Financial Assistance During COVID-19

We know that a lot of people are struggling financially right now. This pandemic has affected us all, but it's harmed low-income communities, immigrant communities, and communities of color hardest and fastest. To that end, we've compiled several important financial resources that we hope will be of aid to you or your loved ones, if necessary. 

1. Information on federal stimulus checks and unemployment benefits. There's a lot of confusion and questions swirling around the about the federal stimulus checks (the first round of which are due to be delivered this week by direct deposit) and unemployment benefits. We've created two fact sheets which lay out all the information you need to know about both programs: read our fact sheet on stimulus checks here and our fact sheet on unemployment benefits here. 

2. IRS simple-file tool. If you don't typically have to file your taxes, you can still receive a stimulus check-- however, you must ensure that the IRS has your income and account information on file. The easiest way to do this is via the IRS' newly launched web tool that for non-filers. We strongly encourage recipients of state assistance programs, such as TANF or ABD (and others!) to use this tool and ensure they get their check.

3. Financial assistance for undocumented individuals. Undocumented immigrants aren't eligible for federal stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, or most state assistance benefits. However, a fund has been created to assist undocument immigrants who have lost work or wages due to the pandemic. The fund will support applicants from throughout the state. 

4. Rent assistance for King County residents. If you're a King County resident who wasn't able to pay your April rent, there is help. United Way of King County has established a rent fund to assist renters. Fill out the application here to get started. (Spanish, Amharic, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Somali translation available as well.)

5. We're hosting a webinar on temporary changes to state benefits policies. In recognition of the pandemic and current guidelines around social distancing, the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) has made temporary changes to several of its program policies. We'll break down all the policy changes and what they mean during our webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 4 PM. We'd love for you to join! Sign up here.