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**Updated June 24, 2021** — USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Please bookmark this page and check back regularly as circumstances are changing daily and the width and depth of our responses to your questions and concerns will certainly increase. A PDF of all Immediate Actions to date is available in English and Spanish, and below you will find in-depth information on the immediate actions we are taking separated by program area.

### COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

PDF (English) | PDF (Español)

### Immediate Actions Factsheet

Word Document | PDF (English) | PDF (Español)

**Responding to COVID-19**

## Immediate Opportunities for RD Customers Impacted by COVID-19

Actions Taken by USDA Rural Development to Help Rural Residents, Businesses, and Communities Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic

                                        -          COVID-19 Fact Sheets        - Business & Industry CARES Act Program  PDF (English)  |  PDF (Español)
- Rural Business Development Grant COVID-19 Fact Sheet  PDF (English)  |  PDF (Español)
- Rural Energy for America Program COVID-19 Fact Sheet  PDF (English) | PDF (Español)
- Multi-Family Housing Direct Loan COVID-19 Fact Sheet  PDF (English)  | PDF (Español)
- Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant COVID-19 Fact Sheet PDF (English)  |  PDF (Español)
- Water and Environmental Programs COVID-19 Fact Sheet  PDF (English)  |  PDF (Español)
- Interagency Housing Forbearance COVID-19 Fact Sheet - Borrowers  PDF
- Interagency Housing Forbearance COVID-19 Fact Sheet - Lenders  PDF
- Telehealth Service Changes COVID-19 Fact Sheet  PDF (English)  PDF (Español)
 
                                        -          Rural Housing Service        Single-Family Housing
**Single Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed Programs**

Direct Program:  Foreclosures and related evictions were suspended from March 18, 2020, through July 31, 2021.  The exception to that suspense was a vacant or abandoned dwellings.
- SFHDLP borrowers who experience financial hardship due, directly, or indirectly, to the COVID-19 emergency may request and be granted an initial forbearance until the COVID-19 emergency ends. The initial forbearance period may be up to 180 days and the borrower may request an extension of up to an additional 180 days. Borrowers who received an initial CARES Act forbearance before June 30, 2020, may be granted up to two additional three-month payment forbearances.  The borrower must request each extension individually.
- Post Forbearance Options: Upon completion of the forbearance, all forbearance borrowers’ loans are brought current, and a new monthly payment is calculated for each loan thru the remaining loan term.  If the borrower is unable to make the new monthly payment, the borrower is temporarily eligible to apply for an refinance loan that offers long-term, affordable mortgage payments. Applications must be post-marked, hand delivered, or electronically submitted to a USDA-Rural Development Office by June 30, 2023, to be accepted for refinance processing.  Upon approval, the borrower’s monthly payment will be reduced and will be more affordable. 

Direct Loan questions should be directed to USDA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-414-1226, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Central Time (CT).  For Hearing Impaired only 1-800-438-1832 or TTY RELAY 1-800-735-2466.

Guaranteed Program:  Foreclosures and related evictions were suspended from June 24, 2021, through July 31, 2021. The moratorium did not apply in cases where USDA or the servicing lender documented the property was vacant or abandoned.
- Forbearance Requirements: Lenders may continue to provide impacted borrowers relief by offering forbearance of the borrower guaranteed loan payment for up to 180 days. In addition, the initial forbearance period may be extended up to an additional 180 days at the borrower’s request. Lenders may approve the initial 180-day COVID-19 Forbearance no later than September 30, 2021. Guaranteed borrowers that received a COVID-19 forbearance prior to June 30, 2020, may be granted up to two additional three-month payment forbearances. Lenders should outline potential solutions that may be available at the end of the forbearance period and explain to borrowers that a lump sum payment of the arrearage will not be required.
- USDA borrowers that have not taken advantage of a forbearance to date may request a mortgage payment forbearance under our COVID-19 guidance prior to September 30, 2021. Servicers are expected to grant a payment forbearance based on a borrower’s attestation (verbal or written) to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 emergency. If a borrower requests assistance after September 30, 2021, relief may still be provided under our standard guidance found in the Special Relief Section of Chapter 18.  This relief may include up to 12 months of forbearance as necessary and evaluation for one of our special relief alternatives at the end of the forbearance if eligible.
- During the forbearance options outlined above, no accrual of fees, penalties or interest may be charged to the borrower beyond the amounts calculated as if the borrower had made all contractual payments in a timely fashion.
- Post Forbearance Options: Upon completion of the forbearance, the lender shall work with the borrower to determine if they can resume making regular payments and, if so, either offer an affordable repayment plan or term extension to defer any missed payments to the end of the loan. If the borrower is unable to resume making regular payments, the lender should evaluate the borrower for special relief measures which includes Term Extensions, Capitalization and Term Extensions, and a Mortgage Recovery Advance.

