{"id":1725,"date":"2020-04-10T17:00:35","date_gmt":"2020-04-11T01:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sdc.wastateleg.org\/saldana\/?p=1725"},"modified":"2020-04-10T17:00:35","modified_gmt":"2020-04-11T01:00:35","slug":"important-information-for-unemployed-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/alpha\/2020\/04\/10\/important-information-for-unemployed-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Information for Unemployed Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear neighbors,<\/p>\n

The good news is Washingtonians are doing a great job at following the governor\u2019s \u201cStay Home, Stay Healthy\u201d order, and the curve is beginning to flatten. We must double down on this good work and continue to stay home to make sure it continues to flatten.<\/p>\n

The mixed news is that with so many people out of work the unemployment insurance system is under extreme pressure. As you know, this has left many people frustrated and anxious about whether they will be able to access these vital benefits.<\/p>\n

At the same time, many of us have realized that the immigrant and agricultural working community is being hit particularly hard, with many unable to qualify for unemployment, paid sick time, the federal stimulus, and other government relief programs.<\/p>\n

Today I\u2019d like to share some information from the Employment Security Department, along with a list of resources for immigrants dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

Accessing Unemployment Insurance Benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Employment Security Department (ESD) has received record numbers of new claims for unemployment insurance, including extremely high numbers of phone calls and emails. We know many people have questions about the recent federal stimulus package and the enhancements to eligibility and available benefits for individuals.<\/p>\n

To address your questions and to find out more information, please do not call<\/strong> their toll-free numbers first. Instead, visit their website at esd.wa.gov<\/a>. There you will likely find answers to the questions you were going to ask and you will get them sooner than you will waiting on a back-up phone line. You can also sign up for action alerts<\/a> to receive the most up-to-date information on these benefits. So please view the ESD\u2019s Frequently Asked Questions for Workers<\/a> and also for Businesses<\/a> and use their checklist<\/a> before applying for benefits.<\/p>\n

To be clear, ESD\u2019s toll-free numbers need to be reserved for individuals who need assistance with claims that have been filed. So, again, check their website<\/a>, which has answers to most questions you may have.<\/p>\n

COVID-19 Resources for Immigrants<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Click here<\/a> for a comprehensive list of resources to help our state\u2019s immigrant community through the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

This bilingual English\/Spanish guide<\/a> provides links to:<\/p>\n