Those affected by coronavirus in Seattle to receive unemployment benefits

Whether you’re forced into quarantine, your employer goes out of business, or you contract COVID-19, the Employment Security Department of Washington State has you covered.

As of March 9, “Employment Security has adopted a series of emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and quarantine for workers and businesses.”

Those meeting the minimum requirement of hours at their place of work are now eligible for benefits if they are not receiving payment from an employer due to coronavirus.

• See also: 
  • Entire country of Italy on lockdown due to coronavirus
  • NHL, NBA, MLB, and MLS ban media from locker rooms due to coronavirus
  • University of Washington faculty can get coronavirus test at drive-thru clinic

If you’re needing to take time off work for COVID-19, the Washington State Employment Security Department recommends that you first use your employer-paid time off. If the leave is not available, Paid Family and Medical Leave may be able to help until you’re ready to return to work.

If you are forced to quit your job as a result of COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits online.

For all other possible COVID-19 scenarios, the Employment Security Department has made a handy chart to figure out which benefits may be available to you.

Washington State Employment Security Department

The new rules also provide more leniency when it comes to financial penalties for employers who file their tax reports late, pay their taxes late, or miss deadlines as a result of COVID-19.