PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon residents waiting for unemployment benefits can now apply for a $500 one-time relief check.
The $35 million relief check program was approved by lawmakers in mid-July. It could help up to 70,000 Oregon residents facing financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 500,000 people have filed unemployment claims in the state since the start of the pandemic, causing major delays in people receiving funds.
"We know $500 isn’t going to solve all of these problems, but if we can help a family buy groceries for the month, pay for child care, or cover an unexpected repair, it’s worth it," Senate President Peter Courtney said.
The new relief program will use funds from the CARES Act.
"After months of hearing from increasingly desperate Oregonians who were doing everything right and still not getting the unemployment they were owed, we hope this effort offers a streamlined way for some financial relief," House Speaker Tina Kotek said Wednesday. "The state is stepping up, and I hope Congress will act soon to provide more support that is desperately needed."
To be eligible, a person must:
- Be a current resident of Oregon and 18 years or older
- Be able to prove their identity and that they are an in-state resident
- Attest that they are experiencing severe financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives executive orders
- Have earned $4,000/month or less pre-tax prior to their income loss due to COVID-19
- Not have received all unemployment payments they are owed
People are not eligible for the program if their unemployment benefits are up to date.
At the OnPoint Community Credit Union on SE Washington St., the line wrapped around the building and beyond, Wednesday afternoon. A crowd of more than a hundred waited shoulder-to-shoulder in the heat hoping to receive a stimulus check.
“It would pay my car payment and put food in the kitchen,” said check applicant Venus Sullivan.
Brittney Clark received a check and planned to save it for a “rainy day.”
“Everyone's kinda anxious about the pandemic and not working,” said Clark. “I feel like when people hear ‘free anything’ it's like, get there right now, as fast as you can. I feel like that's what happened today.”
Things played out differently at Clackamas Federal Credit Union locations. Staff there distributed relief checks curbside, and by appointment only.
“It probably is a little slower this way than if we just opened up the door and let everybody flood in,” said President and CEO, Aaron Goff. “Obviously we weren't comfortable with that given the situation with COVID-19.”
Citing a source close to the program, Goff said participating credit unions and banks cut close to 13,000 checks on Wednesday— that's $6,500,000. Goff appreciated that the coming days would be critical for many more stimulus check applicants.
“I know that people are really hard up for the money but it just takes a little bit of time,” said Goff. “Have patience with us and we'll do our best to get it out there.”
For more information or to apply, visit emergencychecks.oregon.gov.