Resources for Workers

*Update June 18

To view and download a summary of resources available to working people, please click here.

City of Seattle Resources

City of Seattle Community Resource Page: To help communities significantly impacted by COVID-19 in Seattle, the City of Seattle created a centralized website where residents can find information about relief programs offered by the City, the County and the State. This site pulls together resources for workers, artists, small businesses, nonprofits, parents, homeowners, and community members to make it easier for City of Seattle residents to find assistance during this unprecedented public health crises. Click here to view the Mayor's COVID-19 resource website.

Seattle Protects: The City of Seattle created the Seattle Protects marketplace to connect local companies, organizations, and community members interested in producing, requesting, and donating cloth face coverings for Seattleites. Seattle Protects was created to protect public health by helping businesses and communities access face coverings; support local manufacturers and small businesses; provided access to cloth face coverings to vulnerable populations; and reduce competition with the health care sector for medical-grade masks. Go to the Seattle Protects portal here.

Moratorium on Residential Evictions: On June 18, Mayor Durkan extends the emergency order to implement a temporary moratorium on residential evictions until September 30, 2021. The moratorium will keep Seattle families from losing their homes due to the pandemic. Tenants who receive any eviction notice during the moratorium should contact the Renting in Seattle hotline at (206) 684-5700 or submit an online compliant. Click here to learn more.

Utility Payment Relief: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL) will keep utility services on during the COVID-19 Civil Emergency. This will provide immediate utility relief for customers, both residential and commercial, financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Effective immediately, all SPU and SCL customers can set up deferred payment plans if their financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. Utility service will stay on as their deferred payment plans are developed and implemented. Customers financially impacted by COVID 19 are urged to set up payment plans with either Seattle City Light or Seattle Public Utilities by calling (206) 684-3000 or sending an email 24/7 here.

Paid Sick & Safe Time Ordinance: Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance provides all employees who work in Seattle with paid sick and safe time. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, exempt, and non-exempt employees. Employees can use accrued paid sick leave if family member's school or place of care is closed. Please call the Seattle Office of Labor Standards at (206) 256-5297 or visit the Office of Labor Standards PSST COVID-19 Q&A here.

#SupportPugetSoundSmallBiz Campaign: In partnership with the Mayor's Office, the #SupportPugetSoundSmallBiz map is OED's social media campaign that aims to engage with both consumers and businesses to amplify which small businesses are still open. Click here to view the map.

Seattle Public Library: The Library launched Your Next Job, a new program that offers FREE one-on-one help with job and unemployment questions by phone, online, or text. Your Next Job can help with basic technology skills, getting started with unemployment, learning new skills, or applying for jobs. Click here to learn more.

Seattle Area Food Resources Map: To help the public locate food resources available during this COVID-19 public health emergency, an interactive map has been developed by the City of Seattle's Human Services Department. This map shows the locations of Food Banks, Meals, and Student To-Go-Meals, and can be filtered by status with option to reflect those open, those with limited operations, and those whose status is unknow. Click here to view the map.

State of Washington Resources

The Washington State Employment Security Department has adopted a series of emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine for businesses you can learn about here. Click here to view a side-by-side comparison of possible COVID-19 scenarios and State of Washington benefits available for workers.

Paid Sick Leave: Employers in Washington State are required to provide paid sick leave to their hourly non-exempt employees. An employee can use accrued paid sick leave if their place of business is shut down by a public official due to a health-related reason. Employees can use accrued paid sick leave if their child's school or place of care is closed for a health-related reason. To learn more, click here or view the COVID-19 Q&A here.

Paid Family & Medical Leave: The State of Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program can provide paid leave benefits for Washington workers who need to take time off from work due to a serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Certification by a health care provider is required for applications for Paid Family and Medical Leave due to a serious health condition. Visit: https://paidleave.wa.gov.

State Unemployment Benefits: If you are laid off work temporarily, if your hours are reduced due to a businessslowdown or a lack of demand due to COVID-19, or if you are not receiving payment from your employer such as paidsick leave or paid time off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits and may qualify for standby during this time.Eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Basic eligibility requirements for a claim can be found here. Visit:Washington's Employment Security Department (ESD)'s COVID-19 page; ESD's COVID-19 Eligibility Checker; ESD's COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available; ESD's Common Questions; ESD's Technical Support page; and ESD's Webinar on Unemployment Insurance.

