COVID-19 Information for Workers

Unemployment information

Update from the Employment Security Department

Unemployment Benefits update 4/27:

Read here the Claimant Email sent out April 27th

Unemployment Benefits update 4/18: 

Read here the Claimant Emails sent out April 18th

We also have the regular unemployment checklist in case you missed it.

Unemployment benefits update

Standby, waiting week waiver and gig workers, from Suzi LeVine, Washington State Employment Security Department commissioner.

For questions about how unemployment, standby, the waiting week, and more have been affected by COVID-19, please see our Q&A for workers.

Benefits for Self-Employed, Independent Contractors & More

This new guide to help self-employed, independent contractors and others affected by COVID-19 apply for regular unemployment benefits, expanded benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) and submit weekly claims.

• This will help to navigate the applications and avoid issues that will delay your benefit.

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

COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Guide

ESD has created a guide to help you navigate the available services and benefits from the State of Washington.

Download Guide

Other information for workers

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Learn more here.

Economic impact payments: What you need to know

Courtesy IRS.gov.

IR-20202-61, March 30, 2020

WASHINGTON – the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next 3 weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment. Learn more here.