Feeling a more angry or irritable than normal, you know, “just not feeling right?” Maybe you are blaming yourself more for not being the person you used to be at home or on the water and now go home feeling like you are letting someone down. Maybe the client that you once loved to teach, or the waters you can navigate with your eyes closed, no longer bring you peace?  Heck, maybe, that relaxing evening drink has increased to four or has become the midday, “I will just have one, well maybe two” self-talk. 

Look, here’s the thing, we all could use a check-up from the neck up! Even the toughest, manliest and womanliest of guides need to talk it out sometimes. And the Guide Relief Program is here to ensure you have someone to speak with when you need it and how you need it no matter where in the state you are.

We have even removed the barrier of not being insured. That’s right, as an uninsured Montanan, help is here. If you, or a family member, do not have insurance, but feel as though you need to chat with someone, follow the instructions below to get the process started. 

1. Call Western Montana Mental Health Center
   1.  Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, 406-556-6501
   2. Off hours and weekends, call the Help Center at 211 or 406-586-3333
2. Ask to speak with someone in/with Urgent Care.
3. You will then either speak with a Care Coordinator at that time or be advised they will be contacted by one. This generally to be within 24 hours.
4. ​When speaking with the Care Coordinator, advise them that you are uninsured.
5. If you not heard from Care Coordinator within 48 hours, reach out to WMMHC Area Director, Michael Foust at: mfoust2@wmmhc.org

 
If you should have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@guiderelieffund.com

All communication is confidential.

At the end of July (July 25 in Montana, July 31 elsewhere) a significant benefit extended to independent contractors will end.  The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) which has provided an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will terminate. Even though many independent contractors have been able to return to work fully, many have not or have found that they have decidedly less work. The loss of this additional income will prove critical to many who work as independent contractors, the self-employed, gig workers, and the like.  

As Congress considers new relief, including the extension of FPUC, we encourage you to reach out to your Senators (and others if you wish) urging them to support the extension until January 2021. It could be because you need the extension beyond July 25th.  Perhaps you won't need it right away, but in passing, will ensure that you will receive this benefit in the event it's needed. And in doing so, you will support your fellow guides who are in need of this funding. 

Below find information on how to contact Montana Senators Tester and Daines. Direct links will be the most effective in which to reach out. You will also find talking points on FPUC, guide specific points, and suggestions on how best to write your letter.  It's important to stay focused and clear on your messaging.  Also, don't be fearful of making it personal. This is very personal to you and your colleagues.

If you are a guide or independent contractor from a state other than Montana, click here to find the Senators in your state.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you should have any questions or need assistance.  info@guiderelieffund.com

 1. Fill out the form with information needed. Name, address, etc.
          a. www.tester.senate.gov/?p=email_senator

• Topic: Labor
• Message subject: Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

          b. www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve

• How can I help you:  Share your opinions or comments…
• Message topic: Labor
• Subject:  Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

2. Message bullet points.

• As part of the CARES Act that passed on March 27, 2020, unemployment compensation was extended to independent contractors and other workers who are ordinarily ineligible for unemployment benefits. 
• States were then permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to individuals who are self-employed, including independent contractors.
• In addition to unemployment benefits, the new law created the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), which has provided an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting PUA. 
• FPUC benefits will end on July 25.
• As an independent contractor whose livelihood has been impacted by COVID-19, these additional funds are critical and have proven to be a major component of many people's financial lifeline.
• While many independent contractors are able to return to work fully, many continue to struggle with lack of work and income.

3. Guide specific bullet points. (Choose one or two that may resonate with you. Feel free to expand on it and give personal examples.)

• Many have lost a substantial percentage of their income for 2020 and even though their trips coming in, it will take many guides and independent contractors years to recoup the loss.
• Moving forward, with the state open again, in many cases there are more cancellations than booking coming in for many for the remaining season to salvage.
• For those guides who serve as independent contractors, guiding is their main source of income and many do not have options to fall back on.
• The initial cost of guiding, for many this year, may outweigh the benefit of working.
• With the uncertainty of what the rest of the season or summer may look like, many guides will not be able to fill their calendars.  Montana's season was cut in half, it is not feasible to make up the lost revenue.
• Many guides are at the mercy of the government. Reopening the state allowed for our industry, that is tourist based, to resume business.  With that said, many are still struggling to fill days and we are caught in a catch-22.  We want to keep our communities safe, but our clientele is overwhelmingly from out of state.  We are not only putting ourselves at risk but also all customers we interact with.  And potentially more so than other tourist-based industries due to our close and intimate interactions with each person.
• Without the PUA/FPUC assistance, our industry will suffer as many guides will be forced to look for work outside of the industry.
• Now, more than ever, is not the time to remove vital assistance to those that need it most.  

Hints and tips on putting your email together
You know why you’re writing and what to write, but just how should you write it? Here is some advice on giving your letter the right tone and approach.

• Get to the point quickly--don’t ramble in your email. Your senator and their staff are short on time, so keep everything crisp and clear.
• Create a connection—explain who you are and why this particular topic matters to you. Tell them any impact it’s likely to have.
• Stick to one issue, and one issue only—we get that you might have plenty of things to write about but keep it simple and focused. One issue, concern, idea, or opinion per email is what you need.
• Be respectful—if you’re angry, this can be tough, but write with respect. Keep your tone even, you’re more likely to be taken seriously.
• Keep emotion out of it—you may be upset, stressed, extremely concerned, or raging. While it’s fine to mention this in the email, don’t let your emotions drive your writing.
• Don’t threaten, ever—this really goes without saying, but avoid anything that could be considered anything other than you simply airing an opinion, idea, or concern.
• Proofread your message—it’s irrational, but a wrongly spelled word can be irritating. Avoid problems in your email by reading it through a couple of times and checking for punctuation, spelling, typos, and grammar.  

