On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a National Emergency concerning the Coronavirus outbreak. Then on March 27th, Congress passed the Cares Act which increased money available for unemployment benefits. People who are eligible for unemployment get an extra $600 a week from the federal government until July 31, 2020. The rules say during this National Emergency, the $600 a week does not count as income for other programs like food stamps and Medicaid. We are telling self-advocates to work closely with someone you trust to make sure you follow the unemployment rules. If President Trump cancels the declaration of a National Emergency it may affect your Medicaid or other benefit programs.