One-Stop Economic Resource Center

Across our state, residents are struggling with dwindling savings, foreclosures, spiraling credit card debt, lost jobs and more. As a result, each day families in our state are forced to make difficult financial choices that will affect their lives for years to come. These families deserve access to all the help available to them.

In an effort to help Washington state residents make informed financial decisions, access all of the help available to them, and to keep them informed on the very latest on economic recovery plans, I have established this One-Stop Economic Resource Center.

Here, in one place, you will find important economic resources from across our state and nation. I hope this will provide assistance during these very difficult economic times.

Need Help With...
Housing	Your Money	Jobs	Families	Small Business

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Help with Housing

Foreclosure

Access free, effective help to avoid foreclosure using foreclosure counseling services in your area
Read the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure
Learn more about alternatives to foreclosure
Help avoiding foreclosure scams
Learn more about how a recent settlement with Countrywide Financial will offer mortgage relief to nearly 10,000 Washingtonians and help them avoid foreclosure
Helpful information on mortgage servicers
Help finding your mortgage lender
Contacts and information on legal aid for low-income residents

Purchasing a Home in Today's Market

Find out more about responsible steps toward homeownership
Attend home buying classes in Washington state
Learn how to avoid predatory lending
Find out more about how the recession has affected the home loan market
Learn about good loan programs that are still available

Affordable Housing

Find information on affordable housing and get additional housing help from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission – HERE
Find information and income limits for rental assistance from the federal government

State and Federal Programs that Can Help

Find more information on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOPE for Homeowners program which will refinance mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments.
Find out if you are eligible for FHASecure a refinancing option through the federal government that gives homeowners, including those delinquent on their mortgage, the ability to refinance into a FHA-insured mortgage

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Help with Your Money

New Consumer Protections for Credit Cards and Mortgages

Learn more about new rules that the Senate passed to protect Credit Card and Mortgage holders from surprise fees and rate increases.

WaMu and the Changing Market

Answers to frequently asked question for WaMu banking customers.
Important information for AIG policyholders
What to do if your brokerage firm closes its doors
Important information on federal program that guarantees money market funds
Information on financial education and literacy

Keeping Your Savings Safe and Secure

Find out about the financial health of your bank or credit union
Get the basics on account insurance including important recent changes
Learn more about account insurance through the FDIC
Calculate your FDIC insurance coverage
Find your bank or savings institution in Washington state
Financial scam and fraud alerts in Washington state
File a complaint about your bank, credit union, or lending institution

Safeguarding Your Retirement

Important information on retirement and health care coverage for dislocated workers
Learn about your retirement plan’s Required Minimum Distribution

Debt Services

Find consumer credit counseling services in Washington state for residents struggling with struggling with multiple forms of debt
Determine your debt to income ratio to determine your ability to secure a loan
Calculate debt payoff goals
Budget calculator

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Help for Workers and Job Seekers

Unemployment Insurance

Apply for Unemployment insurance benefits in Washington state
Learn about unemployment insurance eligibility
Learn about extended unemployment insurance benefits

Job Search/In Demand Careers in Washington State

Learn about job searches
Learn about in demand careers and labor market information in your area
Help for Veterans

Job Training

Learn about Washington state job training programs
Find your local WorkSource career center
Find the closest Washington state Job Corps job training center
Access important employment resources for veterans in Washington state. Additional programs for veterans.
Help determining your job training needs
Information on Washington state youth employment training programs

Colleges and Universities

Information on Washington state’s universities, community colleges, and technical schools
Learn about Washington state work-study programs
Helpful information on Washington state’s Student Financial Assistance Programs
Learn more about Washington state’s Educational Opportunity Grant program for some financially needy students
Apply online for Federal Student Aid
Helpful federal government resources at Student.gov
Learn about college admission standards in Washington state

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Help for Struggling Families

Apply for State Assistance

Apply for food stamps, cash, or child care help from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Nutrition

Helpful information on state food programs
Find food stamp organizations in your area if you want to apply in person
Find a food bank near you in Washington state
Access healthy food and support services for women and children
Get helpful tips on eating right during tough economic times

Health Care

Get information about Medicaid and other medical help in Washington State
Get information or apply for Washington state’s Basic Health program which provides low-cost health care coverage through private health plans to many who don’t qualify for Medicaid
Answers to frequently asked questions about health care assistance in Washington State
Information on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage

Help Lowering Your Bills