In our past updates, I said state unemployment was not available for owners or those who did not pay in to the state unemployment taxes. And some of you were denied when initially applying for benefits in March. As many of you likely now know, and with further updates, that was wrong.
The ESD is quickly updating its systems and information to accommodate owners and self-employed workers.
From: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19-employer-information
Can self-employed people get benefits?
Yes—but it’s going to take a few weeks to update our systems.
- Self-employed workers should be able to start claiming mid-April.
- Sign up for regular email updates about our COVID-19 response.
Can independent contractors or gig-workers get benefits?
Yes—but it’s going to take a few weeks to update our systems.
- Self-employed workers should be able to start claiming mid-April.
- Sign up for regular email updates about our COVID-19 response.
To apply, even individuals/self-employed contractors or owners must use or create a SAW account. More instructions for that are here: https://secure.esd.wa.gov/home/.
I’d like to give a shout-out to Charlene Fleming in Kirkland who answered our cry for help and let us know about the updates at ESD for these benefits. She also mentioned hearing someone had already received benefits this week.Charlene Fleming, MPAcc, CPA, Presidenthttp://www.keassociates.com/
Thank you Charlene!
Loans: I’m hearing from some business owners applying for PPP or EIDL loans. One owner found that Wells Fargo was out of PPP money. Another found odd errors in the PPP application form at Bank of America.
Apparently, lots of scrambling all around.
Please let us know how we can help. These updates to everyone in the BCC field help us streamline answers to questions, though both Emily and I are available for quick questions and help at no charge depending on our availability.
We’re thinking of you all and wishing you good health and less stress, somehow, in the midst of these unusual times.
Jocelyn
Jocelyncampbell.com 