Updated 4/20/20 4pm
If you are unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities
Pandemic unemployment assistance
The CARES Act, passed at the federal level on 3/27, creates a new form of unemployment called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. PUA is designed to cover lost income that’s a result of the crisis and includes coverage for those who cannot work because they need to provide childcare due to school closures.
Visit out main resources page for detailed info on PUA and how to apply.
Paid sick time (employer-paid PST/PTO)
Your employer is required to provide all employees with paid sick time.
You should be able to use paid sick time you have in most caregiving circumstances, and your employer is not legally allowed to ask you for documentation proving your situation qualifies unless you call out for more than three days in a row. All employees in WA state should get paid sick time, regardless of your immigration status or other factors.
You should be able to use any accrued paid sick time you have if you:
Are caring for a sick family member.
Are caring for a child who is at home due to public school closures, or any family member whose place of care has been shut down due to quarantine.
Paid family & medical leave
In some cases, you may be able to access our state’s Paid Family & Medical Leave insurance program. It provides partial wage replacement for workers who need to take extended leave. It’s designed to cover up to 12 weeks of leave for workers dealing with serious illness or other specific family needs, including caregiving for a family member who is seriously ill.
Links
Info on using sick leave in WA during the coronavirus crisis.
Info on accessing Paid Family & Medical Leave during the crisis.
