Important Financial Info in Wake of COVID-19 Outbreak

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Banner

Important Financial Info in Wake of COVID-19 Outbreak

Financial information for those impacted by COVID-19

Events are moving rapidly. In addition to the health crisis, we know lots of people are suffering and under strain - due to fear and isolation, but also financially.

Federal, state and local governments are working to provide an array of financial resources to help. King County Council staff have compiled a resource list with information from various agencies and governments that may be helpful to you and your community on how to file for unemployment or workers’ comp; help with paying utilities, rent, and mortgages; issues with insurance; food assistance; and much more. All of this information is below.

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) should apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.

Today, Governor Inslee announced that the state is waiving the one-week waiting period for out-of-work employees to collect unemployment benefits, retroactive to March 8.

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.

If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State's Employment Security Department provides support services as well.

Financial Resources for Consumers

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:

Student Loans Deferment

Student Loans. 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.

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.

For Businesses

  • Today Governor Inslee announced that up to $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Funds will be made available as small grants to small businesses across the state to help prevent closure due to COVID-19. The state will also be able to waive penalties and late fees for certain late business tax payments, and a number of tax fees will be waived for both business owners and residents.
  • The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help with operating expenses.
  • The Washington State Department of Revenue can provide extensions on taxes or waive penalties.
  • For businesses in Seattle, the City of Seattle has delayed B&O taxes for small business and established a small business stabilization fund to provide grants of up to $10,000.

Additional Resources

Bookmark It

King County Council staff will be updating the above financial resources list at the following web link: https://kingcounty.gov/council/gethelp.aspx


Sincerely,

Claudia Balducci

Claudia Balducci, Chair
King County Council, District 6