Filings for eviction hearings in Houston increased compared to 2019

Rent is due again this Friday, May first. Since the Texas Supreme Court extended the stay on eviction hearings through May 18th this week, Harris County Judge Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Turner are now asking the Court to extend it August 24th.

Unemployed Texans struggle to find affordable healthcare insurance

FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan speaks with healthcare experts about the options unemployed Texans have when it comes to health insurance coverage.

How to keep your electric bill under control during COVID-19 pandemic

FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan gives you a look at how you can avoid getting your energy shut off during the COVID-19 crisis.

Some homeowners will face balloon payment after months of skipping mortgage

Some homeowners will owe a balloon payment for all the months skipped in just a few short months, so families are worried they won't be able to pay it. But there are options.

What non-filers need to do to receive $500 per child in stimulus check

For those with children or dependents, the IRS is urging non-filers to let them know by Wednesday to make sure they receive the additional $500 per child.

What to do if you're having trouble getting your stimulus check

FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan explains what you can do if your check goes to the wrong account or if the amount of your check is incorrect.

Local union calls on Houston to protect renters during COVID-19 crisis

Houston renters say landlords are still serving tenants who can't pay the rent with notices to vacate. The freeze lasting until April 30 does not prohibit landlords from doing so.

What if the IRS has the wrong banking information for you?

Some FOX 26 viewers are reporting the I.R.S. has wrong banking information for them after checking the government website to track their stimulus check.

Many families receiving eviction notices amid COVID-19 pandemic

"It's causing a lot of mental stress and anguish. It's causing me to not be able to sleep at night," said Mel House, who received a notice to vacate from her apartment landlord.

Many people want to know when stimulus checks will arrive

If you don't have a bank account, you can have it deposited through Square mobile banking, and Walmart says it will cash stimulus checks for free.

How to maintain your car during the stay-at-home order
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FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan offers you some tips on how to maintain your car during the COVID-19 quarantine.

Texas moves to help citizens access unemployment benefits

TWC says it is updating its system to help people in two new ways. It will soon start approving self-employed applicants. And it will pay recipients retroactively to the date they lost their jobs because the rush of applicants prevented so many from getting through.

On the brink of homelessness: how low-income families manage during COVID-19 pandemic

"Under the law, you are not considered a permanent resident. You are considered a guest staying on someone else's property, not a resident of the property, which means you don't get a lot of the rights that come with being a tenant or resident."

Realtors adjust to the new norm during COVID-19 pandemic

Realtors are now using live streams and virtual tours online to show homes to prospective buyers to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus in person.

How to save on auto insurance while working remotely

For customers who are struggling to pay bills during the COVID-19 pandemic, many auto insurance carriers say they will offer payment plans, delayed payments, or drop late fees.

How to work securely from home

Experts suggest using your company laptop and VPN rather than your personal computer. Company devices usually have more firewalls and antivirus protection.

What to do when you can't pay rent during COVID-19 crisis

The Houston Apartment Association explains landlords must still collect rent in these tough economic times to keep apartments and rental homes running.