Assistance for Renters

Among the measures announced by the governor is a statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants for the next 30 days.

Utility Rate Payer Assistance

The governor has called on all public utilities in Washington state to ensure the health and safety of their employees and the public by suspending disconnection tariffs for nonpayment during this emergency; waiving late fees for customers who are out of work or offering customers payment plans; and expanding bill assistance programs for customers who are economically impacted by this emergency. 

Assistance for Workers

The governor announced a waiver of the one week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance, to get more funds in the pockets of unemployed workers at a time when they need it most. The order is retroactive for claims filed up to March 8, the week of the governor’s first emergency rule expanding unemployment insurance criteria to include more workers impacted by COVID-19. 

For individuals out of work due to COVID-19, please click here for more information 

Business Assistance

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 Department of Commerce will coordinate an application process. 

Congress recently approved up to $7 billion in SBA disaster loans for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses can learn more here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ 

Flexibility for Tax Collections

The Washington State Department of Revenue will have authority to waive suspend penalties and interest on certain late tax payments.

Cash Assistance to Families

Under the governor’s direction, the state Department of Social and Health Services will expand eligibility for the Family Emergency Assistance Program to include families without children. 

Long-Term Care Waivers

The state is doing a number of things to ease pressure on the long-term care system, especially nursing homes. This involves suspending rules around nursing home assessment requirements to allow for faster admissions, and suspending long term care inspections and surveys on particular timelines except in specific circumstances. 

Workforce Retention and Economic Development

The scope of the economic impacts of COVID-19 in our state are yet to be fully realized. As resources and tools become available, the latest information can be found at this link. 

Supply Chain Flexibility

To ensure certain goods necessary during this crisis can be delivered in a timely fashion, the governor is waiving restrictions on hours worked for delivery drivers carrying groceries, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, fuel and pet food and supplies. However, drivers must have a current safety rating of “satisfactory” and cannot extend their hours if they feel fatigued, ill, or have been on duty for more than the allowed number of consecutive hours. 

Mental Health Support

The workers in our behavioral health community are ready to help. If you or a family member needs emotional or mental health support, or treatment resources for substance use, please consider calling the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1–866–789–1511.