The national coronavirus outbreak is hammering the U.S. economy, and the District of Columbia is no exception. Businesses across the city are shuttered as a social-distancing mandate keeps many Washingtonians in their homes, triggering an economic nosedive and unprecedented levels of unemployment.

Both federal and local resources are available to individuals, families, and businesses struggling to keep their heads above water as the pandemic continues to make regular operations impossible. Here’s where to start if you’re wondering where to go for help.

Public assistance programs for individuals and families

Several public programs are available through the D.C. Department of Human Services, including SNAP (a monthly benefit to help purchase groceries), TANF (a cash benefit for families with children), and Medicaid. You can apply for these benefits at dhs.dc.gov. Anyone already receiving these benefits and due to re-certify in April will have their benefits automatically extended during the crisis, and extra SNAP money will be doled out to any qualifying household not already receiving the maximum SNAP benefit. These emergency allotments will be distributed automatically through April to your EBT card.

Unemployment benefits have also been expanded in the District, with unprecedented demand. Since March 13, D.C. has received nearly 55,000 unemployment benefit applications, more than in the entire year of 2019, which saw 37,720 claims. The city has disbursed more than 18,000 payments, for a total of over $6.7 million.

You can apply for unemployment at dcnetworks.org. The work-search question has been waived from the current application, as has the usual one-week waiting period to receive benefits. Independent contractors and gig workers are now eligible to apply.

The new federal CARES Act will also give many Americans with a social security number checks worth up to $1,200 to soften the financial blow of the current crisis. Here’s more information about that.

Loans and grants for small businesses and nonprofits

The federal Small Business Administration is also providing various loans and debt relief for small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. You can find more information about that here.

In addition, the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development is activating more than $600,000 in grant funding for D.C. Main Streets to apply for. (Applications have closed already for the D.C. Small Business Recovery Microgrant Program; D.C. received more than 7,000 applications for this grant). Business owners can also apply for the Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund.

Nonprofits can apply for grants from the Greater Washington Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which will dole out awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

Housing assistance

An emergency bill passed by the D.C. Council on Tuesday halted rent increases in the city. You are still required to pay your rent, but evictions are currently on pause during the state of emergency. There is a moratorium on foreclosures for the majority of mortgages nationwide, and the local emergency bill requires mortgage providers to offer a payment deferral of up to 90 days. Find more information here.

In addition, the Department of Housing And Community Development will be opening applications in early May for a rental-assistance program for tenants. It will offer up to $600 per month for a minimum of six months and up to two years.

The mayor has also created a new team, the District Economic Recovery Team, to plan for the eventual reopening of businesses and restarting of the local economy, as well as to address local financial needs as the outbreak goes on. More information about the local response to the coronavirus outbreak can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov.