Thông Tin Kinh Tế
COVID-19 has caused many businesses, small stores and companies to shut down. The result is thousands of unemployed, temporarily or permanently, individuals. Here we have provided more information on the current state and the options available to address this and other economic concerns such as health insurance.
For residents in washington state
UNEMPLOYMENT
Eligibility:
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If you were laid off/unemployed due to COVID-19, you are likely eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
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Meet additional state requirements.
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If you are unsure of your eligibility after completing the checklist, apply anyway. Complete the application as best you can and they will follow up with you as soon as possible.
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Click this link to find out if you are are eligible: esd.wa.gov - Eligibility Checker
How to apply:
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Apply online via esd.wa.gov or by call phone at 1-800-318-6022
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For general questions: visit esd.wa.gov - FAQ or call 833-572-8400
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Click here for more instructions: esd.wa.gov - Unemployment Handout
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Click here for more information in Vietnamese: esd.wa.gov - Vietnamese assistance
This is a new state-run insurance benefit for Washington workers. It allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for:
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A serious health condition preventing you from working
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Time to care for a family member
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Certain military event
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Bonding with your new child
Visit https://paidleave.wa.gov/ for more detail information
The Downtown Seattle Association has gathered various resources for Workers and Families to help those affected by the COVID-19 situation. They cover topics such as unemployment benefits, paid medical leave, rental assistance, food assistance, and health coverage.
https://downtownseattle.org/advocacy/covid-19/workers-families/
FAMILY PAId medical leave
hEALTH inSURANCE
If you are uninsured or are losing your insurance benefits due to unemployment, you do have options to enroll in health coverage. Washington Healthplanfinder can help enroll uninsured individuals.
For more information, visit:
FOR RESIDENTS OUTSIDE OF WASHINGTON STATE
UNEMPLOYMENT
If you are not living in WA, check your state’s unemployment program and see if you are eligible.
Click this link to find out more about your state’s unemployment benefits:
hEALTH inSURANCE
If you are uninsured or are losing your insurance benefits due to unemployment, you do have options to enroll in health coverage.
Please visit https://www.healthcare.gov to find out more about your options.
What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment Insurance (UI), also commonly called unemployment benefits, is a state-provided insurance. It provides payment benefits to eligible workers who have been unemployed due to external factors outside of their control, and who meet other certain eligibility requirements.
Employment Security Department Washington State - Unemployment Benefits
ECONOMIC CONCERNS
If you're a taxpayer who filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you may qualify for an economic impact payment, also called a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Click Stimulus Check (who qualifies, how do you check if you received it, etc) to check your status.
tax scams
Scammers are using this stressful time trying to swindle vulnerable Americans. Many people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scamming happens via telephone, emails, social media, or in person. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone, email, or social media to request for personal information.
Here are some tax scams to beware of:
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The IRS impersonation phone call
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Collecting your personal information via text, emails, social media or in person
Visit: Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts for more telltale signs of scammers
Other resources
Here is a resource that gathers various sites covering topics such as loan assistance, funding, relief efforts, and other helpful resources to help small businesses and employers manage their business amongst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (English)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (Vietnamese)