Filing for Unemployment (New Summer 2023)

If you missed the PSU Adjunct Rapid Response Information Session on June 26th, you can view a recording of the session below.

This workshop was about applying for unemployment benefits and other support services for people who have lost work due to not being renewed for the next academic year, or any other reason you have lost income from PSU. This workshop was held by Labor's Community Service Agency.

Filing for Unemployment (Summer 2020)

If you are at all uncertain you’ll be hired back at PSU again in the fall, apply to Unemployment. It is likely you’ll initially be denied, but it is then important for you to appeal.  It is more likely you’ll be granted benefits if you appeal. If you are denied benefits for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) even after appealing, apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

If you know you are working in the fall, you likely won’t qualify for regular UI, but you should apply anyways so that you can then apply to PUA. If you had summer work that has been cancelled because of the pandemic, if you are partially self-employed, or do work as an independent contractor, you will likely qualify for this expanded Unemployment Assistance.

What Is PSUFA doing?

We are going to ask the university for a commitment that they won’t contest UI claims based on “reasonable assurances” adjuncts will be hired back in the fall. We are also working with the university to try to enroll potentially eligible members in the Work Share program. If you have assignment rights that aren’t being fully met because of the pandemic, you may qualify to receive payments through the Work Share program. Please reach out to us.

Useful resources

• PUA PDF Guide

• PUA Instructions

• PUA Video Guide

You’ll also need the address/phone for all workplaces for the past 18 months for your PUA application. Here is the information for Portland State:

Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, Oregon 97207-0751

503-725-4926
EIN: 36-4776757 

Are there other ways I can earn benefits?

If you are seeking additional ways to supplement your income or lack of income, applying for EBT (food stamps) is a very worthwhile endeavor. Currently, you can earn up to $509/month as a family of three and you may qualify as a single individual as well. The Oregon Department of Human Services has also implemented new and expanded programs to meet essential needs. Furthermore, farmers markets throughout the Portland area as well as around the state will match up to $10 of EBT. What this looks like is that when you go to farmers markets listed in the document below, you can use your EBT card to take out $10 in market currency. When you do, you will be given $10 free. The program is called Double Up Food Bucks and available at many Portland area markets including King, Shemanski, and Lents. 

Links:

• SNAP EBT Application

• Expanded resources from Oregon Department of Health and Food

• Double Up Bucks Program through Oregon Farmers Markets

• See also: “Food Assistance,” below

Financial Assistance

Payroll Advance through PSU Human Resources Employees may be issued up to 60% of their current monthly earned gross wages prior to the close of payroll (20th of the month) in “emergency cases” (defined as unforeseen events requiring the immediate financial attention of the employee such as accident, death in the family, major car or home repair, theft of funds and new employee lack of funds). For information, contact HR at askhrc@pdx.edu. Download the payroll advance form here.

Adjunct Faculty Assistance Fund The Adjunct Faculty Assistance Fund (AFAF) is a hardship fund offered each team through PSUFA & PSU. To be eligible for the AFAF, you must be a member of PSU adjunct faculty or an adjunct researcher, employed during the term for which you are applying, or in the previous term. More information and an application to apply can be found here.

Community Action Agency  At the link below is a list of community resources, each serving specific constituencies and fulfilling particular requirements. Choose your location and contact each organization to see if your situation can be served by them.  Check out: http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/community_action_agency.html

Food Assistance

PSU Food Pantry is a free on-campus food resource that is open 12:30-2:30 Monday-Friday in Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 047.

Harvest Share is a free on-campus food resource. It’s first-come, first-serve at 12 noon on the second Monday of every month. Outside Shattuck Hall in the Park Blocks. They offer fresh fruits and veggies.

Oregon Food Bank distributes food through a statewide network of agencies. Check out the food bank finder and enter your zip code to find the closest food resources and their bus routes at: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org

Food Pantries and Subsidized Groceries can offer free or reduced cost food items. A directory of food pantries can be found here.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides assistance to households with a gross monthly income at or below 130% the poverty line and a net income at or below the poverty line.  See this quick guide to SNAP benefits for details. Or apply through the The Oregon Department of Human Services.

An Oregon Trail Card can be used for SNAP benefits and in some cases for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (and $5 tickets to many cultural events and institutions!).

NOTE: Children whose families are eligible for SNAP or TANF can also qualify for free or reduced price meals at school.