Guaranteed Loan servicing questions should be directed to: sfhgld.program@usda.gov.

In addition to USDA relief measures, borrowers should be aware the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 has established the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) to provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners who have suffered financial hardships during the COVID-19 emergency.   Qualified expenses may include mortgage payment assistance, mortgage reinstatement, utilities, insurance, and other housing related costs.  Additional information on the HAF is available at www.treasury.gov.  Borrowers are encouraged to explore these resources.

For more information, visit the following web pages:

•    Guaranteed Lending Partner•    Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program•    USDA LINC Training and Resource Library•    Procedure Notices
Multi-Family Housing- Multifamily borrowers should reach out to their assigned servicing staff if they are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
- Frequently asked questions were distributed via GovDelivery on February 18, providing guidance to borrowers on how to handle unique property financial conditions due to the pandemic.
- The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended through July 31, prohibiting evictions for tenants who cannot afford to pay rent due to COVID-19.
- Tenant certifications that cannot be completed in a timely manner due to COVID-19 can be extended with no late fees or overage charges, upon request to the assigned servicing staff.
- Section 515 Annual Financial Statements due March 31, 2021 may be extended for 30 days or longer if needed, upon request to the assigned servicing staff (HB-2- 3560 Chapter 4, Section 4.16-H).
- Owners must process an interim recertification at the tenant’s request if there is a change income of $50 or more per month. The owner should already have this policy in writing and apply it consistently. To the maximum extent possible, owners are encouraged to work with all tenants with impacted income to adjust rent payments.
Community Facilities- Effective May 12, 2020, through September 30, 2020, the  USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan Program  will temporarily allow borrowers with direct loans to request payment deferrals to assist those that are experiencing temporary cash flow issues due to the pandemic.
- On a case-by-case basis, USDA will provide the option of principal and interest payment deferrals to borrowers impacted by COVID-19 for up to one year due to hardship. The borrower must request any payment deferments from the Agency in writing.
- For additional information, please see page 22009 of the April 21, 2020,  Federal Register.
 
                                        -          Rural Utilities Service        Rural Utilities Service
USDA is waiving RUS borrower covenant requirements for loan agreement financial ratios for the period from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020. Additionally, USDA is waiving all financial reporting requirements associated with existing Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loan and grant covenants beginning Jan. 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020.

On April 24, 2020, USDA provides guidance on the resources provided in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR.266) recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.

