Government

COVID-19 Financial Resources for Workers and Businesses

Updated: March 31, 2020

 

Many changes are happening in response to the COVID-19 virus and federal, state and local governments are working to help. The City of Tukwila has compiled a range of information developed by various agencies and governments that may be helpful to our businesses, workers, and residents. Check back on this page frequently for updates as new information becomes available. 

 

The Great Tukwila Carry-Out

The City has launched “The Great Tukwila Carry Out” campaign to promote restaurants offering carryout and/or delivery services. The list of restaurants offering service can be found here. Show your support for Tukwila restaurants by posting a photo on social media, using the hashtag #GreatTukwilaCarryOut.  Please let us know if we missed a restaurant by putting a comment in the box on the Great Tukwila Carry-Out page.  

 

Federal Taxes

The IRS has extended the deadlines to file and pay taxes until July 15.  Information on that and other tax changes related to the corona virus for individuals and businesses at: irs-gov/coronavirus 

 

Emergency Line of Credit 

WaFD Bank is offering 5-year business lines of credit with 90 days interest free to businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 virus.  Businesses who have seen a 10% or greater drop in revenues can apply to receive up to $200,000 on business lines of credit.  More info at WaFDbank.com.

 

Small Business Development Centers 

The Washington State Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offers information and free webinars on resources for small businesses such as assistance applying for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, responding to risks from the COVID-19 virus, and business resiliency. More info at wsbdc.org.

 

Business Assistance Webinars 

Are there topics that you need more information as you respond to this coronavirus emergency? We are partnering with the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce to provide webinars on topics that may help our local businesses such as the SBA’s small business disaster assistance loans and the recent expansion of unemployment benefits to help businesses and employees. Please let us know what topics would help you the most by submitting them in the comment box below. We will email you once the webinars are scheduled. 

 

SBA SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS AND ADVANCE 

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program can provide small business owners an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 and a working capital loan of up to $2 million for their economic loss.   

The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.  

Find information and the application here: https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-loan-applications  

 

Business Taxes and Fees

 

Insurance Claims

We recommend that you carefully document the impacts to your business, including financial losses, canceled events, etc. This documentation could be required for any insurance claims or potential future relief programs from government agencies. 

 

Unemployment

Anyone who has temporarily or permanently lost their job or are working fewer hours due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) should apply for UNEMPLOYMENT benefits. Employees no longer need to wait one week before receiving benefits and can also receive benefits if they are temporarily laid off (Standby) or are working reduced hours (Partial Employment or Shared Work).  Info on that here.  

 

Workers’ Compensation

Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or is required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here. If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State’s Employment Security Department can answer your questions about unemployment and workers’ compensation. 

 

Financial Resources for Consumers

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.

 

EVICTION MORATORIUM 

On March 18, 2020 Governor Inslee announced a statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants for the next 30 days if the eviction is based solely on non-payment of rent.

 

RENT ASSISTANCE 

Contact the City of Tukwila Human Services if you are in need of rental assistance. 

 

ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS 

If you are a homeowner experiencing financial hardship directly or indirectly related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) right away to discuss your options. Freddie Mac has directed its loan servicers to provide mortgage relief options which are described at this link. Fannie Mae has directed its loan services to provide mortgage relief options described at this link. 

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes: 

 

Student Loans Deferment

If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education. 

 

Utilities

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately. They may be able to offer financial assistance. In addition, the following service providers are taking the following steps:

 

Food Assistance

If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.

 

Family Emergency Assistance Program

Washington State offers cash assistance to families with one-time financial hardships through programs under the Department of Social and Health Services. The Family Emergency Assistance Program is being expanded to include families without children.

 

Insurance Issues

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner – COVID-19 Resources has information for consumers related to insurance and the COVID virus. 

 

Additional Resources and Information

 

Feedback

The City of Tukwila also wants to hear directly from you on how you or your business is being impacted by Coronavirus. Fill out the form below to provide feedback directly to economic development staff. This will help the City as we work with regional, State and Federal leaders in helping to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.