If you should need assistance in navigating what might be best fit for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Feel confident that every conversation is confidential.
406-838-3507‬ or info@guiderelieffund.com

Rent Relief:

Montana Housing’s Emergency Housing Assistance program provides rent, security deposit, mortgage payment, and/ or hazard insurance assistance as-needed for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income loss as a result of COVID-19.

• https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/CovidHousingAssist

Northwestern Energy:
If you're concerned about your ability to pay your bill, please contact them right away.

• 888-467-2669

You may qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), or Emergency Bill Assistance from Energy Share Montana.

• http://www.northwesternenergy.com/
• Follow the link to ‘Our COVID-19 response’ > Need help with your bills

Phone and internet:
FCC announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative. In order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity.  More than 700 companies and associations have signed the Chairman's pledge to Keep Americans Connected. These companies have vowed to:

• Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
• Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
• Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them
• https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected

United Way
United Way is supporting communities across the world struggling to cope with COVID-19, protecting the most vulnerable. Helping people most in need access food, shelter, vital information and more through United Way’s global network.  Services are available throughout Montana.

• Butte and Anaconda
• Cascade County 
• Greater Gallatin
• Lewis and Clark Area
• ​Missoula County 
• Yellowstone County

If you, as an independent contractor, have not yet filed for unemployment, a site has been created specifically for those who work as independent contractors, self-employed, or gig workers.  Before you file, have the following items prepared:

• Social security number, date of birth, driver license or state ID, and, if you're not a US citizen, your USCIS Issued Identification number.
• Home address and your mailing address, if different than your home address.
• Cell phone to receive SMS updates and phone calls or home phone number.
• Email address for electronic communication and account access.
• 2019 wage records which may include your W2s, 1099s, K-1s related to partnerships, Pay Stubs, or Bank Statements.
• Bank account and routing numbers if you want to use direct deposits for benefit payments.

Once you have gathered these items, register on the site and file for unemployment benefits.

If you have questions or need assistance, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) office can be reached at  406-444-3382  or PUAClaims@mt.gov

If you have filed for unemployment and haven't received your benefits and/or are unsuccessful in speaking with someone at Montana Works or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), we encourage you to call or email the Montana Citizens' Advocate.  Their job is in the name - they work to advocate on behalf of Montanans and offers direction and assistance within state government.

Montana Citizens' Advocate Office can be reached at (855) 318-1330 or (406) 444-3468 or by e-mail at citizensadvocate@mt.gov.

Yes, you are reading right.  Unemployment Benefits, including the $600 additional weekly payment are beginning to roll out. However, as is stated very clearly in this video, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry are working diligently to add the self-employed and independent contractors to the system. Once that has been completed, self-employed and ICs will begin receiving their benefits, including the $600, which in many cases will be retroactive. 

We understand that waiting for these funds to hit is stressful - know you are not alone in this.  There are other programs that might help you with electric or other utilities. Find that information here.  

​"Do I need to apply to receive the additional $600 per week on my unemployment claim?
If you have already filed a claim that is in process or have filed a claim and are currently receiving benefits, you do not need to take any action to receive the additional $600 per week. As U.S. DOL provides federal guidance on those payments, you will be issued those payments as they become available.
 
Videos to assist you with filing your claim:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkx11XAxr6McUCzF5R2627iihYR_q5syc [youtube.com]

A press release, which includes a lot of details, can be found here: https://news.mt.gov/governor-bullock-announces-emergency-rules-to-streamline-unemployment-benefits-for-workers-impacted-by-covid-19

Please check this website for updates on Self Employment and when we will begin processing those new claims: http://dli.mt.gov/self-employed-contractors.
 
If you return to work and continue to file, please report your full hours and gross earnings when you file for benefits.  We do not ask you for your hourly rate, but rather full gross earnings.  Not reporting hours and earnings can result in fraud penalties and overpayments.
 
Please attempt to use our  website at MontanaWorks.gov first.   It is the fastest and most efficient way to open and request payment. The phone lines are extremely busy and we are experiencing statewide connection phone issues. Our phones lines continue to be open at this time. You can attempt to contact us at 406-444-2545 but please understand it is very difficult to reach us due to the extreme volume of calls."

(This is an email response from a UI representative). 

This was an email sent to those that have applied for SBA funds:
​
Dear Applicant,
On March 29, 2020, following the passage of the CARES Act, the SBA provided small business owners and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 with the opportunity to obtain up to a $10,000 Advance on their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The Advance is available as part of the full EIDL application and will be transferred into the account you provide shortly after your application is submitted. To ensure that the greatest number of applicants can receive assistance during this challenging time, the amount of your Advance will be determined by the number of your pre-disaster (i.e., as of January 31, 2020) employees. The Advance will provide $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000.
You may be eligible for another loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is available through participating lenders. Below is a comparison of the two loan programs:
​

For all of us, we are waiting on our stimulus checks to show... any day now would be great!

The IRS just updated their website and they allow for 'non-filers' meaning:

• You did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income. Or
• You weren’t required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons

​
In addition to this, they will have a "Get My Payment" site up and running by mid-April.

So, hopefully this week... we all will be able to access our money or at least have a better idea of where it is!

To stay up to date with the IRS and your stimulus check
​
---
"I owe the IRS... during COVID... now what?"

For those that have filed their returns, have been processed, and like many I.C.s... owe money, there are options.

It's hard enough to owe the IRS as a guide but it is even more difficult to owe money during COVID.  We can't work, have no income, and don't know when our next check will be.  

The good news is, we do have options.  And hopefully as things progress, we will have more as the economy reboots.
 
For some help on what to do right now

And just a reminder... the tax filing date has been moved back to July 15, 2020.