The "mini-stimulus" comes right as many people brace for a difficult winter. 

Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDE) announced last week that they've begun issuing one-time $375 stimulus payments to over 400,000 eligible Coloradans. These COVID-19 relief payments are aimed at those who've been hit the hardest by the pandemic in hopes that it will help put some food on the table this month.

“Whether you’ve suffered from the virus itself, faced economic struggles, or felt the mental toll – no one is left unscathed by this pandemic. This direct cash payment will help cover rent or put food on the table for over 400,000 Coloradans who have struggled, but we know that Colorado or any state can only do so much, and national help is urgently needed,” said Governor Polis.

CDLE notified people via email or mail if they were eligible for this one-time payment. Anyone who received between $25 and $500 in weekly unemployment benefits between March 15 and October 24 of this year should get the stimulus with a few exceptions. 

As long as you haven't moved, changed your bank account, or misplaced your Reliacard since your last unemployment payment, no action is necessary on your part to receive this one. Most people have probably already gotten their $375, but it can take a few days to process, depending on your bank. 

In his announcement, Polis acknowledged that the $375 is not enough for some families struggling to make ends meet and that help from the federal government is urgently needed.

The $375 payments arrive this week in Colorado. But a lot of people will lose unemployment altogether next month. https://t.co/QyhqqfYKEG

— Andy Kenney (@AndyKnny) November 30, 2020

As it currently stands, more than 12 million Americans are set to lose their unemployment benefits the day after Christmas. The federal benefits provided under the CARES Act, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), are expiring this month. Congress has yet to pass any replacement or extension.

Colorado's state extended benefits, which kick in after one has exhausted their regular UI benefits and PEUC benefits, were also recently triggered off after the state's unemployment record dipped below 5%. Legislators quickly voted to change how the state's eligibility for SEB is calculated, which previously wasn't including the 75,000 or so Coloradans who have exhausted their state benefits and are now collecting federal benefits.

However, the state extended benefits expire on December 26 with the rest of the federal aid. Unless Congress passes a new stimulus package and extends unemployment relief, many people are going to be facing a challenging winter. In times like these, community support is paramount. Many Coloradans have created mutual aid groups to provide food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. 

#LoveAndSolidarity is our focus today. Thank you again to the community that makes this possible!! pic.twitter.com/Kj2EhpHtpD

— Foothills Mutual Aid Collective (@AidFoothills) November 30, 2020

Do you know of any local causes or mutual aid organizations that need a boost? Let us know in the comments!