Worker Relief Fund

The LA Region Worker Relief Fund is a new financial assistance program launched by the County and City of Los Angeles, in partnership with various organizations, to provide emergency relief to workers who have experienced financial hardship due to the recent windstorms and wildfires. The program offers a one-time cash assistance grant of $2,000 to qualifying individuals who have suffered income loss due to these natural disasters. The grant aims to help workers recover from the financial impact caused by employment disruptions, workplace closures, or residential damage. The primary purpose of this relief fund is to assist workers, including self-employed individuals, who were employed in Los Angeles County at the time of the Windstorm and Wildfire emergencies that began on January 7, 2025. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a loss of income resulting from their workplace location being in an affected emergency zone or from the loss of their home. The fund does not require applicants to have a specific legal work status, making it accessible to a broader group of impacted workers. Grant funds can be used for various essential expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, and other necessities, as determined by the recipients. The program does not specify limitations on how the funds must be used beyond their intended purpose of aiding financial recovery. Applicants must submit documentation verifying their identity, residency in Los Angeles County, employment at an affected location, and proof of income loss or workplace disruption. To qualify for the grant, applicants must be at least 18 years old and must have been employed or self-employed in Los Angeles County at the time of the disaster. Required documentation includes a government-issued photo ID (U.S. or foreign), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), proof of employment in an emergency zone as of January 7, 2025 (such as a pay stub or employer validation), and proof of financial impact (such as a FEMA Determination Letter or publicly available structural damage data). Applications for the Worker Relief Fund open on February 6, 2025, at 8:00 AM and will remain open until February 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility criteria, and funding is not guaranteed, as grants will be awarded to qualifying applicants who are selected. The application process includes technical support from the County and City, which will offer troubleshooting assistance, informational webinars, and one-on-one application support. Applicants seeking assistance can access dedicated resources provided by the program to ensure a smooth application process. The program also connects applicants with additional workforce resources to support longer-term recovery efforts beyond the grant assistance.