Resources for Legal Assistance and Financial System Navigation
The Circle: ITIN Number Workshop [SPANISH] Monday, April 22, 2024 6pm
Saber qué es el ITIN number es importante para extranjeros y residentes de los Estados Unidos que no pueden aplicar a un número de seguro social conocido como 'Social Security Number'. En esta charla aprenderás acerca de: Qué es un ITIN number. * Para qué se usa el ITIN number. * Qué beneficios tiene el ITIN.
KCLS & Solid Ground: Rent Smart Tentants’ Rights
Solid Ground’s tenant counselors offer workshops for current and future renters. Know and assert your rights as tenants, navigate the housing search and landlord screening process, protect yourself from eviction and housing loss, and learn how to get deposits back and repairs made. Online workshops will be held twice a month and will cover a variety of topics in English and Spanish. Please visit https://1.kcls.org/RentSmartOnline for upcoming topics and to register for a workshop. If you are currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 206.267.7069 or hjpstaff@kcba.org. Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Wed., April 24, 2024 5pm - 6:30pm Rent Smart: Repair Issues and Landlord Duties * Wed., May 8, 2024 3pm - 4:45pm Rent Smart: Mold and Your Rights as a Tenant
Solid Ground Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series /¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES!
English sessions are held twice monthly on Wednesday afternoons. Spanish sessions are held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm.
Rent Smart Webinars in English
4/24/24: Repair Issues & Landlord Duties
5/8/24: Mold & Your Rights as a Tenant
6/26/24: Evictions & Terminations
¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Talleres Virtuales en Español
4/25/24: No puedo pagar la renta completo
Hopelink: Tax Help 2024 Through Sunday, April 21, 2024
Free Tax Preparation at Bellevue, Redmond, and Shoreline! Hopelink is hosting three tax sites this year in partnership with the United Way of King County free, in-person tax preparation services.
Bellevue Hopelink: Tuesday 5:00pm - 9:00pm * Wednesday 5:00pm-9:00pm * Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm * Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Redmond Hopelink: Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm
Shoreline Hopelink: Monday 5:00pm - 8:00pm * Tuesday 5:00pm - 8:00pm * Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm * Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
All tax sites are first-come, first-served. No appointment needed. Visit Get Free Tax Help | United Way of King County for more information about what to bring and a list of additional sites opening throughout King County. Flyer in multiple languages.
PIM/VITA Free Tax Help Weekly in Renton and Everett
In partnership with the Washington State Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), PIM Savvy provides FREE IN-PERSON and DROP-OFF TAX PREPARATION throughout King and Snohomish Counties in Washington State. We ensure taxpayers maximize their refunds by claiming all credits they are eligible for, including the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Washington State’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC).
KCLS: Understanding Credit and Credit Scores April 23, 2024 6:30pm Online
Take your credit knowledge to the next level in the second part of this credit series lead by a Hopelink Financial Coach. Learn what impacts your credit score and why it's important to make sure your credit report is accurate.
KCLS: Building and Protecting Your Credit April 30, 2024 6:30pm Online
This is the last workshop in a three-part credit series lead by a Hopelink Financial Coach. You will use the information from the first two sessions to explore ways to build and protect your credit in the future. Please register
Issaquah School District: Financial Strategies for Parents of Students with Disabilities April 25, 2024
The Special Services Department is hosting a presentation for parents of students with disabilities on the topic of Financial Strategies and Estate Planning. Our presenters are Sheldon Sweeny, from Snider Financial Group and Suzanne Burke, from Assure Law Group. There are three Phases of Family Life, based on age, for a child with special needs: Pre-Guardianship, Post-Guardianship, and Independent Living. Each phase has its own unique financial challenges. However, with proper planning, parents/guardians can hopefully find peace, knowing that their child’s financial well-being is protected throughout their life span as well as in the event of an unforeseen life change. We will discuss the resources available to you and have an open conversation where you can ask questions and/or share life experiences.