*NEW* Lost Wages Assistance Program: Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) is a federal program that adds $3000 for each week the program remains federally funded. If you receive unemployment benefits for the approve weeks and you are unemployed or working fewer hours due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, you may be eligible for these benefits. For more information, click here (en español).

Unemployment Fraud Alert: On May 14, Washington State Employment Security Department released a statementregarding the rise in unemployment imposter fraud attempts and announced they will hold payments for one to twodays. Click here to read more.

Immigrant Relief Fund: Gov. Jay Inslee announced the creation of two funds to help workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. $40 million will be provided to assist Washington residents who are unable to access federal stimulus programs due to their immigration status, and the Food production Program will provide $3 million of financial resources to certain food production workers who remain home when ill. Applications are not open for funding. Click here to sign up for updates.

Rapid Response Layoff Resources: If COVID-19 disrupts a Washington business and causes a mass layoff or closure, ESD and its local workforce development board partners can respond with Rapid Response services and funding to help impacted workers get connected to unemployment benefits and re-employment services, including re-training, worker support services, and referrals to other social services. Visit: https://esd.wa.gov/about-employees/layoff-assistance.

Workers' Compensation Coverage: The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that the state is taking steps to ensure workers' compensation protections for health care workers and first responders who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. L&I is immediately changing its policy around workers' compensation coverage for health care workers and first responders who are quarantined by a physician or public health officer. Under the clarified policy, L&I will provide benefits to these workers during the time they're quarantined after being exposed to COVID-19 on the job. Click here to learn more.

Washington Connection: Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of services such as food, cash, child care, long-term care, and Medicare Savings Programs. Visit https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/ for more information.

Insurance Resources: The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance-related questions. Learn more at https://www.insurance.wa.gov/coronavirus.

Financial Resources: The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by COVID-19. View it here https://dfi.wa.gov/coronavirus-financial-resources.

Assistance in Applying for State Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Law Project: This organization provides low-cost representation and free advice and counsel to people in Washington State who have been denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenges. Unemployment Law Project is also hosting and producing webinars for workers who may additional support. They also have in-language support in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Hindi, Korean, Arabic, Amharic, Laotian, and Vietnamese. For more information, click here.

WorkSource Seattle-King County: Compiled list of WorkSource locations and community based organizations who are assisting workers with filing for unemployment, see their website.

Neighborhood House: Neighborhood House is continuing to provide critical services and conducting appointments by phone and online to assist individuals navigating resources and support. See their website here.

Community-Based Funds

Alliance for Education – Right Now Needs Fund: The Right Now Needs Fund provides immediate support to address the unmet basic needs of any Seattle Public School student and their family. The fund can be used to address basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. All 102 SPS schools have a Right Now Needs Fund, and this fund is absolutely still available during this pandemic. For more information on the fund, visit: alliance4ed.org/connect-withus/right-now-needs-fund. Applications are open.

Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition Assistance to Community: The South Park-based organization Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC) is offering assistance to local households. Go here to learn more about the fund. To apply,please visit: duwamishcleanup.org/ineedhelp. Applications are open.

Homer Harris Hub COVID-19 Support (recovers.org): The recovers.org platform is a free website communities can use to organize disaster relief. These Central District community advocates have launched this Homer Harris Hub recovers.org site to connect individual volunteers and community organizations with local needs. Go here to learn more about support. To apply, please visit: homerharrishub.recovers.org/needs/new. Applications are open.

West Seattle Support (recovers.org): The recovers.org platform is a free website communities can use to organize disaster relief. These West Seattle community advocates have launched this West Seattle recovers.org site to connect individual volunteers and community organizations with local needs. Go here to learn more about support. To apply, please visit: westseattlecovid.recovers.org/needs/new. Applications are open.

Philanthropic and Private Resources

*REOPEN* ACRS Plate Fund: Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS) is re-opening their Plate Fund application for restaurant and food-service workers who lost wages or jobs as result of COVID-19 pandemic. If you know a client or community member who is eligible for this assistance, please complete and submit the ACRS Restaurant Worker Assistance application ASAP. To apply, click here.