USDA is providing the following guidance for RUS regulated borrowers who have received SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds:
- ReConnect Pilot Program    - The CARES Act provided $100 million in additional funding to the program. USDA received 11 Round 2 ReConnect Program applications that were eligible for this funding.
  - On June 25, 2020, USDA began to announce awards for ReConnect Round 2 beginning with recipients of the CARES Act funding. USDA will continue making announcements as these projects are awarded.
  - Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)
  - Rural Development was provided an additional $25 million in the CARES Act for the DLT grant program. USDA issued a stakeholder announcement on April 14 on the funding. This funding was used to establish a second application window for Fiscal Year 2020 which closed on July 13, 2020. RUS is currently reviewing these applications.
  - RUS also is reviewing the first round of applications for Fiscal Year 2020 for the DLT program which closed on April 10, 2020. RUS anticipates making announcements on the first round of DLT awards as early as mid-August 2020. Telecommunications and Electric
- USDA extended the deadline for the Telecommunications and Electric program borrowers and grantees to submit their annual CPA audit to August 31, 2020.
- USDA is waiving borrower covenant requirements for loan agreement financial ratios for the period from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020. Additionally, USDA is waiving all financial reporting requirements associated with existing RUS loan and grant covenants beginning Jan. 1, 2020 through Aug. 31, 2020.
- The RUS Administrator has delegated authority to the RUS Telecommunications, Electric, and Water and Environmental Programs to consider requests to waive certain site inspection requirements during the current COVID-19 National Emergency.
- Applicants will be able to use alternative methods to notify the public, such as through videoconferences, teleconferences and public notices on websites and in local newspapers, as a substitute for the public meeting notification requirement for water and waste projects.
- On a case-by-case basis, USDA will help Electric Program borrowers gain access to obligated funds more quickly at current low interest rates by considering extensions of loan terms (within statutory limits); considering requests to move obligated funds between the Electric Program’s six budget purposes where the new purpose has cleared environmental review; and by considering Temporary Normal Inventory (TNI) requests.
- Depending on the program, USDA Electric, Telecommunications and Rural Energy Savings Program borrowers are required to seek prior written consent of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for additional outside indebtedness pursuant to certain terms in the regulations and loan documents.
- For those borrowers where prior RUS consent would be needed, RUS waives the requirement of consent for any loan made by the SBA under the PPP as published in the Federal Register, provided RUS is notified of the SBA emergency loan before execution. Borrowers must continue to follow program requirements for additional debt requests and requests involving the subordination or parity of security.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an  interim final rule  that clarifies the eligibility of electric cooperatives for the Paycheck Protection Program. Electric cooperatives that are 501(c)(12) eligible are approved to access the program by the SBA. Furthermore, USDA has approved usage of the Paycheck Protection Program provided electric cooperatives notify the RUS if they end up using that resource. They do not need pre-approval to do so.
- PPP loan funds should be initially recorded as debt.
- Any PPP loan funds that are included on work orders submitted to RUS for financing, must be removed from all financing requests regardless of whether the PPP funds are forgiven. This will prevent duplicate financing of these costs through the Federal Government. (Please note, the costs do not have to be removed from the assets constructed or retired unless the loan is forgiven). If PPP loan funds are subsequently forgiven, the expenses and/or workorders along with assets constructed or retired should be credited for any forgiven PPP loan funds used for these purposes.
- RUS cannot provide an opinion or advise on whether PPP loans made to RUS borrowers will qualify for forgiveness. That decision will be made by SBA.
- This guidance is based on the current status of SBA's PPP and given that many variables in this program are unknown at this time, our guidance may be updated to reflect any new circumstances related to the PPP.
- If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the Technical Accounting Review Branch at  SM.RD.CMPL.TARB@usda.gov
- For assistance, please contact:
- Electric Program: Christopher McLean, Christopher.mclean@usda.gov , 202-407-2986
- Telecommunications Program: Laurel Leverrier, laurel.leverrier@usda.gov , 202-495-9142
- Water and Environmental Programs: Scott Barringer,  scott.barringer@usda.gov , 202-720-9643
 
                                        -          Rural Business-Cooperative Service        
**Value-Added Producer Grant Program**

USDA issued an amended notice to make an additional $35 million available in the Value-Added Producer Grant Programthis year to support agricultural producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. In total, $76 million is available.

The Department also extended the application deadline to May 4, 2021. The amended notice reduces the matching requirement for applicants seeking the $35 million in COVID-19 relief funding. Applicants must follow requirements in both the original noticeand the amended notice. For additional information on the amended notice, see page 12905 of the March 5, 2021, Federal Register

**Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program**

Effective May 22, 2020, USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

In addition to expanding eligibility to certain agricultural producers, the changes allow USDA to:
- Provide 90 percent guarantees on B&I CARES Act Program loans;
- Set the application and guarantee fee at two percent of the loan;
- Accept appraisals completed within two years of the loan application date;
- Not require discounting of collateral for working capital loans, and Extend the maximum term for working capital loans to 10 years.

B&I CARES Act Program loans must be used as working capital to prevent, prepare for or respond to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The loans may be used only to support rural businesses, including agricultural producers, that were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020.

USDA intends to consider applications in the order they are received. However, the Department may assign priority points to projects if the demand for funds exceeds availability.

USDA announced the expanded B&I authorities in a notice published on page 31139 of the May 22 Federal Register. The Department will begin accepting applications for B&I loan guarantees on May 22, 2020. Applications will be received continuously through midnight Eastern Daylight Time on September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended. Program funding expires Sept. 30, 2021.

**Additional Guaranteed Programs**

Effective March 31, 2020, until September 30, 2020, lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals without prior agency approval for Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees. For additional information, see page 17721 of the March 31, 2020, Federal Register.

