemployment Insurance Provisions in the CARES Act (PDF)
• Department of Labor (DOL): Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights (Fact Sheet)
• DOL: COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act: Questions and Answers
• DOL: COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act: Questions and Answers
• DOL, Employment and Training Administration: List of state workforce agencies
• DOL: List of state labor offices

Federal Taxes

• U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Coronavirus Tax Relief
• U.S. CRS: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act—Tax Relief for Individuals and Businesses (PDF)
• U.S. CRS: Retirement and Pension Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (PDF)

Health and Safety

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus (COVID-19) resource page
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Disaster distress helpline

Volunteer Opportunities

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Coronavirus: How to Help