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. Pierce County has COVID-19 financial resources as well.
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.
Governor Inslee has 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.
Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage
If you don’t have enough money to pay your rent or mortgage, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:
- The Governor has announced that he has instituted a statewide moratorium on residential evictions for 30 days. You can read more details on the moratorium at on Inslee’s Medium page also, the King County Sheriff’s Office has said it won’t enforce evictions during the continuing outbreak.
- Mayor Backus has also signed an emergency proclamation placing a temporary moratorium on residential eviction. Read the proclamation for full details.
- Washington Homeownership Hotline (877-894-HOME)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggestions
- Rental assistance & counseling (800-569-4287)
- List of Housing Counseling Agencies
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.
- Puget Sound Energy will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees, and offers payments plans.
- 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.
Senior Lunch Delivery Program
253-931-3016
Auburn Food Bank
930 18th Place NE
theauburnfoodbank.org
253-833-8925
Insurance Issues
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.
For Businesses
- Mayor Backus has put a temporary moratorium on evictions for commercial property renters. Read the proclamation for full details.
- 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. For more information, email [email protected] or call 800-659-2955. More details about what a disaster loan is and how to apply here.
- Find updates on other available resources on the Greater Seattle Partners website.
- Pierce County has launched a Small Business Relief Loan program.
- COVID-19 CARES Act (PDF)
If you have questions or need help please e-mail the Economic Development Manager at [email protected].
Additional Resources
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