On April 8, 2020, USDA expanded upon the deferral flexibilities it announced March 31, 2020. Guaranteed lenders may also approve and make covered loans under the provisions of Section 1102 of the CARES Act. Section 1102 pertains to the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.

The expanded notice provides that guaranteed lenders may also approve and make covered loans under the provisions of Section 1102 of the CARES Act without prior Agency approval.

On April 24, 2020, USDA provided guidance on the resources provided in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR.266) recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.
- USDA’s guaranteed Business & Industry, Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) programs may approve and make covered loans under the PPP. Guaranteed lenders must notify USDA Rural Development in writing of any covered loans made under the PPP. Written notification will meet the standard for concurrence until Sept. 30, 2020.

**Programs for RBCS Intermediary Borrowers**
- RBCS intermediary borrowers continue to have authority to service loan portfolios independent of USDA. Intermediary borrowers participating in these programs may approve loan payment deferrals for their borrowers without USDA approval. These programs are:
- Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)
- Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
- Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL and REDG)
- Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
- For existing Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) and Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) borrowers, the Agency is committed to maintaining well-capitalized intermediary lenders and will work with intermediaries on loan servicing requests on a case-by-case basis to make sure they remain a pillar in our rural business communities.

**Rural Cooperative Development Grants Program**
- USDA is making $5.8 million in grants available under the  Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG)  program to help improve economic conditions in rural areas. Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply to provide technical assistance to individuals and rural businesses.
- Fiscal year 2019 award recipients who received a grant period extension due to a loss of operations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are eligible to apply for fiscal year 2020 funding.
- Electronic applications must be submitted to  grants.gov  by midnight Eastern Time on August 3, 2020. Additional information is available on page 39870 of the July 2  Federal Register.
 
                                        -          New and Extended Application Deadlines        
USDA is extending the application window for the following programs:
Rural Business-Cooperative Service- USDA extended the FY21 application deadline for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program to May 4, 2021. The Department also made an additional $35 million available to support agricultural producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information is on page 12905 of the March 5, 2021,  Federal Register.
- USDA extended the application deadline for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program to no later than April 15, 2020. Contact the  Rural Development office  for the deadline in your state. USDA announced the extension in an Unnumbered Letter posted March 19, 2020.
- USDA extended the application deadline for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to April 15, 2020. For additional information, see page 16925 of the March 25, 2020,  Federal Register.
Rural Utilities Service
USDA is waiving RUS borrower covenant requirements for loan agreement financial ratios for the period from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020. Additionally, USDA is waiving all financial reporting requirements associated with existing Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loan and grant covenants beginning Jan. 1, 2020 through Aug. 31, 2020.
- USDA extended the application deadline for the ReConnect Pilot Program to April 15, 2020. For additional information, see page 17530 of the March 30, 2020,  Federal Register .
- USDA is opening a second application window for funding under the  Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)  grant program. Electronic applications for window two may be submitted through  grants.gov  beginning April 14, 2020, and are due no later than July 13, 2020. Paper applications will not be accepted under the second window. Additional information on how to apply will be available on grants.gov on April 14.
- USDA opened a second application window for funding under the  Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program . Electronic applications for window two may be submitted through  grants.gov  beginning April 14, 2020 and are due no later than July 13, 2020. Paper applications will not be accepted under the second window.
 
                                        -          We Care Letter        - Single-Family Housing Direct
- Vivienda Unitaria Carta Usted Nos Preocupa
- We Care Letter COVID-19 UPDATE - English
- We Care Letter COVID-19 UPDATE - Español
 

## Stakeholder Notifications

                                          - March 9, 2021 - USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
                                          - February 17, 2021 - USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
                                          - January 29, 2021 - USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
                                          - January 21, 2021 - USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
                                          - March 20 - Single-Family Housing Direct Loan and Grant Programs

## Archived Stakeholder Notifications

                                          - December 30, 2020 - USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
                                          - December 29, 2020 - USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
                                          - June 23, 2020 - USDA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Relief on Single Family Housing Direct Loans
                                          - June 19, 2020 - USDA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Relief on Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loans
                                          - May 22, 2020 - USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers
                                          - May 4, 2020 - USDA Outlines Telehealth Service Changes as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
                                          - April 28, 2020 - USDA Leadership from Farm Production And Conservation and Rural Development Update Stakeholders On Accessing SBA Relief Programs
                                          - April 17, 2020 - USDA Offers Temporary Payment Deferrals for the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program
                                          - April 14, 2020 - USDA Opens Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding
                                          - April 8, 2020 - Temporary Exceptions to Payment Deferrals for Agency Guaranteed Loan Programs
                                          - March 31 - Payment Deferrals for Agency Guaranteed Loan Programs
                                          - March 30 - Temporary exceptions pertaining to appraisals, repair inspections and income verification for the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP)
                                          - March 20 - USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
                                          - March 20 - USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS)

