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Unemployment and Workers’ Comp
Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.
Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
Employment Security Department starts their Expanded Unemployment Assistance Program
Here is a Checklist for eligibility. An independent or self-employed person will be denied on this system, but please don’t assume this means you don’t qualify. It will then prompt you to apply for the extension. Please understand that their website is so busy it may be very difficult to get on. The best times to try are late at night or early morning. Don’t give up!
Hotline number for ESD unemployment questions- 833-572-8400
Number for Claim questions- 800-318-6022
FAQ https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19
More info https://esd.wa.gov/
If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State’s Employment Security Department provides support services as well.
JOBS RESOURCES
For those whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19, these sites, Greater Seattle Partners and Worksource Washington, enables unemployed or underemployed individuals to find job opportunities in sectors providing essential services under the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.
OTHER ISSUES
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.
Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage
If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:
• Washington Homeownership Hotline (877-894-HOME)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggestions
• Rental assistance & counseling (800-569-4287)
• List of Housing Counseling Agencies
• For Seattle renters, the Mayor has issued a 30-day moratorium on evictions – through mid-April
Student Loans Deferment
If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education.
Paying Utilities
If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.
• City of North Bend will not disconnect customers during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy initiative and is waiving late fees and penalties on past due utility accounts. The City is also temporarily paying the transaction fees charged to pay online via the City’s website. You can access your account by clicking on the Pay Utilities icon or click here.
• Puget Sound Energy will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees, and offers payments plans.
• For Seattle residents, Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities will not shut off service during the emergency. They also offer deferred payment plans and discount programs.
• The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.
• The federal government also has assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.
• Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data, and no disconnects or late fees.
Food Assistance
If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.
Insurance Issues
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.
• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner - COVID-19 Resources Information from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.