King County Food Bank Home Delivery Ordering Form: United Way of King County is offering weekly food box home delivery in partnership with select King County food banks and DoorDash. To request a weekly food box order, please complete this form.

Mothers of Color COVID-19 Grants *NEW: Seattle Works is sponsoring Mothers of Color COVID-19 Grants, that will send one-time $250 grants per recipient to mothers of color who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers who are impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, or other extenuating family circumstances that have been exacerbated by the pandemic will be prioritize first. If you are a mother of color impacted by COVID-19, you can apply for the grant here. The application is also available in Spanish here.

Food Lifeline: Food Lifeline will distribute emergency food boxes to anyone needing help keeping food on the table during the crisis. For the weekly updated list of distribution sites, click here.

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund: The national One Fair Wage campaign has launched this emergency fund for service workers experiencing hardship during this COVID-19 pandemic. To donate to the fund or to apply for aid, please visit ofwemergencyfund.org/help. Applications are open.

United Way of King County Resources for Unemployed Workers: The United Way of King County has put together a list of resources for workers who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This list includes links to unemployed benefits, health insurance, and other free and reduced programs in and around King County. Go to United Way of King County’s page for more information.

Internet & Technology Access

InterConnection: The nonprofit technology access organization InterConnection is offering refurbished laptops starting at $109 for low-income residents. You can register and purchase at connectall.org.

Washington State Department of Commerce Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder: In response to the impacts of COVID-19, the Washington State Department of Commerce is providing free temporary, emergency internet access for Washington residents who do not have broadband service in their homes. The free community Wi-Fi is accessible at hotspot sites across the state. You can find the nearest hotspot site near you at the Washington State Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder.

Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots located in businesses and outdoor locations across the country is available to anyone who needs them for free - including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

Free COVID-19 Testing Sites

City of Seattle COVID-19 Testing: The City of Seattle, King County, and UW Medicine are now offering free COVID-19 testing for people who live, work, or regularly visit Seattle. Drive-through testing is available. You must first register online or over the phone. While testing is free, if you have medical insurance, please bring your insurance card or proof of insurance. To learn more about these sites, please visit the City of Seattle COVID-19 Free Testing page.

Public Health and Community Health Center COVID-19 Testing: Public Health - Seattle & King County is regularly updating their list of free testing sites located all over King County, which also includes community health centers and UW Mobile Clinics. Language and mobility access varies by location. Learn more at Public Health - Seattle King County's website.

Drive-up Testing at T-Mobile Park (SoDo): QFC and Fred Meyer in partnership with the Seattle Mariners and City of Seattle is offering free drive-up testing at T-Mobile Park in the SoDo neighborhood. People must first register online at the Kroger website or by calling (888) 852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3). Applicants who qualify will receive an appointment time. Walk-up testing is not permitted. Go here to learn more and to schedule an appointment.

Neighborcare Health COVID-19 Testing at Four Clinic Locations: Community health provider Neighborcare Health is offering COVID-19 testing at outdoor tents at their Meridian, Rainier Beach, High Point, and Vashon clinics, for anyone with symptoms. Please call a medical clinic to make a phone appointment with a medical provider first.

Free Clinics

Please call first before visiting any of the locations listed in these external pages:

The Washington Healthcare Access Alliance has this list of free and charitable clinics in Washington state, organized by county: https://www.wahealthcareaccessalliance.org/free-clinics.
Public Health - Seattle & King County has this list of community health centers serving King County: kingcounty.gov/depts/health/locations/community-health-centers.aspx.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance Coverage: Washington Healthplanfinder ensures that individuals who have recently lost their job or their employer coverage, have experienced a change in income or experienced another qualifying event may be able to continue health insurance coverage. Apple Health enrollment is year-round. Click here to read more.

No Co-Pays and Deductibles for COVID-19 Testing: The Washington State Insurance Commissioner announced that they now require insurers to waive co=pays and deductibles for COVID-19 testing.

Alien Emergency Medical (AEM): Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is now allowing undocumented adults to apply for Alien Emergency Medical (AEM) if they need COVID-19 testing. HCA will release more details and information in the near future, however, individuals can now apply online at www.washingtonconenction.org or by completing the Application for Long-Term Care/Aged, Bling, Disabled Coverage (HCA 18-005). This application can be downloaded from the Health Care Authority website.