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Washington

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 18, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Washington, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website.

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Description of Program and Relief

SharedWork Program for Employers

Washington’s SharedWork program is an alternative for employers to avoid layoffs when experiencing temporary major slowdown in business due to economic conditions. The program allows employers to reduce the hours of permanent and hourly-paid employees by as much as 50 percent, and the employees can collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. While on the SharedWork program, employees are not required to make an active search for work.

Government or Lead Agency

Washington State Employment Security Department

Dates Available

Effective immediately (existing program)

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

SharedWork is available to employers that:

  • Are legally registered in Washington for at least six months prior to applying for the program;

  • Are current on unemployment taxes or a payment contract;

  • Have a tax rate less than 5.4 percent;

  • Enroll a minimum of two permanent employees in the SharedWork plan; and

  • Have complied with IRS, state, county, and municipal laws, rules and ordinances.

  • For information on eligibility requirements, click here.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

For information on how to apply, employers should click here.

List of Additional Information

For more information regarding the program, employers should click here or call (800) 752-2500.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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