Updated May 7, 2021
Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund - Open Applications - Closing on Friday, May 7 at 9:00 pm PST.
As of Friday, May 7 at 9:00 pm, the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund will no longer be accepting applications. In record time, we reached our capacity of accepting 60,000 applications. Thanks to the commitment of all of the organizations that partnered with DSHS on this project.
If a community member would like to check on the status of their application, they have a few customer support options where they will need to provide the information detailed below:
- 8-digit application submission ID that you received via email from Submittable and/or
- First name and Last name and/or
- Phone number
Community members seeking an update on their application can following the following steps:
Funds will be distributed to approved applicants between June 1 and June 15, 2021.Checks and gift cards may take one to two weeks to arrive through the mail.
What is the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund?
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. With an additional $65 million in federal CARES Act funding, DSHS announces that community partners will open a new application for people to apply for a one-time cash grant of $1,000 per person.
To be eligible, individuals must show 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.
For more information, please refer to the following documents:
For questions about public charge, please see our DSHS Public Charge page.
COVID-19 Updates
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance recognizes that refugee and immigrant communities are significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ORIA partners with organizations across the state to continue to offer services that are culturally relative and in the preferred language. Program and service changes and updates related to COVID-19 will be posted here:
New COVID-19 Emergency Support Services for Refugee Fund
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance established a fund to provide resources for refugees and other eligible immigrant individuals and families to receive short-term assistance to cover immediate needs, including rent, utilities, internet and other approved costs. Eligible participants can access these resources by applying at one of ORIA’s contracted services providers. Contact information is available on this program announcement.
Extension of Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Program
Washington extended Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance benefits due to COVID-19. If you are a single or married refugee or humanitarian immigrant without children, and are not currently receiving cash or medical assistance, you may be eligible. Please apply by calling the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233, or you can apply online at WashingtonConnection.org For more information, please refer to the program announcement.
COVID-19 Resources
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance has created a COVID-19 Translated Resource Directory. This directory shares information in over 100 languages with different formats, including fact sheets flyers, posters, audio recordings, and videos.
COVID-19 Response Services
In response to COVID-19, contracted service providers are offering a menu of different service options to meet the current and changing needs of immigrants and refugees in our communities. These services include:
These services include the following:
- Conduct a Needs Assessment that addresses overall financial stability, housing, employment, social and emotional well-being, child and youth, and elders and health and medical needs;
- Information and referrals on resources for COVID-19, 2020 Census, public benefits and new stimulus programs and updates on available services and resources;
- Providing and/or connecting with new services, including helping people apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, addressing food insecurity, addressing gaps in child care and employer outreach and engagement;
- Education and Client Engagement offering opportunities to address social isolation through remote options, engaging volunteers to support new community members remotely and providing distance learning options for civics and ESL classes.