Below are frequently asked questions that we have addressed. This list will certainly grow as new questions are asked and answers are given and even updated as circumstances dictate.

                                        -          Single Family Housing        
**Q: I am concerned that the COVID-19 outbreak could cause me to fall behind on my Single Family Housing Direct Loan payments from USDA’s Rural Development. What assistance can USDA provide those of us with these loans who are affected by the outbreak?**

A: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program (SFHDLP) has extended the foreclosure and eviction moratorium for SFHDLP borrowers through July 31, 2021.

The moratorium applies to:
- Initiation of foreclosures or completion of foreclosures in process, excluding vacant and abandoned properties.
- Evictions of borrowers from properties financed with a USDA direct home loan.

Mortgage (Payment) Forbearance:

Borrowers who experience financial hardship due, directly, or indirectly, to the COVID-19 emergency may verbally request and be granted an initial forbearance on or before September 30, 2021. The initial forbearance period may be up to 180 days and the borrower may request an extension of up to an additional 180 days.

Borrowers who received an initial CARES Act forbearance before June 30, 2020, may be granted up to two additional three-month payment forbearances. The borrower must request each extension individually.

Borrowers who received a COVID-19 forbearance under this authority will have forbearance interest waived that accrues on missed payments during the forbearance period. Loans may be reamortized at the conclusion of the forbearance. The term of the initial forbearance and any extension may be shortened at the borrower’s request.

**Q: What options are available to support Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan borrowers impacted by COVID-19?**

A: An initial six-month forbearance is available for Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan borrowers impacted by COVID-19. At the borrower’s request, this forbearance can be extended an additional six months for a maximum of 12 months.

**Q: My insurance premium is currently being escrowed through my USDA Single-Family Home mortgage payment. Is my insurance premium being paid in a timely manner?**

A:USDA is continuing to process hazard and flood insurance premiums in a timely manner. Insurance payments should be sent to:

USDA Rural Development NFACAttn: Insurance DepartmentPO Box 66876St Louis, MO 63166**Q: How can I reach RD’s Single-Family Housing Direct Customer Service Center for assistance?**

A: Regular hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Central Time (CT). If you are impacted by COVID 19 Rural Development may be able to assist you. Please call 1-800-414-1226, have your account number and last four digits of your social security number available and follow the prompts to speak to a representative or retrieve account information.
 
                                        -          Multi-Family Housing        
**Q: How can owners and management agents assist tenants who experience a reduction in income due to COVID-19?**

A: For tenants receiving Rental Assistance, an interim recertification should be completed as quickly as possible. We encourage agents to be accurate but flexible, including receiving information by phone or email, and making accommodations when income changes can’t be verified due to business closures.

Given the high number of potential zero-income certifications, we are suspending Handbook 2-3560 Attachment 6-B used to verify living expenses for zero income interim recertifications. Tenants who have been laid off due to COVID-19 do not qualify for income annualization as mentioned in Handbook 2-3560 Chapter 6 Section 6.9 (4), as this emergency is not a seasonal or predictable layoff. Rent should be calculated based on current income.

For tenants not receiving Rental Assistance, the CARES Act signed on March 27, 2020, suspends evictions for nonpayment for a 120 day period, and restricts owners and management agents from charging late fees or otherwise penalizing tenants who are unable to pay rent. We encourage owners to be as flexible as possible with tenants during this time.

**Q: The CARES Act provides recovery payments, up to $1,200 for individuals, and $500 per qualifying child. Should these amounts be included in tenants’ income?**

A: No. These payments are refundable tax credits on an individual’s 2020 taxable income that are being paid in advance. Do not include these payments when recertifying a tenant’s income.

