March 24, 2020 / By Catherine Thorbecke
The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought the economy to a screeching halt — sending stock markets reeling, unemployment rates surging and upending entire industries.
As the health crisis wages on, here are some resources from the government and private sector that are available to help carry you through financially. 
What to do if you are laid off or unemployed
Tens of thousands of U.S. workers have found themselves suddenly unemployed in recent weeks, and some economists have predicted the numbers are only going to tick up as the pandemic wages on.
Unemployment benefits are out there, but they vary state to state. Most states provide 26 weeks of unemployment insurance, though Massachusetts provides up to 30 weeks. North Carolina and Florida, on the other hand, provide up to 12 weeks, according to the nonpartisan think tank the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
In New York and New Jersey, so many people attempted to file for unemployment this past week that the online systems for submitting applications crashed in both states, according to the agencies.
There can also be further restrictions for part-time or freelance workers, though this also varies state to state. To apply, check out the information on your state’s website.