WA COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund
Applications are now closed!
Payments for $3,075 went out in the mail in February to all approved applicants.
If your application was approved but you haven’t gotten your money yet, or you’re having a problem with the check or card, don’t worry! We’re still here to help. It may take a few weeks, but we will work to fix the problem and get you your money.
Call our helpline at (844) 620-1999 and leave a message.
This is what the helpline can help you with:
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If you haven’t received your payment, we may be able to send it again
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If you have moved, we may be able to send your payment to a new address
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If you want to know whether your application has been approved, you can find out
When you call, you will be connected to an automated system, NOT a live person. You can leave a message, and someone will call you back within 10 days.
Use the links below for more information:
How to access the money
If your application is approved, the money will be sent as either a check or prepaid card, depending on which one you picked when you applied. It will be sent to the mailing address you provided when you applied. There are a few important things to know about how to use these:
Prepaid bank card
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The prepaid bank card can be used anywhere that accepts debit cards.
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It cannot be used to withdraw cash from an ATM.
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You must activate your card within 90 days
If your card is lost or stolen, report it right away to 844-620-1999 to get a replacement card with no fee. You can only do this before June 30, 2023. -
If you don’t spend all the money on the card in 12 months, there is an inactivity fee of $3.95 per month.
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The card will have the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund logo in the top left corner
Check
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You must cash your check within 90 days of the date written on the check.
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The check will have the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund logo in the top left corner
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If you have a bank account in your name, you can cash the check at your bank free of charge
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You can also cash your check at a check-cashing facility like Moneytree, but they will charge a fee
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If you don’t have a bank account, you can cash your check at a Chase Bank. They will charge a $10 fee, and they require you to present ID. You must show one Primary ID and one Secondary ID from the list below:
Primary ID
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Driver’s license with photo
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State ID with photo
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Canadian driver’s license or ID card with photo
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Chase ATM/debit card with PIN
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Matricula consular card (Mexico)
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Mexican voter’s registration card with photo
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Passport with photo
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Human Services ID with photo
Secondary ID
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Additional primary ID
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Other US federal or state-issued ID with photo
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Employer ID with photo
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Student ID with photo
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Employer pay stub, paycheck, or letter with your name and address
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Foreign National ID
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Bank statement (from the last 60 days)
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Utility bill with name and address (from the last 60 days)
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Bank-issued ATM / debit / credit card with signature
Get help with your questions
Call the WIRF helpline at (844) 620-1999 and leave a message. When you call, you will be connected to an automated system, NOT a live person. You can leave a message, and someone will call you back within 10 days.
This is how the helpline works:
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Before you call, please make sure you know your unique application number. The application number is between 5-7 numbers long, and was provided to you when you submitted your application. It’s also included in all of the text and email updates about your application.
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If you call from a phone number that is different from the phone number on your application, you will be asked to provide the phone number used on your application.
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Select the language you want.
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If you want to know about whether your application has been approved, press 1 to enter your application ID and the phone number from your application, and then you will get an update on your application status.
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If your application was approved but you haven’t received your payment, or are having a problem with it, press 2. Follow the instructions on the phone, and leave a message. You will receive a call back within 10 days.
If you are having any problems with your prepaid card (like if it was stolen or arrived with less than $3,075 on it), call Blackhawk at (833) 209-9228, and they may be able to send your card again.
There are several other funds that are different from this one. Please do not call the helpline with questions about these other funds. They are run by other organizations, and we do not have information about them.
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If you have questions about the Working Families Tax Credit, please go to workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov. It’s not too late to apply for this tax credit!
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If you have questions about the Family Relief Fund for low-income families in Washington, please go to www.wafamilyrelief.org. This fund closes on March 31st.
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If you have questions about the King County Immigrant Relief Fund for immigrants in King County, please go to www.kingcountyrelief.org. This fund is not taking any new applications.
Other places to get support
If you want to stay updated on future immigrant support funds, immigrant enforcement in your area, and immigrant advocacy, follow Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network on Facebook (facebook.com/WAISNorg) or text the word WAISN to 509-300-4959.
Someone in your family may be eligible for the following resources, offered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS):
You can apply to these DSHS programs online via Washington Connections, by phone at (877) 501-2233, or in person at your local Community Services Office.
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If you applied online, your next step would be completing an interview either via phone at 877-501-2233, or in person at your local Community Services Office.
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To get help in a language other than English, you should call (800) 797-0617, Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM to get language assistance. If you get a recording, please leave a message with your phone number and the language you speak and they will call you back with an interpreter.
Starting in April 2023, people who filed taxes can apply for Washington’s new Working Families Tax Credit. Eligible people could get as much as $1200 back from their taxes.