**Q: What if a Multifamily Section 514, 515, or 538 borrower experiences financial hardship due to COVID-19 and is unable to make their mortgage payment?**

A: The 2020 CARES Act allows Multifamily borrowers experiencing a financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID–19 emergency forbearance for up to 90 days. To qualify, the borrower must have been current on its payments as of February 1, 2020. Separate communication was distributed on forbearance on April 2, 2020, but Section 514 and 515 owners may reach out to their servicing official for information on how to request a forbearance.

**Q: Can property owners and agents use property or reserve funds to alleviate financial hardship caused by non-payment of rent by residents having trouble because of COVID-19?**

A: Yes. For Section 514 and Section 515 properties (see Handbook 2-3560, Chapter 4, Section 3), borrowers may utilize property operating accounts or make an authorized withdrawal of funds from a reserve account to meet an emergency shortfall in operating expenses when the emergency is beyond the control of the borrower and threatens life, safety, or the physical security of the project. Properties should reach out to their assigned Servicing Official if they anticipate needing reserve funds to pay operating expenses.

For properties with a Section 538 Loan Guarantee, the lender holds the reserves. The lender is required to protect the value of the asset, which includes proper use of reserves to protect the financial interest of the property. The lender has the discretion to use the reserves if it is in the best financial interest of the property (Handbook 1-3565, Chapter 7 Section 7).

**Q: What precautions or changes to property operations can management take to promote social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19?**

A: We encourage owners and management agents to adhere to all state and local guidance with respect to containing the spread of COVID-19. Management may take reasonable precautions, including closing playgrounds, having site staff work remotely, or delaying non-essential maintenance. However, management must not remove tenant access to essential shared amenities like laundry rooms. Access can be changed, for example – management may institute a sign-up for laundry time to ensure social distance is maintained and providing disinfecting wipes to clean the laundry machines.

**Q: The CARES Act prohibited late fees and evictions for USDA’s Multifamily Housing tenants for 120 days, expiring July 25. What happens now?**

A: The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020 and contained a prohibition on both nonpayment evictions and late fees for 120 days. This prohibition applies to all Rural Development MFH programs, including Section 514, Section 515 and Section 538 loans, as well as Multifamily voucher holders.

This prohibition on late fees remains in place for the period covered by the CARES Act, meaning that if a resident has unpaid rent on August 1, retroactive late fees may not be assessed. Late fees may only be charged going forward. We encourage MFH owners and agents to work with tenants wherever possible to assist them in maintaining housing, including processing interim certifications if possible or arranging payment plans for past-due balances.

In addition, while the national prohibition on nonpayment evictions has been extended through July 31, 2021, many state and local governments have ongoing restrictions. Owners and agents must closely follow any applicable local guidance in this matter. /p>

As a reminder, properties under a forbearance/deferral agreement are prohibited from nonpayment evictions through the life of the deferral. For example, if a property requests a deferral for June, July, and August, no nonpayment evictions would be permitted until September 1.

**Q: Is USDA still accepting deferral requests in USDA’s Multifamily Housing Programs?**

A: The 2020 CARES Act allows Multifamily borrowers experiencing a financial hardship related to COVID–19 to request forbearance for up to 90 days. Guidance on how to request this forbearance/deferral was distributed on April 2, 2020, and we encourage you to contact your Servicing Official with questions.

MFH has processed over 4,000 deferral requests for its 514 and 515 programs.

Forbearance/deferral requests are still being accepted for properties experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 that have not yet requested a forbearance. Requests will be accepted as long as the National Emergency is in place or through December 31, 2020. As a condition of a deferral, owners and management agents must not evict tenants for nonpayment of rent through the deferral period.

**Q: How can USDA Multifamily Housing owners and management agents assist tenants who experience an ongoing reduction in income due to COVID-19?**

A: For tenants receiving Rental Assistance, an interim recertification should be completed as quickly as possible for any changes in monthly income. Tenants who completed a previous interim recertification may need to complete a second interim certification, for example if their unemployment benefits change or if a partial layoff becomes permanent. We encourage agents to be accurate but flexible, including receiving information by phone or email, and making accommodations when income changes can’t be verified due to business closures.

Given the high number of potential zero-income certifications, we have suspended Handbook 2-3560 Attachment 6-B used to verify living expenses for zero income interim recertifications. Tenants who have been laid off due to COVID-19 do not qualify for income annualization as mentioned in Handbook 2-3560 Chapter 6 Section 6.9 (4), as this emergency is not a seasonal or predictable layoff. Rent should be calculated based on current income.

