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Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants


Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants 2021 Recertification Process

The City of Seattle has provided additional funding for individuals who applied to and were approved for the initial Seattle Disaster Relief Fund AND who continue to be eligible. 

As an applicant who qualified for the October 2020 Seattle Disaster Relief Fund, we would like to confirm your eligibility for this additional round of funding.


You should have received a Secure ID (XXX-XXX-XXX) in a text message through your phone or through the email you provided when you applied to the program. You will use the Secure ID to verify your information. This Secure ID is unique to you, please do not share. 

You will need to verify the following information: 

  • Your name, birthdate and address
  • Your household size (number of adults, not including yourself, and the number of children under 18 in your household); 
  • Your household’s monthly income; 
  • Preferred payment method. 

Once you have submitted your recertification application you will receive a confirmation email and text message. For any additional questions please call or text +1 (206) 312-1630 or email update@seattlecovidfund.org

Award decisions (approved or denied): November 23 to 30, 2020
Payment disbursement: after December 1, 2020
You might also qualify for the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund: www.immigrantreliefwa.org.
The Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants is $7,940,000 of funding for direct cash assistance to Seattle’s most vulnerable low-income immigrant residents and their households. This program prioritizes applicants who were ineligible for federal CARES Act Economic Impact Payments (also known as a “coronavirus stimulus check”) and state unemployment insurance based on their immigration status.

Timeline

  • Application open period: 3 weeks, from October 15, 2020 to November 5, 2020
  • Application review period: 2 weeks, from November 9, 2020 to November 22, 2020
  • Award decisions (approved or denied): November 23, 2020 to November 30, 2020
  • Payment disbursement: After December 1, 2020

Award Amounts per Household, (dependent on household size):

  • $1,000 - $3,000

Summary of Privacy Policy

The nonprofit organization Scholarship Junkies is responsible for collecting the personal information you voluntarily submit on the online application for the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants. Scholarship Junkies has also instituted appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure your information. They do not voluntarily share your data with government entities, including the City of Seattle.

How to Apply

Before you apply, you should:

  1. Gather your required identity and residency documentation. You can review the list of approved materials at www.seattlecovidfund.org/#req-docs.
    ‍
  2. Calculate your average monthly income.
    ‍
  3. Click the "START APPLICATION" button on this website, this will take you to the application page. Then click the “Apply” button on the application page then navigate to the “Register” button and create a Survey MonkeyApply Account. A few minutes after you sign up you will get an email to verify your account. Please make sure you verify your account. Please register your account as an individual.
    ‍
  4. Complete all of the application questions. This may take some time. You can save your application and come back at any time.
    ‍
  5. Once you are finished with your application find the large green “SUBMIT” button to send in your application.

After you apply, please make sure to check your email inbox or the junk email folder for your confirmation. You will also get a text message confirmation the day you submit your application. You may log back in and check the status to see if your application is being reviewed and if you are awarded the funding. Please only submit your application one time.  

If you need help filling out the application please visit https://seattlecovidfund.org/#app-assistance to connect with one of our community partners.  

Eligibility:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Live in OR attend school in OR work within the Seattle city boundaries
  • Were ineligible for federal CARES Act Economic Impact Payment (also known as a “coronavirus stimulus check”) due to immigration status.
  • Were under 50% of the median household income in Seattle in the past 9 months. The income eligibility chart can be found below.
    For example, if you are applying for a family of four, and your household total income between January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 is less than $41,513, then your family would be eligible.

Click for Income Eligibility Chart

INCOME ELIGIBILITY CHART

Household
Size
Total Household Income Between
January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020
1
$29,063
2
$33,225
3
$37,350
4
$41,513
5
$44,850
6
$48,150
7
$51,488
8
$54,788

Required Documents

You will need documents that confirm your identity and Seattle residency. The table below provides examples of documents you can use. Please ensure you have a clear copy of one item from List A or one item from both List B and List C.

Click to view the Required Documents

[List A]
Documents that Confirm both Your Identity and Your Seattle Residency

[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity

[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency

  • Washington State Identification Card showing full name and Seattle address
  • Washington State Driver License showing full name and Seattle address
  • Current student identification card from a school located in Seattle
  • Any utility bill showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Insurance statement showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Bank statement showing your full name and Seattle address
  • 2019 tax return showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Paystub from employer showing your full name and your Seattle residency address or Seattle employer address
  • Student identification card from any school
  • Passport from any country
  • Consulate card
  • Enrollment confirmation letter from school located in Seattle
  • Rent receipt showing your full name and Seattle address
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities:
  • Landlord acknowledging Seattle residency
  • Employer located in Seattle acknowledging your current or previous employment
  • A staff member from your school located in Seattle acknowledging your current enrollment
  • A staff member at an organization that provides services or case management acknowledging Seattle residency
  • A representative from your place of worship acknowledging Seattle residency

[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity

[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency

*You may use this letter template for this application.

