This is an unprecedented time for all of us, but this pandemic has shown us how connected we all are to each other. Below are some resources for SEIU 925 members and their families as our communities come together to survive this public health crisis.  Questions? Contact the SEIU 925 Member Resource Center toll-free at 1-877-734-8673

This compilation is a summary for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Please contact the relevant goverment agencies or other professionals if you have questions or concerns about your particular situation.

The state has set up a centralized hub for Corona supports. When in doubt, start here: coronavirus.wa.gov 

GENERAL RESOURCES     

  • Workers Comp: If you believe you have contracted COVID-19 through your work, you can file a claim here: https://lni.wa.gov/claims/
  • Federal Cash Assistance: The IRS will be disbursing Economic Impact Payments to support families during this time. Click here for a brief summary
  • Small business assistance: Click here for relief packages that may be available based on eligibility
  • Healthcare: Find out information on health insurance options and Paid Family Leave
  • Housing: There is a statewide moratorium on evictions. Find out what to do if your landlord is trying to evict you or get resources if you cannot pay your rent or mortgage
  • Utilities: Find out what your options are for bill assistance or low-cost internet access
  • Unemployment insurance: Read FAQs about how to apply for federally-funded stimulus programs in Washington
  • Property taxes: Several counties are offering delays on when your property taxes are due. Contact your county to learn more: King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Whatcom
  • Federal taxes: The IRS posted filing and payment deadline Q&As to address the federal filing and payment extension to July 15 and the additional extension to October 15, first quarter estimated tax payments, IRAs, and HSAs
  • Resources for immigrants, refugees, and undocumented individuals:  Workers and their families will need to be very specific about which resources they can access

Workers previously denied state benefits (like self-employed child care providers and adjunct faculty, as well as independent contractors, some gig workers, and people with less than 680 hours of work from the previous year) can apply for federal pandemic unemployment assistance benefits.  After answering some questions and, if necessary, uploading supporting documents, applicants will immediately qualify for the program’s minimum payment ($188) and will also receive the federal payment of $600 being paid to all unemployment benefits beneficiaries. Once the state verifies income based on the previous five quarters, they’ll receive retroactive payments for the difference and the full amount going forward. 

1. People planning to apply for expanded benefits will apply through a Secure Access Washington account.   If you don’t already have an account, you may set one up prior to Saturday.  The Employment Security Department has created a 9-minute video on how to create the account.  View the video here:  https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/technical-support
 
2. Use the Eligibility Checker to see which benefits you are eligible for: https://esdorchardstorage.blob.core.windows.net/esdwa/Default/ESDWAGOV/Unemployment/UIEligibilityChecker.pdf
 
3. Collect these documents and have them available for when you apply: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/have-this-information-ready

4. Apply for benefits online!  https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment  Remember that due to historic levels of need, there may be slight delays, glitches, and other problems. Stick with it! 


Still have questions or need more information? Call the SEIU 925 Member Resource Center toll-free at 1-877-734-8673.