1. Human Resources & Payroll
  2. COVID-19 employee resources

COVID-19 Employee Resources

Unemployment Fraud - Report from Erika Sanderson

WA Employment Security Department (ESD) is investigating a widespread campaign to commit unemployment fraud by filing false claims using someone else's personal identification, including social security numbers. Many industries across Washington state have been impacted, including Walla Walla University. Please visit our Unemployment Fraud page for information on how to protect yourself from it and on steps to dispute it, if you have been impacted.

Communicable Disease Accommodation Request

If you are experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus we encourage you to fill out a form to request accommodation. To see if you qualify for the Communicable Disease Accommodation policy, view the flow chart.

Family First Coronavirus Response Act Info (FFCRA)

Unless further guidance appears, at this time Walla Walla University and it's employees do not fall under this benefit category. If this situation changes, employees will be notified

Retirement Plan CARES Act Changes

  • Until Dec. 31, 2020, there will not be a 10% early withdrawal penalty for coronavirus-related distributions of $100,000 or less.
  • Until Sept 23, 2020, participants may take a coronavirus-related loan, a maximum of 100% of the present value of the participant's vested 403(b) plan account or a maximum of $100,000, whichever is less.
  • To learn more about these retirement options, visit Empower Retirement or call: 1-855-756-4738.

Travel 

Remote Work

Financial Resources

NEW WWU Employee Benevolence Fund

Several employees have recently inquired if they may donate toward a fund to support fellow employees who are struggling financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In honor of these requests, an Employee Benevolence Fund (EBF) has been established for any current or recently released employee in critical financial need.

To learn about the NEW WWU Employee Benevolence Fund (EBF) and to see if you are eligible, read the EBF policy here. 

  • Employees may set up tax-exempt donations through payroll deduction by emailing the biweekly fixed amount to: Tammy.McMann@wallawalla.edu

  • Tax-exempt donations can also be made by visiting: wallawalla.edu/donate, under Walla Walla University Fund, select "Other Fund" and describing your donation as "Benevolence Fund."

If you are in need of critical financial need, you may apply for assistance from the EBF here.

Emergency Cash

Beginning April 17, the WA State Department of Social and Health Services will be providing emergency cash assistance to qualifying low-income WA residents. Read the official notice here and download the Disaster Cash Assistance Program FAQ for instructions on how to apply and review the eligibility requirements. To apply for disaster cash assistance or other assistance, visit Washington Connection.org. Please note: after completing your online application, you must call their Customer Services at 877-501-223 for a required interview.

Unemployment Benefits

Learn more about WA State Unemployment Benefits, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

For Oregon residents, learn more about unemployment benefits here.

For Montana residents, learn more about unemployment benefits here.

A comprehensive listing of financial resources during COVID-19, are available here.

Health Resources

With Teladoc you can see a healthcare provider without having to go to a doctor's office or urgent care. (Registering an account before you need to utilize Teladoc services are highly recommended in order to avoid possible delays and/or troubleshoot technical issues.) Get the instructions for using Teladoc here.

The CARES Act and What It Means For Your Benefits (expanding HSA/FSA/HRA eligible purchases)

  • FSA carryover amounts for a play year have increased from $500 to $550, effective for remaining 2020 funds.

Mental Health

*This resource is eligible for wellness credits through FitThumb

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