New Seattle Relief Fund Offers Direct Cash Assistance

SEATTLE — Applications opened Monday for a new direct cash assistance program, offering eligible low-income households one-time payments of up to $3,000. The Seattle Relief Fund will distribute a combined $16 million to residents "who have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," the city said Monday.

Those who are eligible include households and individuals who did not receive federal stimulus checks or unemployment, along with those suffering housing instability or other mental health stresses.

"As the first U.S. city to be significantly impacted by COVID-19, Seattle has been a leader to rise to address both the public health and economic challenges of this pandemic," said Mayor Jenny Durkan. "We were the first city to quickly respond to directly support our residents and small businesses with grants, innovative new programs like grocery vouchers and rental assistance, and direct cash assistance. Because of our federal funds, we can continue to help vulnerable residents, especially immigrants and BIPOC families who continue to be disproportionately impacted by this ongoing pandemic."

Applications are open to all adults living in Seattle, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, provided they meet the criteria and fall below the income thresholds.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

• Must be 18 or older and earn below 50 percent of the median income, which means under $40,500 for an individual, or $57,850 for a family of four.
• One of these situations conditions must also apply:
  • Live within the boundaries of the city of Seattle.
  • Be enrolled in the Seattle Promise program.
  • Be enrolled in Seattle Public Schools.
  • Be an artist/cultural worker who has owned or rented an art studio or rehearsal space within the boundaries of the City of Seattle at any time since March 2020.

Applications for the new relief payments opened Monday, and they must be completed by the end of Nov. 15. The Seattle Relief Fund is part of a larger $25 million investment approved by the Seattle City Council in June 2021, which funded earlier cash assistance for immigrant communities.

Learn more about the program and how to apply on the city's website.