Solid Ground: Working Families Tax Credit Information
You can now get your Working Families Tax Credit as a prepaid debit card, which means you don’t need a bank account to get your refund. You will also have access to your money right away and can use your card to make purchases, pay bills, or get cash. You can still get your refund as a direct deposit or a paper check as well. Under the Working Families Tax Credit, Washington state individuals and families may receive up to $1,255 back if they meet certain eligibility requirements. If you didn’t get your refund last year, there’s still time to apply. TO APPLY: Working Families Tax Credit – Prepaid debit cards MORE INFO: Go to Working Families Tax Credit – Apply
ELAP Information on Tenant Rights Effective July 1, 2023 - Flyer HERE
City of Issaquah: Free Mediation Services for Issaquah Residents, Landlords and Small Businesses
The City of Issaquah is offering FREE conflict resolution services provided by the Dispute Resolution Center of King County to local business owners and residential tenants who’ve been impacted by COVID19. To request these services, call (206) 443-9603 x111 (x113 in Espanol) or email marilynl@kcdrc.org. In your message, let us know you are seeking the free conflict resolution services available to individuals and families who live in work in the City of Issaquah.
Hopelink: Financial Capability Program Flyer in English * Flyer in Spanish
This program provides free, professional financial coaching to help members of our community sort through complex financial challenges and build long-term financial stability. There is no income eligibility requirement to access our services and we can also provide on-demand interpretation in multiple languages as needed. In addition to financial coaching, we also offer customizable financial education classes. We work in collaboration with many partners in the community to offer financial education classes based on topics that are most relevant to the clients they serve. We can provide classes virtually and in-person. For more information, please contact Donna O’Connor
Hopelink Financial Coach Donna O’Connor discusses what credit is and ways to use it. Watch the YouTube Video Series on how to Take Control of Your Credit! Visit here
Hopelink Financial Coaching & Education Program: If you feel overwhelmed by your financial situation or just want to learn more about how to successfully manage your money, we are here to help. Flyer English * Flyer Spanish
Drop-In Hours Every Tuesday on Zoom! Join Hopelink’s financial coach and local financial institutions every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for an informal session to get answers to your credit, banking, and money management questions. Interpreters are available. No registration is required
FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS: ARABIC Are you working with clients who are new to the U.S. financial system and want to learn how to navigate it? We have an open session at the Bellevue center: Arabic: Wednesday, April 24th 10:00 – 11:00am سجل في الفصل باللغة العربية
The ARC of King County Guardianship & Alternatives
In January of 2022, Washington State has revised guardianship law, which includes the new adult guardianship, conservatorship and other protective arrangements. Visit here for the new guardianship forms from King County. The Arc of King County doesn't offer any legal advice, and this section should not be taken as such. We are not able to refer you to a specific attorney or service. However, if you have further questions about how to start the process, please call us!
ELAP: Guardianship Legal Clinic 2nd Wednesday of the Month
We’re excited to announce that we recently launched a new monthly legal clinic about guardianship. Through a free 45-minute legal consultation, ELAP will help community members navigate new legal rules around adult guardianship, conservatorship, and other protective arrangements. Read more about who qualifies and recent changes in state law that affect guardianship: elap.org/elap-launches-new-guardianship-clinic
ELAP: Elder Law Clinic Launches third Thursday of every month
ELAP is launching an in-person elder law clinic to help community members navigate legal issues related to aging and estate planning. Attorneys will be available to meet one-to-one with people who need help with estate planning, probate, guardianship, or Medicaid planning. Clinic appointments are one-time opportunities to meet with a lawyer to get legal advice and help with legal documents. The new clinic will be held on the third Thursday of every month from 3-5 p.m. The first date is Thursday, July 20. Thank you to North Bellevue Community Center for hosting the clinic. Visit website for eligibility and registration information.
King County Tenant Resource Line Opens Jan 13, 2023
The King County Tenant Resource Line will be open to King County renters M-F from 9a-1p and will be staffed by attorneys from Tenant Law Center and Housing Justice Project. You'll be able to leave a voicemail and request a call back; from a real person! There'll be interpretation service available, too. Call us if you are a renter in King County and you have received an eviction notice, a pay or vacate notice, or otherwise need legal counsel (and advice) on another residential landlord tenant matter. Number(s) to follow: Starting at 9 a.m on 1/13/23, King County, you can hit us up toll free: 1-855-485-8767 Seattle, here's the local line: 206-580-0762.
