To Our Clients,

Your health and safety are very important to us. That’s why I’m reaching out to let you know that we’re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.

I wanted to reach out to share with you a few resources available to help if you know anyone experiencing a financial hardship.

Unemployment Insurance:

  • Hourly/Salaried Individuals in Minnesota: The Minnesota Governor issued an executive order that removed the one week waiting period for unemployment claims. Applicants may now also be eligible if they’re quarantined and unable to work, unable to go to work due to an outbreak at the workplace, or lost childcare where the employer can’t accommodate them with paid time off or leave. More information about Minnesota’s response: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid-19.jsp
  • Hourly/Salaried Individuals in Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Governor has asked the state legislature to waive the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits. An executive order removes the requirement to search for work while laid off or working with reduced hours. More information about Wisconsin’s response: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/covid19/public/ui.htm
  • Self employed / 1099 contractors: Neither Minnesota or Wisconsin currently has a solution for UI benefits for workers in this category. Our trade association is actively lobbying to get benefits for self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors, but nothing has been enacted there yet. There are several loan options available due to the emergency declarations and executive orders
    • Minnesota DEED: On 3/23/2020 the governor directed DEED to create an emergency loan program that is 50% forgivable and has a 0% interest rate. More information: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/?id=424384
    • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: This is available directly through SBA – not local banks. Low interest loans are available up to $2MM with a current interest rate of 3.75%. More information here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

Mortgage Payments (Primary Residence, Second Homes, and Investment Properties):
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA have all released new payment deferment options for loans owned by them. They’ve instructed banks and servicers not to charge penalties or make derogatory credit reports. While you may mail your payment to a bank or mortgage company, it’s likely owned by one of these three entities. It’s important that individuals seeking this help, contact their bank or servicer to set up the deferral before missing a payment. Here are the sites with details.

Auto Loan Payments:
Many auto lenders are offering to defer payments up to six months without penalties or adverse credit reporting. Call your auto lender or visit their website for more information.

Home/Auto/Renters Insurance:

Almost every large insurance carrier is currently offering payment deferments without penalties right now. Contact your agent or carrier directly if needed.

If you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website.

Please reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way. We will get through this together.

Stay well,

Jonathan Lindstrom