The Plate Fund - Restaurant Worker Help

Emergency financial assistance program providing one-time $500 grants to restaurant and food service workers impacted by COVID-19 in King County, Washington.

Geographic Scope: King County, Washington

Focus Areas:

• Emergency financial assistance for restaurant workers
• COVID-19 pandemic relief
• Food service industry support

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a resident of King County
• Have worked in a restaurant or food service establishment in King County up until March 1, 2020; OR currently working in a food or service establishment in King County with documented reduction in hours
• Gross income less than $62,000 annually (inclusive of tips)
• Have a bank account for direct deposit
• Provide proof for all eligibility requirements
• Social Security number NOT required
• Immigration status does not affect eligibility; all information is confidential

Required Documentation:

• Acceptable Identification Documents (government/state ID)
• Proof of Residence (two pieces of mail or online account screenshot with King County address)
• Proof of Employment (pay stubs preferred; or employer letter confirming wages, employment date, and COVID-19 impact)

What They Fund:

• One-time emergency cash payments of $500

What They Don't Fund:

• Multiple payments to same individual
• Workers outside King County
• Applicants with insufficient proof of eligibility

Contact Information:

• Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
• 105 14th Ave, Suite 200
• Seattle, WA 98122
• 206-461-3792
• Info@UrbanLeague.org

Additional Notes: The Plate Fund is administered through a partnership between the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and The Plate Fund. Special codes unlock expedited processing and guaranteed $500 awards. Codes expire and are distributed in rounds. Each code is for one-time use only.

How to Apply

1. Click 'Get Started' button on the program page
2. Complete the ULMS Plate Fund Express Code Interest Form - This is a pre-application to verify eligibility
3. Wait for eligibility determination - Takes less than 24 hours
4. Receive special code via email - ULMS team will email your unique code and application instructions
5. Submit expedited application - Use your special code to submit the full application
6. Application Review - ULMS reviews to confirm eligibility and verify you haven't already received a distribution
7. Receive funds - Approved applicants receive $500 via direct deposit to their bank account

Important Notes:

• Applicants with codes cannot skip any part of the application
• Applications with codes receive expedited processing
• Limited codes available on first-come, first-served basis
• Each code can only be used once
• If codes expire, future rounds may be available

Required Materials:

• Valid identification document
• Proof of residence in King County
• Proof of employment or reduction in hours
• Bank account information for direct deposit