As layoffs and furloughs continue due to  COVID-19, some CWU students believe the stimulus check has helped but more may be needed.

As part of the CARES Act, which was passed by Congress to try to stimulate the economy, some students have received stimulus checks for up to $1,200. To be eligible for the money, students cannot be claimed as a dependent on their parents’ taxes.

Juan Serrano, a junior psychology major, said he used the check to open a savings account and pay off credit card debt he had accrued during the pandemic. Serrano said he had used his credit card to buy groceries for his parents, since they have been quarantined. Serrano’s mother was diagnosed with COVID-19, influenza A and B and pneumonia, but she has since recovered.

Serrano said he’s used the check as a “safety net” to help support his parents. His dad typically works in a warehouse during the cherry season but is unable to due to the virus. The check has helped give him peace of mind during the pandemic.

“What the check did was alleviate any stress that I had,” Serrano said.

While Serrano has continued to work part time during the pandemic, he is worried about potentially losing his job. Others at his job, including Serrano’s sister, have already been laid off or furloughed during the pandemic.

Serrano said while the first check helped, he may need a second one if Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order is extended. Serrano said he is worried about the potential wait for unemployment benefits if he were to be laid off or furloughed from his job.

“I think I’d benefit a lot from [a second check],” Serrano said.

Caleb Valko, a grad student in the natural resource management program, said the stimulus check has helped him make ends meet.

“It’s really good for making rent,” Valko said. “The stimulus check provides a little bit of a cushion.”

While the stimulus check helped, Valko said he needs more. Valko said he’s tried to file for unemployment since the middle of March. It’s been a month later and he still hasn’t received any money.

“I’ve got a lot of money going out and no money coming in,” Valko said. “I’m worried, but I’m not letting it be the only thing I think about.”

Eli Storlie, a junior computer science major, said he’s used most of the money on groceries but did use some of it on miscellaneous Amazon shopping.

“I didn’t really need it, but extra money is always nice,” Storlie said.

Storlie said he was working part time before the pandemic and was expecting to work full time during spring break but has since been furloughed from his job. Storlie said he has not been told when he may go back to work.

Even though he isn’t working, Storlie said if the stay-at-home order continues, he would not likely need a second stimulus check.

“Personally, that’s not the case for me because I have money saved up,” Storlie said. “I would probably be fine.”