If staff are no longer maintaining office hours, management must ensure tenants have a way to maintain contact, report emergency maintenance issues, and ask questions or request an interim certification. It is strongly recommended that both a phone number and email address are provided to tenants as contact options. Electronic rent payment may be offered as an option, but must not be mandatory and no additional fees may be charged. Digital signatures may be utilized during the recertification process as needed.

Please also remember that properties must consider Reasonable Accommodations to rules any COVID-19 temporary rules to accommodate persons with disabilities, such as if a tenant needs a caregiver assistance the caregiver must be allowed on the property, even if visitors to the property have been restricted.
 
                                        -          Community Facilities Program        
**Q: What financial flexibilities does USDA have available for current Community Facilities Direct Loan Program borrowers?**

A: Borrowers under our Community Facilities Direct Loan Program may request up to one year of payment deferrals. Contact your local servicing office for more information.

**Q: How is USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program helping guaranteed lenders whose rural borrowers are experiencing cash flow issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?**

A: Guaranteed lenders are approved to unilaterally offer payment deferrals to their customers who may be experiencing temporary cash flow issues due to COVID–19. Payments may be deferred for up to 180 days from the date the original payment is due. The lender must notify USDA Rural Development in writing of any payment deferments. In addition, the lender is responsible for servicing the entire loan and for taking all servicing actions that a reasonably prudent lender would perform in servicing its own portfolio of loans that are not guaranteed. This temporary policy expires on September 30, 2020.

**Q: Will lenders participating in USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program need prior approval from USDA to make Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to guaranteed borrowers?**

A: No, Community Facilities guaranteed lenders do not have to seek prior approval if the lender makes a covered loan under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program loan to a borrower. The lender must, however, notify USDA Rural Development in writing after making the covered loan. This temporary policy is in effect until September 30, 2020.
 
                                        -          Distance Telemedicine Program        
**Q: How will USDA use the additional $25 million provided in the CARES Act for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program?**

A: Congress provided USDA with an additional $25 million for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program. This funding became available during the DLT application window that began April 14, 2020, and closes on July 13, 2020.
 
                                        -          Telecommunications Programs        
**Q: Does USDA provide any type of payment relief for telecommunications borrowers that have been affected by COVID-19?**

A: USDA Telecom Program borrowers experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19 can reach out to our national office (202-720-9556) or one of our state offices for information on short-term deferrals or payment relief. These requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
 
                                        -          Water and Environmental Programs        
**Q: What financial flexibilities does USDA have available for current Water and Waste Disposal Program borrowers?**

A: Borrowers may request the use of reserve account funds as a short-term solution to a one-time funds shortage. Borrowers in good standing may request short-term deferred, reduced or interest-only payments for up to 180 days.

**Q: What training and emergency management resources does USDA have available for Water and Waste Disposal borrowers who are affected by the COVID-19 National Emergency?**

A: Technical assistance is available to assess needs, develop workout agreements, develop and/or update risk, resilience and emergency response plans, and to provide financial and utility management training. Under the USDA Circuit Rider Program, personnel can be temporarily provided to systems in need of emergency operators.

****Q: Will USDA allow flexibilities for the public meeting notification requirement for water and waste projects?****

A: Projects may utilize alternative methods to notify the public, for the public meeting notification requirement for water and waste projects. Such methods may include: videoconferences, teleconferences, and public notices on websites and in local newspapers as a substitute.
 
                                        -          Electric Program        
****Q: Can RUS help electric utility borrowers gain faster access to previously obligated loan funds?****

A: The RUS electric program is ready to work with its utility borrowers to speed the release of funds. The agency has announced expedited consideration of requests to move funds from one budget purpose to another to give borrowers quicker access to needed loan funds for projects or uses that have environmental clearance. The agency is also prioritizing consideration of Temporary Normal Inventory (TNI) requests, which also allows borrowers quicker access to their loan funds.

****Q: Will revenue losses related to the pandemic be counted against an electric program borrower’s required financial ratios or adversely affect its future ability to borrow from RUS?****

A: The agency has announced that it will waive certain 2020 financial ratios to prevent temporary revenue declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic from being the sole reason for a finding of non-compliance or being the sole reason to deny a RUS utilities borrower consideration for a future loan.
 
