The Plate Fund
COVID19 Relief Aid for Food Service Industry Workers
Apply for Financial Assistance
Many of your lives have been upended as your employers have been forced to cut hours, suspend their business, permanently close and lay off employees.
If you have urgent, necessary expenses that you are unable to pay for until you receive federal assistance or unemployment insurance, or if you do not qualify for those benefits, The Plate Fund may be able to assist you with a $500 emergency relief grant.
Who is eligible to receive funds?
Anyone who lives in King County, worked in a restaurant or food service establishment in King County and has experienced a reduction in hours or been laid off as a result of the COVID-19 crisis can apply, including dishwashers, cooks, servers, bartenders, food truck employees and cafe attendants. People already receiving government support should not apply so people more in need may access these emergency funds.
What documentation do I need to apply?
Applicants will be required to provide documentation to verify they live in King County, worked in a restaurant in King County and were laid off as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Applicants will be required to:
- Upload a pay stub dated on or after March 1, 2020;
- Upload one form of government issued identification or two forms of alternate identification that includes an applicant’s residential address;
- Demonstrate that their gross income is no more than $62,000 per year, inclusive of tips;
- Provide bank account information;
- Verify that they have experienced a decrease in work hours or loss of their job.
How and when will the funds be disbursed and available?
Applicants, if eligible, may receive funding as soon as 48 hours after completing their application. UpTogether aims to process applications as fast as possible, however there may be a delay of up to four days based on the volume of applications received.