Resources for PSU Employees

Employment and Career Counseling is offered if you are a current PSU student or alumni. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact their office here.

Employee Assistance Program offers a range of resources from legal advice to mental health resources. Find more information here.

PSU Tuition Discount (staff fee privilege) If you are appointed at least .5 FTE no later than the first day of classes of the term of enrollment, then you are eligible to register for classes at discounted rates at any of the Oregon Public Universities. Employees pay 30 percent of the resident per credit hour regular undergraduate in-state tuition rate. This benefit can also be transferred to a qualified family member. Find more information here.

Healthcare & Wellness Resources

Oregon Health Plan If you are uninsured you may qualify for the Oregon Health Plan. OHP is Oregon’s Medicaid program for low-income Oregon residents. To qualify, you must live in Oregon and meet Medicaid income requirements: Generally, you can earn up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. This is $16,000 for a single person, or $32,900 for a family of four.

OHP Healthcare Navigators These folks will help you fill out an application for the Oregon Health Plan. They have lots of insight that can help get you coverage even if you think you might not qualify. For instance, they know how to calculate your educator’s deduction that applies to all adjunct faculty and may help you qualify. They have open hours at Outside In near campus. See more here.

Healthcare.gov Navigators There are free insurance navigators who can help you get the best deal for your specific healthcare needs using plans on healthcare.gov. For more information go here, add your zip code, and select Health Insurer Agents.

Free yoga in NW Portland at Prana on NW 23rd Ave, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Note: This schedule is ever-changing. Check the link before you go.)

Working Class Acupuncture offers sliding scale ($20-40) community acupuncture treatment at three Portland-area clinics. Check it out or schedule an appointment here.

Dental Clinic at PCC The PCC Dental Clinic serves as a teaching facility for students in their Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs. It is not intended to replace regular or extensive dental care in private dental offices. For more information click here.

Rent Assistance

For renters struggling to keep up with housing payments or facing eviction notice,

STRA (Short Term Rent Assistance) and Home Forward are Multnomah county initiatives that coordinate funding from a variety of sources and can help find low-income housing. They may offer a grant for short term rental or utility needs while case management finds a long term solution to the crisis. Lawyers may participate through the eviction prevention program.

Catholic Charities Low income families, regardless of nationality or religion, may qualify for help in Multnomah County, but financial assistance is limited. Call them in Portland at 503-489-6842 or in Gresham at  503-669-8350

Impact NW Rent assistance hotline: 503-988-6545. Programs for all of Multnomah County low income and residents in need who meet qualifications. This non-profit may also offer no interest loans as a form of rental assistance.

Northwest Pilot Project To be eligible for rent aid through NW Pilot Project, at least one family member who applies for rent help must be over 55 years old and have no dependent children under 18 years of age. Call them at 503-227-5605.

Portland VA Medical Center Community Resource and Referral Center runs the HUD-VASH program for veterans and their families to help with back rent and housing costs, including energy bills. Other help may include apartments and funds for security deposits. Call them at 503-808-1256.

Transportation

Trimet Reduced Fare for Low-income Riders offers reduced rates if you are 18 to 64 years old, an Oregon resident, making less than double the federal poverty level and not already using Honored Citizen. If you apply and qualify your fares will be reduced 50% to 72%. More information about how to apply here.

PSU Viking Pass with Trimet PSU employees qualify to get an annual pass through Trimet that is 50% of the cost of a regular monthly pass.  You can select to have the cost of the Viking Pass Program fee deducted directly from their monthly paycheck, with the option of a pre-tax deduction. 

TriMet Viking Pass Program:

• Available September 2019 - August 2020, valid from date of purchase

• Monthly paycheck deduction is $50/month for 12 months (September-August)

• Viking pass is valid for use on TriMet buses, TriMet MAX Light Rail, Portland Streetcar, C-Tran Local Service (non-Express) buses, and WES Commuter Rail

• Includes free membership to Zipcar

• Includes emergency ride home service (more information below)

Universal Streetcar Access for PSU employees PSU Faculty/Staff and Students can ride the Portland Streetcar at no cost. Your PSU ID card is valid fare.

Miscellaneous Transportation Assistance for buying gas, repairing a car, or buying bus tickets is often available through places of worship. St. Vincent de Paul centers and Catholic Charities are good resources. http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/gasoline_and_car_repairs_from_.html