Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is EASE?

EASE is the acronym for Employee Assistance for Seattle Employees.

Q. What is the purpose of EASE?

EASE is a newly formed nonprofit organization to provide support and financial assistance to City of Seattle employees and/or their immediate family in times of great need. EASE is self-supporting and funded by employee contributions. Donations are genuine acts of caring … by employees…for employees.

Q. Can I make donations now?

Yes. The source of financial assistance is from YOU - City employees. You can make contributions through payroll deductions through Employee Self-Service (Charity Code 53031) or direct payments to EASE or at the Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union. EASE gratefully accepts donations of any amount from you and those interested in supporting our cause. Because we are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, your donations are tax deductible.

Q. Can I ask for help now?

EASE accepts applications on a monthly basis as outlined on this site. The availability of funding will depend on your generosity and financial contributions to EASE.

Q. Who is eligible to receive assistance?

You are eligible to receive funds if you are a regular, full-time or part-time employee, and have been employed for at least 12 consecutive months.

Your spouse, partner, child, and/or parents are the only immediate family members who are eligible for assistance. Other family members are ineligible, including temporary and retired City employees.

Q. What are the kinds of needs for assistance?

All requests will be reviewed on the availability of funds and a case-by-case and need basis, and not on a first-come, first-served basis. The kinds of needs for assistance may include:

• Extraordinary medical expenses
• Basic food, clothing and shelter needs due to a catastrophe or severe hardship
• Funeral expenses for on-the-job death

Q. Is EASE part of the City of Seattle?

No. EASE is a completely separate non-profit corporation that is administered and run by a volunteer board of directors who are City of Seattle employees and retired employees.

Q. If I receive assistance from EASE, do I have to return the funds?

No. Our hope is that you will support EASE by making a donation to help a fellow employee in their time of need.

However, per IRS rules, the money you receive from EASE must be considered income for income tax purposes and must declared as such.

Q. Are donations tax deductible?

Yes. EASE is a non-profit, 501(3)(c) organization.

A caring community giving to its employees in times of need.