Resources for Workers

Financial Assistance

Washington State -  Employment Security Department

Unemployment and Expanded Pandemic Unemployment Benefits
Apply for unemployment online through the Employment Security Department (ESD). Their website provides a step-by-step guide to applying for UI benefits and submitting weekly claims. 

Self-Employed Workers and Independent Contractors
Unemployment benefits are available for self-employed workers and independent contractors.

Expanded Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Guide
If you're self-employed, partially self-employed, an independent contractor or a worker whose wages and hours are not reported to ESD and have been affected by COVID-19, this guide can help you apply for regular unemployment benefits, expanded benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance), and submit weekly claims. 

Application Checklist
Use this short checklist to see if you may be eligible for expanded pandemic unemployment benefitsif you can’t work due to COVID-19.

Private Grants

Grant Station
Grant Station provides the latest coronavirus grant funding opportunities for nonprofits, small businesses, journalists, and artists. 

GrantSpace
Find emergency financial resources to help with COVID-19 hardships for nonprofits, individuals, artists (all disciplines), and small businesses. 

Employment Support & Training

Lynda.com
The library provides more than 12,000 courses ranging from computer programming to project management, including instruction on various computer software, programming languages, and business topics. The video courses are taught by industry experts and are designed for any skill level. *Free for library card members. 

OnwardWA
A one-stop resource for the people of Washington impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

WorkSource
WorkSource is a statewide partnership of state, local, and nonprofit agencies that provide an array of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Washington.