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Category: Community Announcements

Interested in college? Funds may be available!
Are you interested in going to school? Funds may be available.

The following resources are available to assist potential students with tuition and additional academic supports while earning a professional or technical certificate or degree..

WORKER RETRAINING

Are you…
- Receiving or received Washington State Unemployment benefits in the last 48 months?
- A veteran discharged within the last 48 months?
- Transitioning out of military service in the next 12 months?
- A Displaced Homemaker who experienced loss of income due to death, divorce/separation or layoff of the income-earning partner or family member?
- Formerly self-employed?
- Having to work a part-time or lower paid job?
- Needing to upgrade skills to remain employed?
The Worker Retraining program may be able to provide financial support to cover the cost of tuition and books as well as other additional academic supports for eligible individuals.
April 10, 2020
Economic Impact Payment information

The IRS will soon be issuing Economic Impact Payments to every eligible American. Help is needed to reach individuals who do not normally file because they do not have enough income that requires them to file. This includes the homeless, certain seniors and some limited English-proficient individuals who will need to provide information to the IRS to get their Economic Impact Payment.

Eligible Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a return will not be required to file a return or provide further information.

More information is being added to www.IRS.gov/coronavirus. Please follow the IRS Social Media accounts

If someone does not file taxes or get Social Security, the IRS has mentioned it will set up a “simple web portal” to submit information, though details on that are still coming. In the meantime, TurboTax has launched its own free web portal to submit direct-deposit information to the IRS.

April 8, 2020
Education Resources for UI claimants and WorkSource Customers
Sent on behalf of Washington Student Achievement Council

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has a new online resource: College & Career Compass is a tool that empowers adults to return to school, earn a credential, and advance in their careers.

Compass—and the Washington College Grant—are vital resources for the unprecedented number of Washingtonians who are filing for unemployment.

There are nearly one million working-aged adults in our state who have not finished the courses needed to earn a credential.

College & Career Compass will help them navigate educational pathways and get back on the path to completion. The online tool is designed to help adults return to school and finish their education. Users will:
- Learn critical information, tips and resources for returning adult learners
- Search for Washington educational programs and pathways
- Connect with campuses committed to supporting adult learners’ progress.
Learn more about the initiative at wsac.wa.gov/compass.
April 4, 2020
COVID-19 Information for Businesses
Direct Links to Employer Resources:
Working Washington Small Business Grants Program

On Tuesday April 8, 2020 Washington State Department of Commerce introduced the Working Washington Small Business Grant program. Utilizing Working Washington funds (formerly known as Strategic Reserve Funds) typically used for assistance in recruiting new companies or assisting with existing business retention and expansion in Washington State.

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced a new grant program to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County (EDB) is partnering with the Governor and the Department of Commerce to accept grant applications from Tacoma-Pierce County businesses.

Click here to learn more and to apply.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers.
- Download the US Senate’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship guide here.
- Download the US Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loans guide here.
Provisions Related to Unemployment Compensation in the Senate-passed CARES Act

Find information related to additional federally funded benefits for workers and employers, including Supplemental Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (SFPUC), Expansion of “Work Sharing” Programs to Provide Partial Benefits to Individuals with Reduced Hours, Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and more.

Download information here.

Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 resources

Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
- SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application
- SBA Express Bridge Loans
- SBA Paycheck Protection Program
  - PPP Borrower Information Fact Sheet (004) (1)
  - Application
Essential Business Inquiries

Guidance for businesses who want to request inclusion as an essential service as part of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

Tacoma Pierce County Health Department COVID-19 information for businesses, including healthy reminders signage to download.

Employment Security has programs to help Washington’s employers weather the financial impacts of COVID-19.

Learn more here: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19-employer-information
April 3, 2020
Unemployment Claimant Filing Updates
ESD has launched a new webinar program to help unemployed workers better navigate the unemployment insurance process during the COVID-19 emergency.

Interested individuals can navigate to this page and choose from 5 webinars (Tues. – Sat.), then register for free to attend. A couple of notes:
- Registration is necessary because there is a limit of 1,000 attendees and we believe reaching this limit is possible.
- Questions are allowed, but this is not an opportunity for people with specific issues to get technical or claim support. This is an overview webinar that is intended to help people learn more about UI in a format they find useful.
- Customers who need help with a specific issue with their claim should be directed to the claim center.
You’ll learn: How to set up a SAW account and file an unemployment benefits claim, plus get guidance on standby and work-search requirements, general requirements and information, and find services and programs offered through the WorkSource centers.

Register for free at: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/introduction-to-unemployment-insurance-public-webinar
March 31, 2020
COVID-19 Updates at WorkSource Pierce
WorkSource Pierce is committed to providing the best possible job seeker and employer services in Pierce County. In this difficult time, that focus has not changed; however, we are also concerned with the safety and health of our customers, staff, partners and the community.

Links:
On the bright side:

The COVID-19 outbreak has allowed opportunities for agressive hiring, particularly by employers ramping up delivery services. You will likely see job openings for these jobs in the immediate future. Please keep an eye out for these announcements.
March 17, 2020