Remember, there is no cost to apply. If someone asks you to pay something, it is a scam! Report it to relief@seattlecovidfund.org

Application Assistance

Please refer to our Language Assistance Guide if you need help in a language other than Amharic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. ‍

Información del contacto

Si necesita ayuda con la solicitud, llame al:
Alguien que hable español le ayudará o puede que le conecten con un intérprete externo.

联系信息

如果您需要帮助填写申请，请致电：
会讲中文的工作人员将帮助您，或者您可能会被连接到第三方口译员。

Impormasyon sa Pakikipag-ugnayan:

Kung kailanganin ninyo ng tulong sa aplikasyon, mangyaring tumawag sa
May makakatulong sa inyo na nagsasalita ng Tagalog o di kaya nama'y ikokonekta kayo sa ibang tagapagsalin sa Tagalog.

연락처 정보:

신청과 관련하여 도움이 필요하시면
  • Korean Community Service Center (한인 생활 상담소): 425-776-2400 로 전화하세요.
한국어를 구사하는 직원에게 도움을 받거나 제3자 통역사와 연결될 수 있습니다.

የማግኛ መረጃ

ለዚህ ማመልከቻ ድጋፍ ከፈለጉ እባክዎን
አማርኛ የሚናገር ሰዉ ድጋፍ ይሰጥዎታል ወይንም ከሶስተኛ ወገን አስተርጓሚ ጋር ይገናኛሉ።

Xiriirka macluumaadka:

Haddii aad u baahan tahay in lagaa caawiyo arjiga, fadlan wac:
Qof ku hadla [LUQADAADA] ayaa kaa caawin doona ama waxaa lagaa yaabaa in lagugu xirno dhinaca sadexaad oo ah turjubaan.

Thông Tin Để Liên Lạc

Nếu quý vị cần giúp điền đơn hay thắc mắc về xin tiền hỗ trợ hãy vui lòng gọi:
Một người nào đó nói tiếng Việt sẽ hỗ trợ quý vị hoặc nhân viên sẽ kết nối với thông dịch viên.

‍If you do not see your language you can call: 206-503-0657. When you call, please inform us what language you speak, and wait as we will likely need to connect with an interpreter.

Community partners

Together we are working to provide emergency financial relief to as many as possible.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the relief fund?

1. How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants?

Eligibility:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Live in OR attend school in OR work within the Seattle city boundaries
  • Were ineligible for federal CARES Act Economic Impact Payment (also known as a "coronavirus stimulus check")
  • Were under 50% of the median household income in Seattle in the past 9 months. The income eligibility chart can be found below.
    For example, if you are applying for a family of four, and your household total income between January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 is less than $41,513, then your family would be eligible.

INCOME ELIGIBILITY CHART

Household
Size
Total Household Income Between
January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020
1
$29,063
2
$33,225
3
$37,350
4
$41,513
5
$44,850
6
$48,150
7
$51,488
8
$54,788

2. When are applications due?

The application period opens Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 PM and closes on Thursday, November 5 at 11:59 PM. You can submit your application at any time during this period. Late applications will not be accepted.

3. What kind of documents will I need to submit?

You will need documents that confirm your identity and Seattle residency. The table below provides examples of documents you can use. Please ensure you have a clear copy of one item from List A or one item from both List B and List C.

[List A]
Documents that Confirm both Your Identity and Your Seattle Residency

[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity

[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency

  • Washington State Identification Card showing full name and Seattle address
  • Washington State Driver License showing full name and Seattle address
  • Current student identification card from a school located in Seattle
  • Any utility bill showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Insurance statement showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Bank statement showing your full name and Seattle address
  • 2019 tax return showing your full name and Seattle address
  • Paystub from employer showing your full name and your Seattle residency address or Seattle employer address
  • Student identification card from any school
  • Passport from any country
  • Consulate card
  • Enrollment confirmation letter from school located in Seattle
  • Rent receipt showing your full name and Seattle address
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities:
  • Landlord acknowledging Seattle residency
  • Employer located in Seattle acknowledging your current or previous employment
  • A staff member from your school located in Seattle acknowledging your current enrollment
  • A staff member at an organization that provides services or case management acknowledging Seattle residency
  • A representative from your place of worship acknowledging Seattle residency

[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity

[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency

*You may use this letter template for this application.

4. Will everyone who applies receive financial assistance?

Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve everyone. Some eligible applicants might not receive financial support.

