Some Helpful Info For New Yorkers About Bill-Paying In The COVID-19 Era

The following are some resources for New Yorkers who are worried about making ends meet right now.  

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Rent
You cannot get evicted in the next 90 days for not paying rent, as the state suspended evictions via executive order for both commercial and residential tenants through June 20. So you will not be penalized if you do not attend housing court for an eviction case. “Landlords cannot even file such cases in housing court until April 19,” according to the New York Times real estate columnist Ronda Kaysen. “So if you are facing a choice between paying for food [or] rent, know that you will not lose your apartment for nonpayment, for the time being.” 

This state measure also applies to eviction orders that were issued but not carried out prior to March 16.

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Utilities
Con Ed and National Grid have agreed to not cut off service for electricity, heat or water for non-payment. This suspension will remain in place at least until the end of April.

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Internet/Wireless
Most data companies are not only waiving late fees and cancelations for non-payment for 30-60 days, but are making their Wi-Fi hotspots free for all and increasing data limits. Charter and Verizon are also offering free Wi-Fi for households with children for the next 60 days, and Verizon is offering free access to free learning tools and a few premium channels for 60 days.

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Credit cards
Some credit card companies (depends on which ones)  are giving their clientele breaks, from deferring payments to rescinding late fees.  

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Tax Day
As a reminder Tax Day is now slated for July 15. Taxpayers can file and make payments by July 15 with no penalties.

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