 TITLE: How to Prepare for the End of COVID-19 Relief Programs CONTENT: When Will Pandemic Assistance Programs End?\n-------------------------------------------\nFirst, find out when the COVID-19 relief programs you use will end. As of May 2021, these dates are as follows:\n*   **Expanded federal unemployment benefits** **end September 6, 2021**: These include $300 in weekly benefits, an extra $100 in weekly benefits for those who had both a job and self-employment income, benefits for self-employed people and others who don't normally qualify, and extended federal benefits after state benefits are used up. Some states have decided to opt out of the enhanced federal unemployment benefits prior to the September 6 cutoff date, so it's a good idea to contact your state unemployment office or visit its website to see when your state benefits end and whether you need to reapply.\n*   **Student loan relief ends January 31, 2022**: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act suspended payments and paused interest on federal direct loans and FFELs (Federal Family Education Loans). The number of student loans in deferral or forbearance more than doubled in 2020, according to Experian. Some private lenders also offered forbearance or deferral options; if your private student loan payments are currently suspended, ask your loan servicer when this will end.\n*   **Rent relief**: The federal moratorium on eviction for nonpayment of rent ends October 3, 2021. However, many states have their own renter protections. Visit your state government website or check the Eviction Lab's database of federal, state and local eviction policies for more information.\n*   **Mortgage relief**: The CARES Act suspension of foreclosures on homes with federally backed or insured mortgages ends September 30, 2021. As of April 2020, the number of mortgages in deferral or forbearance had doubled, Experian research shows. If your mortgage company suspended your loan payments, ask them when your deferral or forbearance ends.\n*   **Utility bills**: Some state and local governments prohibited utility companies from shutting off essential services to people who couldn't pay their bills. If you're taking advantage of such a program, contact your service provider to see when it will end.\n*   **Health insurance**: The federal government paid for COBRA coverage for qualifying individuals during the pandemic; these payments end on September 30, 2021. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March 2021, expanded access to Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance as well as tax subsidies for buying it. If your federal COBRA payments are ending, you can shop for insurance on Healthcare.gov through August 15, 2021. Federal and state tax subsidies may cover some (or even all) of your premium costs. END