                                        -          Rural Energy for America Program        
****Q: Can a lender with a Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loan offer a deferral for a rural borrower experiencing cash flow issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?****

A: Yes. Lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals. Contact your local servicing office for more information.
 
                                        -          Business Industry Loan Guarantee Program        
****Q: Can a lender with a Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan offer a deferral for a rural borrower experiencing cash flow issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?****

A: Yes. Lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals. Contact your local servicing office for more information.

****Q: What does the CARES Act provide for Business and Industry loans under the Rural Business-Cooperative Service?****

A: The CARES Act provided funding that enables USDA to provide additional guarantees through the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program (B&I). USDA Rural Development is preparing to publish a rule and a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) as soon as possible.

****Q: What actions can be taken by a lender to cure a defaulted guaranteed B&I loan?****

A: There are several options that may be taken by a lender to cure a defaulted guaranteed loan. These include, but are not limited to, deferment of principal and/or interest payments; an additional unguaranteed temporary loan by the lender to bring the account current; reamortization or rescheduling of loan payments; transfer an assumption of the loan; reorganization, liquidation, and changes in interest rates with the Agency’s, the lender’s and any holder’s approval.

****Q: Can a lender modify a USDA B&I guaranteed loan after a workout agreement?****

A: Yes, a lender may modify loan terms after a workout agreement. The term of any deferment, rescheduling, reamortization or moratorium will be limited to the lesser of the remaining useful life of the collateral or remaining limits. During a period of deferment or moratorium on the guaranteed loan, the lender’s unguaranteed loan(s) and any stockholder loans must also be under deferment or moratorium.

****Q: Can a lender have a balloon payment in loan servicing for a loan that is associated with a USDA B&I guarantee?****

A: Yes, a lender can have a balloon payment in loan servicing. Balloon payments are permitted as a loan servicing option so long as there is a reasonable prospect for success and the remaining life of the collateral supports the action.
 
                                        -          Rural Business and Cooperative Service Intermediary Relending Programs        
****Q: Can a borrower through a Rural Business & Cooperative Service relending program (Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business Development Grant, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant, Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program) allow payment deferrals for loans provided to ultimate recipients?****

A: Yes, borrowers participating in our relending programs may approve loan payment deferrals for their borrowers without prior approval by USDA Rural Development.
 
                                        -          Rural Cooperative Development Grant / Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant        
****Q: How have the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDC) and Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) programs been affected by COVID-19?****

A: USDA Rural Development is preparing to issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for these programs. The publications will allow for a 60-day application period. Currently, there is $5.8 million available for RCDG, and $3 million for SDGG. Current recipients are permitted to work with USDA to use available grant flexibilities to complete their projects. This includes a no-cost extension in certain cases.
 
                                        -          ReConnect Program        
****Q: The CARES Act provided $100 million in additional funding to the ReConnect Program. How will USDA Rural Development distribute this money?****

A: USDA will use the $100 million provided for the ReConnect Program in the CARES Act to invest in qualified 100% grant projects that did not receive funding in the program’s first round of ReConnect Program investments.

Round one applicants who did not receive funding due to limited broadband access in their proposed service area may submit an application during the second round to receive this priority.
 
                                        -          Essential Worker Program        
****Q: I have a USDA Rural Development loan or grant. Am I an essential worker? Can I continue to implement USDA funding during stay-at-home orders from my state or local government?****

A: USDA does not determine whether or not our customers are essential workers. Customers, please contact your local or state government for more information.
 

## In Action...

### A Simms employee working Montana Fishing Gear Company Reeling in Protective Masks and Gowns

Known for its technical fishing gear and apparel, Simms makes products that protect its users from the elements. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Montana, the company began receiving requests for a different type of personal protective equipment—medical masks and gowns.

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### People distributing meals for kids During COVID-19, Central PA is Fighting Hunger One Bus at a Time

In 2018, Mel Curtis, Branch Director of the Moshannon Valley YMCA of Centre County and Pauline Rabb, CEO with Cen-Clear Child Services, joined forces to retrofit a 72-passenger bus with a kitchen and appliances and dubbed it The Travelin’ Table Mobile Feeding Bus.

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### Oklahoma Broadband Provider Doubles Speed for Customers During Coronavirus

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, long-standing USDA Rural Development partners Pine Telephone and Pine Cellular in southeastern Oklahoma answered the call to serve their communities.

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