Dear Residents:

Rent Assistance
If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your landlord immediately.

Help includes:

o Issaquah recently allocated $100,000 in emergency funding for rental assistance to help those in need.

o The Governor has enacted a 30-day statewide moratorium on evictions of renters.

o Mayor Mary Lou Pauly also issued a Proclamation of Emergency stating landlords or owners shall not require payment of late fees or charges due to delinquent payment of rent.

o Rental assistance and counseling: 800-569-4287.

Mortgage Assistance

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

o Washington home-ownership hotline: 877-894-HOME

o Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s suggestions

Paying Utilities

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.

o The City’s utility bill relief program can be found here. Need to contact the City’s Utility Billing team? Send us an email.

o Puget Sound Energy will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees and offers payments plans.

o Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data and no disconnects or late fees.

o The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.

o The federal government also has assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.

Food Assistance

If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.

For school-aged children, learn more about meals provided by the Issaquah School District.

To maximize social distancing while shopping for groceries, try going when local stores open (many open at 6 a.m.) when there are less crowds. Some stores also offer the ability to order online, and have groceries either delivered or arranged for pick-up.

Returning Back to Work

Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation

Anyone who has lost their job 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 Insurance.

Have you been denied from ESD for unemployment insurance? There has been some auto-generated denials that are not in line with the updated rules. ESD encourages you to file your weekly claim anyway.

If you’ve been denied or are a gig worker, watch this video to learn more about steps you can take to ensure your unemployment claim moves forward.

If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State’s Employment Security Department (ESD) provides other support services as well.

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 are required to quarantine can file for 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 COVID-19.

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 U.S. Department of Education.

Insurance Issues

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.
Additional Resources

o COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers (Governor’s office)

o Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

o Job Interrupted — A To-Do List for Tough Times (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)

o Financial Peace of Mind in the Age of Coronavirus (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)

o Avoiding Coronavirus Scams (Federal Trade Commission)

Click The City of Issaquah website link for updates: https://www.issaquahwa.gov/3198/Need-Help