STATE NEWS — The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us … but for some, especially those who have lost income, it’s been more difficult than others. Time is running out to apply for Emergency Cash Assistance offered through the Tennessee Department of Human services.

The program provides two monthly cash payment to families that were unemployed as of March 11, 2020, and have lost a job or lost 50 percent of their earned income due to the COVID-19 emergency.

To apply online, click here. The state will accept application through June 30. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides the emergency funding. If approved, applicant will receive a $500 (up to two person household), a $750 (up to four person household), or a $1000 (for a household of five or more) award.

According to their website, to be eligible, families must have been employed as of March 11, 2020 but have since then lost employment or at least 50 percent of their earned income due to the COVID-19 emergency, include a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman, have a valid Social Security Number, must not have resources exceeding $2000, and the gross and/or unearned monthly income may not exceed 85 percent of the State’s Median Income. Click here for complete details.

Emergency COVID-19 funds are available in addition to any unemployment benefits individuals in the family may receive, according to the state. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}