The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed in March 2020 as a response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. It included several provisions to provide financial relief, including:
- Stimulus Payments: Direct financial payments to individuals and families to alleviate economic strain during the pandemic.
- Small Business Assistance: Programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided forgivable loans to help small businesses maintain their workforce.
- Unemployment Benefits: Extended and expanded unemployment benefits, including those for self-employed workers and gig economy workers.
- Healthcare Funding: Allocations to support healthcare facilities and providers, with added funding for telehealth services.
- Education and Housing Support: Funding for schools and universities to transition to remote learning and support for housing assistance to prevent evictions and foreclosures.