By Marva J. Sneed
Host of “From Marva with Love”
On a recent edition of “From Marva with Love,” Attorney Symone Redwine, of Redwine Law Firm, with locations in Dallas and Houston; the University of Pittsburgh finance major discussed the new stimulus bill. The Cornell University law school graduate, who practiced fashion and trade law in New York City before returning to Texas, explained the unemployment assistance extension, the moratorium on evictions, and the PPP (Payroll Protection Program) for small businesses.
MS: Attorney Symone tell us about unemployment assistance?
SR: Yes, in Texas, our minimum for unemployment is 200 bucks and the maximum is 500. Well on top of that $200 to $500 you will get $300 a week until March. Now beauticians, barbers, our entertainers, even if you are an independent contractor for example as a bartender in an industry as well, where maybe you’re still working but you’ve been cut to part-time. So you would just want to go online in your state and even if you are self-employed, you’ll get the $300 a week. What people don’t know also is if you’re getting unemployed and you have student loans you can call your student loan company and ask them what’s called ‘forbear,’ to waive your loan payments for those months.
MS: Can people that have not paid their rent or mortgage still be evicted?
SR: So, let’s talk about the rent. If you’re a single person and you make less than $100K. You can go to CDC.gov and you’ll click on the eviction moratorium. It’s a form where you can fill it out and get it notarized. Give it to your landlord and he cannot evict you before January 31. Right now it’s until the 31st but it is supposed to be extended through March. It’s similar for mortgages also.
MS: What about PPP? Tell us how we can take advantage of it.
SR: One of the most important resources for African American families in this stimulus package is PPP. With Payroll Protection one of the biggest myths is that PPP is only for people who have employees. Not true. You can be self-employed. I’ve got money for Uber drivers, truck drivers, comedians, DJs, barbers, hairdressers, and even if you have a day job. Where another job that is paying you via W-2, you can qualify for a PPP. Here’s the beauty of PPP: it’s actually a grant and you don’t have to pay it back. It’s a loan but acts as a grant.
Follow Attorney Symone Redwine: linktr.ee/Symoneredwine, IG @ symoneredwine, and redwinelaw.com
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