5. How are eligible applicants selected?

Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve everyone. The review process is NOT first-come, first-served. To support those with the most need, we are prioritizing applicants based on the following criteria that are listed in no particular order:

  • Single parents/caregivers.
  • Housing status.
  • Financial need.
  • Access to Washington State Unemployment Benefits.
  • Risk of severe illness from a COVID-19 infection.
  • Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.

6. Do my family members or I need to be worried about public charge?

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), “disaster relief" benefits, such as this program, will not be considered in determining whether an individual is a public charge. You can also read this USCIS Public Charge Fact Sheet for more information. If you have questions about your immigration status and/or use of benefits, you should speak with an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.

7. Will receiving this financial aid impact my family members’ or my ability to become a U.S. citizen?

If you are a lawful permanent resident/green card holder, receiving financial aid from the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants will not impact your ability to become a U.S. citizen. It will also not impact the ability of a lawful permanent resident/green card holder family member to become a U.S. citizen. If you have questions about your immigration status and/or use of benefits, you should speak with an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.

8. Is the information I provide in the application confidential?

The nonprofit organization Scholarship Junkies is responsible for collecting the personal information you voluntarily submit on the online application for the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants. To help prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, Scholarship Junkies has instituted appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information they collect. They do not voluntarily share your data with government entities, including the City of Seattle. You can learn more about the Scholarship Junkies comprehensive Privacy Policy here (English only).

9. I do not have a computer or access to the Internet. Are there other options for me to apply?

We are only able to offer the application through this online portal that you can complete via an Internet-connected computer or mobile device. Our partner organizations are offering over-the-phone assistance and may be able to help you apply if you do not have access to an Internet-connected device. Please contact one of the organizations below for assistance:

  • African Working Group: 253-503-9043
  • Amigos de Seattle: 206-471-4482
  • Casa Latina: 206-686-2629
  • Chinese Information Service Center (CISC): 425-410-6411
  • Community Response Alliance: 206-618-5794
  • Consejo Counseling and Referral Service: 206-461-4880
  • El Comité: 833-326-6483
  • Entre Hermanos: 206-322-7700
  • Korean Community Service Center: 425-776-2400
  • Movimiento Afrolatino Seattle (MÁS): 206-658-4644
  • Organización Centro Americana: 206-851-6925
  • Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA): 253-859-6197
  • Sea Mar Community Health Centers: 206-764-4700
  • St. James Cathedral Immigrant Assistance: 206-382-4511
  • Villa Comunitaria: 206-767-7445
  • Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): 844-724-3737
  • West African Community Council (WACC): 206-636-9882

10. How much are payments?

  • One adult is able to receive a one-time payment of $1,000.
  • A couple (two adults) is eligible to receive a one-time maximum payment of up to $2,000.
  • Couples, parents, or caregivers with children are eligible to receive a one-time payment of up to $3,000.

11. Is this a one-time payment?

Eligible applicants are only able to receive a one-time payment.

12. How long will it take to receive my payment?

See Question #13

13. How can I receive payments?

There are four options for receiving payments:

Option

How long will it take to receive payment?

How will I receive payment?

Check*
7-14 days after the application period is closed and the award decisions are made.
Mail via postal service to the mailing address you provided.
Physical Mastercard Gift Card**
7-14 days after the application period is closed and the award decisions are made.
Mail via postal service to the mailing address you provided.
Digital Mastercard Gift Card
1-2 days after the application period is closed and the award decisions are made.
Email to you via the email address you provided.
Direct Deposit
2-5 days after the application period is closed and the award decisions are made.
Transfer to the direct deposit info you provided.

*Physical checks are void after 90 days.

**Physical Mastercard Gift Cards are void after 12 months.

14. I live outside of the Seattle city boundaries. Can I still apply?

Yes. You may apply if you live outside of Seattle, but only if you or someone in your household works within the Seattle city boundaries OR attends school within the Seattle city boundaries.

15. I am undocumented. Am I eligible to receive funding?

This funding is intended for any immigrant ineligible for federal CARES Act stimulus aid, (see Question #1). The City of Seattle is not permitted to inquire about the immigration status of any person as per Ordinance 121063. This means we do not ask about immigration status in the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants application form.

16. I am married, and my spouse and I both qualify for funding. Should we both apply?

Only one of you should apply for your household. A couple (2 adults) is eligible to receive a maximum payment of $2,000.

17. My household consists of multiple families. How should we apply?

Each family should submit one application for that family.

18. My household consists of multiple single adults. How should we apply?

Each adult should submit one application for themselves.

19. Can I apply on behalf of my children who are under the age of 18?

Yes. Children should be included in your application, as long as you are eligible, as per the criteria listed in Question #1.

