This page contains links to programs and services that may be helpful for Washingtonians who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can I get help with my finances?
- Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has developed a list of resources to address the financial impacts of the coronavirus, including mortgage assistance, financial resources, and financial scams.
- The Employment Security Department (ESD) created an easy-to-read comparison guide listing some of the most common scenarios and whether individuals may be eligible for paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, paid family medical leave, or industrial insurance.
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ESD maintains information about unemployment benefits for workers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Washington now offers Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. Some workers may be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave if ill or caring for a family member who is sick with COVID-19.
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United Way offers free online tax preparation.
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Emergency Student Loan Forbearance - Anyone with federal student loans can contact their loan servicer and request their accounts be put into an emergency forbearance which will halt payments for at least 60 days.
How can I get food and housing support?
The governor has issued a statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants for non-payment until April 17.
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Please visit our food assistance page for detailed information about food resources in Washington.
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While the Department of Commerce does not provide direct assistance for obtaining housing, they provide links to several resources on their housing webpage.
How can I sign up for health insurance?
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Washington Health Benefits Exchange has opened a special enrollment period for Health Insurance in Washington through April 8, 2020 to qualified individuals who are uninsured.
How do I sign up for Apple Health (Medicaid)?
- Apple Health enrollment is open year-round.
What about other insurance questions?
- To find out about what health insurance covers, read the state insurance emergency order, and learn more about business insurance and travel insurance, visit the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s COVID-19 webpage.
How can I access the internet from home?
Many internet service providers are waiving late payment fees and will not disconnect customers for late payments. In addition, some companies are offering free or low-cost internet services.
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Xfinity WiFi public hotspots are now open to everyone.
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Comcast is offering two months free to new Internet Essentials customers in their service areas.
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AT&T Access offers low-cost internet.
Where can I find support for my well-being?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance to support your mental health and well-being through the stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Crisis Connections connects people in physical, emotional and financial crisis to services through 24-Hour Crisis Line, Teen Link, WA Recovery Help Line, and WA Warm Line.
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Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors by texting HOME to 741741.
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Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
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For many survivors, staying home may not be safe. Futures Without Violence is maintaining a comprehensive information and resources for survivors, communities, and domestic and sexual violence advocacy organizations and service providers.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline offers support through the chat feature on the website or over the phone at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
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API Chaya specializes in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking with people from or affiliated with Asian, Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern communities.
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Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides numerous resources for domestic violence survivors including shelters and local programs.
Where can I find childcare?
Child Care Aware can help you search for alternative childcare if your school or childcare has closed due to COVID-19 concerns. Call their Family Center at 1-800-446-1114.
How do I support my children at home?
DOH provides recommendations and resources for parents and caregivers. Below are additional informational resources for children, youth and families who are impacted by school and childcare closures.
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King County offers guidelines for gatherings of children and youth while schools are closed.
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United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) list of resources for distance learning
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ParentMap has ideas for activities to do at home.
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Parents share their favorite at-home activities.
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Download free coloring books from 113 museums.
What resources are available for immigrants?
City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is partnering with El Comite and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. See FAQs for immigrants who want to know more about how the issue of public charge might affect their ability to access healthcare and other services during this COVID-19 outbreak.
Resources from local government
Your county or city government may offer services and supports for local residents impacted by COVID-19. For contact information for your local county government, visit the Washington Association of County Officials website.
How can I help out in my community?
Visit the How you can help page to for specifics about current needs and how you can help.
Local communities are organizing resources and volunteer opportunities to support one another during this health crisis through Mutual Aid efforts. United Ways in Washington also facilitate volunteer opportunities.
Scams and rumors
Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office is investigating complaints of price gouging and scams in the COVID-19 public-health crisis. Washingtonians are able to file a complaint online.
We now have a Spread the Facts campaign where you can find information about common rumors and help spread the truth about what is happening in Washington State as part of the coronavirus response.
Legal aid
Washington Law Help has resources for those looking for legal aid during the coronavirus outbreak. Topics include family law, health issues, housing, financial, criminal, and assistance for seniors.
Adults 60 and Older
The Administration for Community Living has created a list of resources for adults 60 and older and people with disabilities with information to help keep you safe and healthy.
The CDC has created a COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults page with information including who’s at the highest risk, ways to cope with the stress, and symptoms to look out for.
The Alzheimer’s Association has tips for dementia caregivers and additional resources including a 24/7 helpline, a free service where specialists and masters-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public. They also provide training, publications, and links to finding support and resources in your community.
Veterans Homes
Information from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for family members and representatives of residents at Washington state Veterans Homes, including FAQs for families wanting to visit a resident and a daily update of staff and residents tested.