King County Immigration Fee Support Program
The King County Immigration Fee Support Program can help King County immigrants pay eligible fees associated with applying for legal status, including filing fees with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review. Immigration application costs vary from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per applicant. When multiple family members apply for relief together, the cost burden can be insurmountable for low-income families. Applicants must be living, working, going to school in King County or currently detained in ICE facilities but previously living, working or going to school in King County in order to be eligible for support. Approved applicants can receive up to $3,000 per individual and up to $6,000 per household, depending on fees incurred or expected for the year 2022. Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply at kcfeesupport.org Call for support: 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm)
King County Relief Fund
The King County Relief Fund can provide financial assistance to help King County immigrants who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but are ineligible for federal stimulus money and unemployment benefits. Approved applicants can receive $1,000. Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply at kingcountyrelief.org Call for support: 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm)
NWIRP: DACA General Information and Resources
The DACA Portal is a one-stop experience to get information on DACA, learn more about our free DACA renewal clinics, and register for any of these upcoming clinics.
NWIRP, through its partnership with Microsoft and with the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP, offers free monthly virtual DACA clinics to assist clients seeking to renew their DACA status. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our partners at Microsoft and Perkins Coie LLP (and all those involved in making these virtual DACA clinics possible) who continue to serve our clients during these challenging times. We HIGHLY encourage you to secure registration for a virtual DACA Renewal Clinic at least six months before the expiration date on your EAD (Employment Authorization Document/work permit) to minimize the risk of a lapse in your DACA status.
Assistance with tax support for the undocumented community at no charge, and offer language support in Spanish, Korean, Hindi, and Telugu. We can help you and your family: Legally obtain taxpayer ID numbers * Fill out basic tax forms * Set up appointments with the IRS * File final tax forms to the IRS
King County: Mediation Services for Residents, Landlords and Small Businesses
The Dispute Resolution Center of King County (DRC) is a nonprofit organization that has offered affordable mediation and conflict resolution services for individuals, businesses, and families in King County since 1986, including: Community mediation * Small Claims Court mediation * Conflict coaching * Individual consultation * Group mediation or facilitation * Information and referral * Training. Contact Marylin Littlejohn, marilynl@kcdrc.org for assistance in mediation for renters, landlords and small businesses. Open to all income levels, free for low income individuals.
Nov 2023: Info from the Dispute Resolution Center of King County about free, voluntary mediation available for tenants and landlords through Dec. 31, 2023: VISTA (Voluntary Initiative for Stable Tenancy and Affordability) is a new housing program of the DRC. VISTA assists with a wide variety of conflicts in rental housing throughout King County. Our VISTA team uses conflict coaching and mediation to prevent eviction and de-escalate conflicts to improve housing stability. What types of conflict can we help with? * Leasing Violations, including unpaid rent * Neighbor disputes such as noise, parking, and use of common spaces * Disagreements regarding property maintenance, repairs, amenities, and others. VISTA services are free for tenants and landlords through December 31, 2023. After you complete the mediation request form, a member of our team will review your situation and determine if VISTA is right for you. kcdrc.org/vista
Washington Eviction Resolution Pilot Program
ERPP brings tenants and landlords together with a professionally trained, impartial mediator to help them resolve conflicts regarding rent owed before an unlawful detainer (eviction) case is filed in court. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of immigration status. Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) statewide offer mediation to resolve many types of housing stability issues as part of their core services including eviction prevention and the ERPP. Resolution Washington recognizes that people of color and other underserved community members are disproportionately impacted by housing issues
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
We are creating communities where all people can live and love without fear.
Civil Legal Aid King County
If you are experiencing a crisis but can’t afford a lawyer, there is help. We are fortunate to live in a region that has many dedicated nonprofit organizations that provide free legal assistance to people of all backgrounds. If you reside in King County, this website is a resource for you.
