Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19

(En español)

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.

Unemployment Assistance

If you are out of work, Washington State’s Employment Security Department provides support services to individuals affected by COVID-19 in Washington.

The Employment Security Department has adopted a series of emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine for workers and businesses.

Washington State Employment Security Department
Unemployment benefits and filing.

Mortgage Assistance

If you do not have enough money to cover your mortgage payment, contact your lender immediately. Homeowners in distress may call DFI’s toll-free number1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334) to talk to a member of our team and to get assistance in how best to contact their mortgage servicer, and to learn more about their options.

Assistance for Washington Homeowners
Coronavirus mortgage assistance available to Washington homeowners.

Student Loan Borrowers

If you’re having trouble making payments, there may be assistance available to you. The CARES Act provides relief for most federal student loan borrowers.

Federal and Private Student Loan Relief Options
Federal and private student loan relief options.

Private Student Loans
If you have private student loans you should call your loan servicer to ask what relief options are available for you.

Trouble Paying Rent

If you are unable to make your full rent payment, contact your landlord immediately and try to work out an agreement.

Emergency Rental Assistance
For emergency rent assistance you may also call 2-1-1 or search the 2-1-1 website to find rent assistance near you.

Eviction Moratorium
Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed a moratorium on evictions through March 31, 2021.

Trouble Paying Credit Cards

If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your credit card company right away. Explain your situation and ask about hardship programs that may be available. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus.

Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like ATM, overpayments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Pay My Credit Card Bills?
Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Debt Assistance: Find A Credit Counselor
A credit counselor may able to assist you with your debt problems. Contact one near you.

Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance

Local Community Services Offices (CSO) provide many DSHS services. Your local CSO can provide you with details about these services and how to apply for them.

Resources for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance
Department of Social and Health Services

Utilities Assistance

Governor Jay Inslee has called on all public utilities in Washington state to ensure the health and safety of their employees and the public by suspending disconnection tariffs for nonpayment during this emergency; waiving late fees for customers who are out of work or offering customers payment plans; and expanding bill assistance programs for customers who are economically impacted by this emergency. Many utility companies are already doing this. For assistance, contact your utility company.

Utility COVID-19 response pages:

PSE

Avista

Cascade Natural

Pacific Power

Northwest Natural

Washington Water

City of Seattle

Tacoma Public Utilities

Additional Resources:

Utilities and Transportation Commission
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Short Term and Emergency Loans

Consider your options before taking out a high cost short term loan. Talk with your creditors to negotiate more time to pay bills, borrow from friends or family, or explore low interest loans offered by local banks and credit unions.

If you do take out a short term loan, make sure the lender is licensed with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and borrow only what you can afford to pay back.

Financial Institutions Remain Open

While the COVID-19 outbreak has closed many businesses, your local banks and credit unions remain committed to providing access to banking services.

As social distancing has been implemented across our state, here are some things to consider:

You can likely meet most, if not all, of your banking obligations without leaving your home as online, mobile and phone banking services are available. Many services are likely available 24/7 on your financial institution’s website or mobile app including: balance inquiries, transfers, loan payments, mobile check deposits, and transaction inquiries.
While many financial institutions have restricted access to their lobbies, you can access Drive-Thru teller services, Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) or Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
For branch services that require access to the banking facility, like safety deposit box retrieval, many financial institutions are providing these services on an appointment basis.
Before you head to your financial institution, visit their website or call to find information about hours, customer/member assistance, and current operations. You’ll also see other precautions your financial institution is taking to keep you and their employees as safe as possible.
Please keep in mind, there is no need to take out large amounts of cash to add to your existing emergency funds. Washington’s financial institutions have access to ample amounts of cash to accommodate residents’ continued daily needs.

Additional Resources

Coronavirus.wa.gov
Washington State Coronavirus Response

COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
Information from the Governor’s office.

Employment Security Department – Information for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
Resources and information from the Washington Employment Security Department.

Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus
Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Job Interrupted —A To-Do List for Tough Times
Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Financial Peace of Mind in the Age of Coronavirus
Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Avoiding Coronavirus Scams
Information from the Federal Trade Commission.