• Local & Financial Resources

    Do you need resources or assistance during this time? Here are local and online resources to connect you to people who can help.


    Local Resources

    Financial Resources

    • WA Dept of Financial Institutions list of financial resources
    • Comcast will be offering low-income families free internet for 60 days. The service is typically available to them for $9.95/month, however they are offering free internet as a result of school closures due to coronavirus.
    • Puget Sound Energy will not shut off customer’s power during this time, and instead is providing options and support. Late fees will be waived, payment plans will be offered, and assistance is available to low income families.
    • Emergency Assistance Program through Economic Services Administration. This can cover rent including back rent, deposits for rent or utilities, home repairs, basic local telephone services, utilities and short term lodging such as motels.

    COVID-19 & Unemployment Benefits

    Here is a list of financial programs to help during covid-19 coronavirus: utility bill deferred payment & discount; state unemployment insurance available; & healthcare enrollment for uninsured.

    • WA State makes unemployment insurance available to workers losing wages or laid off due to coronavirus loss of business.
    • WA state health exchange opens healthcare enrollment, if you don't currently have healthcare check this out.
    • Local charities coalition creates $2 million fund for gig workers.
      • Amazon posted guidance on how to apply for the fund Thursday. Qualifying small businesses can email [smallbusinessfund@amazon.com](mailto:smallbusinessfund@amazon.com) and Amazon will send information about how to apply.
    • These are the steps Durkan will move to implement relief measures for small businesses that are negatively impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
      • Deferral of B&O taxes: Effective immediately, the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) will defer business and occupation (B&O) tax collections for eligible business owners, allowing small business owners increased flexibility during a period of financial duress caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
      • Expansion of small business stabilization fund: OED is expanding their small business stabilization fund to support income-qualified microbusinesses. - Assistance to access Small Business Association loans: OED will provide direct technical assistance to local small businesses and nonprofits to ensure they can immediately access the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) federal loan program once it becomes available.
      • Relief for Utility Payments: As announced earlier by Mayor Durkan, all Seattle Public Utility and Seattle City Light customers can set up deferred payment plans if their financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19.
      • New Small Business Recovery Task Force: The Mayor has appointed former Governor Gary Locke and former Council President Bruce Harrell to lead the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Task Force, which will advise on long-term policy recommendations and provide technical assistance and outreach.

    Questions? Contact Yonas Seifu, Small Business Advocate, at yonas.seifu@seattle.gov or 206-733-9743.

     

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