20. I am a caregiver to children. Can I apply for them or include them in my application?

If you are a caregiver or a guardian of a minor child that is not your biological child, adopted child, or stepchild, you can submit a separate application on behalf of that child as long as the child is eligible for this fund.

21. I do not live in Seattle. My previous place of employment was in Seattle. And I am still unemployed. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you live outside the city of Seattle AND your previous place of employment within the timeframe of January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 was in the city of Seattle, then you should still apply. You will need to submit a document proving your previous place of employment was in Seattle. See Question #3 for a list of approved documents.

22. I currently do not have stable housing. Can I still apply, and how can I receive financial aid without a mailing address?

Eligible applicants without permanent housing should still apply. You have two options:

1. If you are eligible and have an email, you may be able to receive funds through a digital gift card.
‍
2. If you are eligible and prefer to receive a physical check or gift card, our partner organizations may be able to help. For instance, you may be able to use an organization's mailing address to receive a physical check. Please contact one of the organizations below for assistance:

  • African Working Group: 253-503-9043
  • Amigos de Seattle: 206-471-4482
  • Casa Latina: 206-686-2629
  • Chinese Information Service Center (CISC): 425-410-6411
  • Community Response Alliance: 206-618-5794
  • Consejo Counseling and Referral Service: 206-461-4880
  • El Comité: 833-326-6483
  • Entre Hermanos: 206-322-7700
  • Korean Community Service Center: 425-776-2400
  • Movimiento Afrolatino Seattle (MÁS): 206-658-4644
  • Organización Centro Americana: 206-851-6925
  • Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA): 253-859-6197
  • Sea Mar Community Health Centers: 206-764-4700
  • St. James Cathedral Immigrant Assistance: 206-382-4511
  • Villa Comunitaria: 206-767-7445
  • Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): 844-724-3737
  • West African Community Council (WACC): 206-636-9882

23. Are there any other options if for whatever reason, I am not able to receive financial aid from the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants?

Washington State is also offering a similar financial aid program, the Immigrant Relief Fund. You can apply here. You can also find other COVID-19-related assistance programs at the City of Seattle COVID-19 Community Resources page: seattle.gov/covid-19.

24. Is there an appeal process if after I apply I do not receive financial aid from the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants?

Due to the anticipated high number of applications, there will not be an appeal process. Washington State is also offering a similar financial aid program, the Immigrant Relief Fund. You can apply here. You can also find other COVID-19-related assistance programs at the City of Seattle COVID-19 Community Resources page: seattle.gov/covid-19.

25. How is the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants funded?

On August 21, 2020, Mayor Jenny Durkan, Council President M. Lorena González, Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, and Councilmember Tammy Morales announced a joint $45 million COVID-19 relief package. Of this package, the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) received $9 million in new funding from the City's general fund to provide assistance to Seattle's low-income immigrant workers and households who have experienced economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 crisis. This funding includes $7.9 million to be used for direct cash assistance to low-income immigrants. The remaining $1.1 million will be used for language access initiatives including outreach partnerships with community-based organizations to ensure that English language learner (ELL) residents know about this new program, for other financial aid programs and services, and for the staffing and administration of these funds.

26. How will the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants application process prevent fraud?

In order to identify fraud, avoid duplicates, and maintain household disbursement limits, Scholarship Junkies has developed several mechanisms to screen and check applicants to spot discrepancies, which includes a thorough application review process, spam filters, and address verification. They may also contact applicants via phone or text if they detect application issues. You can learn more about the Scholarship Junkies multi-data point fraud protection policy here (English only).

27. What happens if my household submits a duplicate application by mistake? Are we then disqualified as a result?

If your household submits multiple applications by mistake, Scholarship Junkies will be able to identify that multiple applications from the same household were submitted and will review the application that conveys the higher need. They may also contact applicants via phone or text if they detect application issues.

28. I still have questions. Can I call someone to ask questions in-language?

Please contact one of the organizations below for assistance:

  • African Working Group: 253-503-9043
  • Amigos de Seattle: 206-471-4482
  • Casa Latina: 206-686-2629
  • Chinese Information Service Center (CISC): 425-410-6411
  • Community Response Alliance: 206-618-5794
  • Consejo Counseling and Referral Service: 206-461-4880
  • El Comité: 833-326-6483
  • Entre Hermanos: 206-322-7700
  • Korean Community Service Center: 425-776-2400
  • Movimiento Afrolatino Seattle (MÁS): 206-658-4644
  • Organización Centro Americana: 206-851-6925
  • Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA): 253-859-6197
  • Sea Mar Community Health Centers: 206-764-4700
  • St. James Cathedral Immigrant Assistance: 206-382-4511
  • Villa Comunitaria: 206-767-7445
  • Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): 844-724-3737
  • West African Community Council (WACC): 206-636-9882

Scholarship Junkies

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