Eastside Legal Assistance Program:
FREE legal services to low-income clients throughout King County. We are a nonprofit dedicated to working with people facing crises that need a legal solution. We also educate communities about their legal rights. We work for free to solve legal issues and provide resources for our community members. Also, visit our 5 Free Online Legal Resources
CISC Chinese Information and Service Center Legal Clinic
One of 30 legal clinics organized by the Asian Bar Association of Washington (ABAW) and sponsored by the King County Bar Association. The purpose of the clinic is to reduce the cultural and linguistic barriers faced by community members in their efforts to participate in and access the legal protections of the American justice system. The clinic utilizes volunteer attorneys through the ABAW and Perkins Coie to assist Pro Bono Clients on family, immigration, employment, housing and discrimination issues. The Clinic operates on Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30pm. Contact Karia Wong at 206-957-8538 to schedule an appointment. Interpretation is provided upon request with advance notice.
King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics Bellevue: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00pm
The purpose of the Neighborhood Legal Clinics program (NLC) is to offer free, limited legal advice and referrals to King County residents and Washington State residents with legal issues in King County who might otherwise have no access to the legal system. It is a goal of the program to make the clinics accessible regardless of barriers such as income, education, language or disability.
King County Law Library: Recorded Webinar - Introduction to Protection Orders
Staff from the King County Superior Court Clerk’s office and the King County Law Library discuss some important procedural aspects of filing for a civil protection order.
Immigration Legal Services from World Relief Seattle
World Relief Seattle and their Immigration Legal Services team has been expanding their services to meet the needs of Kent and other nearby communities. They can serve the undocumented community, including DACA initial and renewals. Their team is multilingual in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, & French. Postcard in English Postcard in Spanish
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more. Our work challenges structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State.
Ask the Court to Waive Your Filing Fee: If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee to start a new case, use the Washington Forms Online interview to help you!. A judge will look at your financial information and decide if you qualify for a waiver under Washington Courts' General Rule 34 . Learn more HERE
Learn how to file a petition for a short term (emergency) guardianship: Use this only to file for guardianship lasting 2 months to 4 months (60 – 120 days) of a child under age 18 who is living in Washington State. #4408EN. Details HERE
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. Explore the NWIRP Webinars covering various topics
Benefits Law Center provides accessible legal advocacy to people living with physical and mental disabilities so that they may obtain the resources necessary to overcome barriers to financial and medical stability. We further our mission through targeted advocacy projects that help people with Social Security disability problems.
Washington Law Help is a guide to free civil legal services for low-income persons and seniors in Washington. This site provides legal education materials and tools that give you basic information on a number of legal problems, and in some cases, detailed instructions and forms to help you represent yourself in court. You can also locate information on free legal aid programs in Washington, including basic eligibility and contact information.
Got unpaid non-criminal traffic fines? You may be able to get your license back.
Department of Homeland Security Publishes Final Public Charge Rule Sept 2022
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule on the “public charge” regulation on Sept. 8, adding critical protections to immigrant families’ access to social safety net programs, including housing. The final rule clarifies that several health and social services are not considered in a public charge determination, a decades-old test to deny temporary admission into the U.S. or deny requests to change one’s status to lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder). The final rule takes effect on December 23, 2022, and restores the historical understanding of public charge, according to which receipt of certain non-cash benefits – such as housing and Medicaid benefits – are not considered under public charge determinations.
WA DOL: ID help for the unhoused
Are you experiencing homelessness and need help getting an ID? These resources will help you get and pay for an ID. If you are experiencing homelessness, you're eligible for a no cost ID (one per lifetime) or a reduced-fee ID for $5. Anyone receiving public assistance may be eligible for an ID card at a reduced cost. Find your local Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) community services office (dshs.wa.gov). They can help you complete a Request for Identicard form that you can bring to a driver licensing office. If you're under 25-years old, you don't need a letter for a $5 ID card.
WA and King County Property Tax Relief
WA State Dept of Revenue Property tax exemptions and deferrals, available to individuals whose primary residence is located in the State of Washington
King County Assessor Office State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and the disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. Yet more than 26,000 qualified seniors and disabled persons have yet to register for the exemption, and only 1 in 100 of those eligible for deferrals are currently enrolled. Details of these two programs are provided below. The process of applying is fairly simple.