for the creative sector
In this section
Financial Survival
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- the background on unemployment insurance and benefits
This article is an overview of Unemployment Insurance: the history, the benefits and how the system is extended in 2020 to help mitigate the effects of Coronavirus.
- for payroll employees who have lost work during COVID-19
This article describes how to apply for regular unemployment benefits and the related COVID-era extensions. If you lost work as a regular full-time (or nearly full-time) payroll employee, this article is for you.
- for contractors, gig workers, freelancers and the otherwise self-employed
One thing COVID has changed is that the self-employed are temporarily eligible for unemployment benefits. This article talks about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program and how to apply in WA.
- how businesses navigate unemployment benefits for their workers
This article takes a look at unemployment insurance and the programs to help employers weather the financial impacts of COVID. If you are the owner or manager of a business with employees, then this article is for you.
Relief Funding and Support
- Managing money for business and individuals
Maintaining your personal financial sustainability during this time depends on your situation. You may use savings, suspend rent, apply for unemployment, take out loans, utilize mutual funds, or other.
- searching for support for individual creatives
This article provides an overview of funding for individual artists and workers, and is supplemented by the dynamic resource directory on this site, where you can find many more listings for funding programs and other resources.
- how paid leave provides for your pandemic needs
Required quarantine and cant work? Sudden closure of school? How do you float things for the potential weeks away from work? One option is to use your sick leave benefits through your employer, as required by law.
The CARES Act included funding for SBA programs to help small businesses maintain expenses, especially payroll. This article introduces the PPP, EIDL and other SBA loan offerings.
- 7 tips from the SBA on applying for forgiveness on their loan program
As the SBA continues working with lenders nationwide on the Paycheck Protection Program, (PPP) small business owners should take note of a few things when it comes to applying for forgiveness.
As a part of our series on relief funding and support, this article will look at the background, eligibility, application materials, allowable use of funds and online resources for the Shuttered Venue Operator Grants program at the SBA.
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan for COVID relief includes provisions for new stimulus checks, extended Unemployment benefits, child tax credits, COBRA health insurance coverage, relief to state and local governments, vaccine and testing funds, SBA loan program expansions, youth and education funds, support for arts and culture, and rent assistance.
Managing Bills
- getting help with coverage of rent and utilities
Everyone has been affected negatively by COVID, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Between eviction moratoriums and rent, utilities and other assistance programs, there is available around your housing needs.
Nothing is more concerning than losing access to food and simple household supplies. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please do not suffer in silence. Look to these resources for help.
- explore options for payment, interest and other relief
Most banks and financial institutions are offering some kind of suspension on payments and fees, reduced interest, or other relief but you have to call and ask. It is worth the time on hold.
¿Preguntas inmediatas sobre su salud?
King County Public Health Hotline 206-477-3977
Spanish 
English 
Vietnamese 
Russian 
Chinese