Millions of Washingtonians, including Peninsula College students, have been adversely impacted and have endured economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including 250,000 people who have been unable to access unemployment insurance compensation and federal stimulus packages due to their immigration status.
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is a pool of funding created during the coronavirus pandemic to support people ineligible for federal stimulus money or unemployment benefits due to their immigration status. The relief fund will provide nearly $62 million in federal CARES Act funding to distribute a one-time cash grant of $1,000 per person.
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
• Are a Washington state resident.
• Are at least 18 years of age.
• Have been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Are ineligible for the federal stimulus payment or for unemployment insurance benefits due to their immigration status.
• Have an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Applications will be open from April 21 to May 21, 2021. Funds will be distributed to applicants who have been approved between June 1 and June 15, 2021. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, prioritizing those in greatest need.
Eligible community members can apply by:
• Visiting the website at www.immigrantreliefwa.org.
• Calling the hotline 844-724-3737, available every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.