Some of you really want to shake down the IRS for your return and for good reasons. We try to tackle the question -- where is my return? And if you want to call the IRS, you can try 1-800-919-9835. --- Send in a voice message: https://podca

Where's my third stimulus payment?

Sep 12th, 2021 3m 4s

One woman asked us to help track down her third stimulus payment. She said despite the IRS tracker showing she's eligible, she has yet to receive a check. We look at the reasons why there may be a delay and who to call or write to track it down

Should you take a partial retirement?

Sep 5th, 2021 6m 18s

Partial retirements are all the rage! They're exactly what they sound like (working less, but still working some.) Apparently, it's what the cool kids are doing in their early 60s, though there are a lot of things to consider--like healthcare.

Bring on a lawsuit: How Facebook strangers are working to reinstate unemployment

Aug 29th, 2021 14m 42s

If you're living in a state where federal unemployment benefits have been taken away early, take a cue from some Facebook strangers in Missouri. They rallied support from a labor activist group, Missouri Jobs with Justice, that is now suing the

'We're gonna be back to a homeless situation' | Missourians fight to reinstate federal unemployment

Aug 8th, 2021 3m 51s

More people say they need the state of Missouri to reinstate the federal unemployment benefits, and they believe it's their right. Several states have now sued to reinstate benefits claiming states have a duty to provide federal aid to people.

Your stimulus questions: How do I know that the debit card I got in the mail is really my stimulus?

Jan 16th, 2021 2m 44s

At least 8 million stimulus debit cards are being sent out by the IRS and Treasury, and it's catching many people by surprise. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

Your stimulus questions: How do I let the IRS know I've moved so I can get my stimulus?

Jan 12th, 2021 3m 1s

Bruce says: I moved in October. How do I let the IRS know my new address? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

Your stimulus questions: Will we qualify for a stimulus even though my spouse isn't a citizen?

Jan 8th, 2021 2m 29s

Many mixed-immigrant households got the cold shoulder during the first stimulus -- even American citizens who normally would have qualified for a stimulus ended up being disqualified because of their spouse's immigration status. This time aroun

Your stimulus questions: Why did the IRS change my bank account on file?

Jan 7th, 2021 2m 19s

Ryan writes: Somehow my bank account number changed for my second stimulus. After hours of waiting on hold with the IRS, I got an answer. Apparently, this happened to a lot of people by error.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.

Here's what the Employment Security Department needs to do right now to help people

Dec 9th, 2020 19m 7s

Working Washington is a workers group that fights to raise wages and improve labor standards, and it's had some big wins in Washington state, including the $15 minimum wage increase. Now the group has four wishes for the Employment Security Dep

Why is my unemployment appeal taking so long?

Oct 20th, 2020 27m 10s

If you've ever wanted to know how an appeal works in COVID times, there's no better person to explain it than Josh Sundt, the deputy chief administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings, the independent agency that considers

The community is on fire and burning to the ground

Sep 23rd, 2020 22m 57s

Season 2: With the first day of fall, comes a new season for the podcast. The Unemployment Law Project is a nonprofit that helps people with their unemployment appeals. The group says tens of thousands of people are not getting due process in t

Free food for kids under COVID program

Sep 22nd, 2020 4m 5s

Some caregivers are strapped for time, energy and money. If kids were in school, they'd be getting breakfast and lunch. The USDA is providing kids breakfast and lunch, and this is not related to free or reduced lunches. Every caregiver should c

$300 federal unemployment boost now processing in Washington

Sep 21st, 2020 2m 29s

The $300 federal boost is now being processed in Washington, and you may get an email from the ESD asking if you need it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

Your question: How do I know if the IRS withheld my stimulus for child support?

Sep 19th, 2020 3m 27s

One listener wants to know where the rest of her stimulus is after the IRS withheld $1200 for owed child support. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

How to talk to a real person at the IRS about your stimulus

Aug 19th, 2020 4m 4s

Take notes -- this is a step-by-step guide on how to "hack" the IRS' automated phone system and talk to a real person about your stimulus. This was written on a website, then verified by us.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.sp

Your question: How do you return a deceased person's stimulus check?

Aug 17th, 2020 3m 20s

Steve's wife Lucy passed away in 2019. Now he has to give back her stimulus check.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

Should you take a leave of absence from work?

Aug 17th, 2020 9m 39s

Some parents may not be aware they 're eligible to take 12 weeks of paid leave under the extended FMLA via the CARES Act. We asked Karin Jones, a partner with Stoel Rives in the labor and employment group to explain who's entitled to the benefi

Ever notice a random fee tacked on to your bill? Why it's NOT OK

Aug 15th, 2020 4m 50s

Ever looked closely at your bill to discover a small, random fee tacked on to the tab? Washington attorney general Bob Ferguson noticed, and he said it's illegal. He talks about the Honest Fees Initiative, and how you can get your money back.

More educators are leaving their jobs to be nannies -- is it an affordable option for families?

Aug 12th, 2020 9m 46s

As more educators leave their schools or childcare centers because of COVID concerns and shutdowns, many are choosing to be nannies. Rebecca Dyk, owner of A Nanny For U, says the nanny pool is more educated than ever, and many are now getting h

Your question: Why haven't I received a stimulus for an adult dependent?

Jul 29th, 2020 1m 51s

Even if you didn't qualify for the first stimulus, there's a chance you might be eligible for the second check. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

Real unemployment questions

Jul 20th, 2020 6m 3s

We asked real people Steve, Melaina, Dawn and Tim from last episode to answer real unemployment questions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

Real people, real unemployment problems, and maybe real solutions

Jul 17th, 2020 16m 19s

As thousands of people struggle with getting unemployment benefits, a few have become fierce advocates to help resolve claims as they endure very real challenges, like homelessness. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.co

The $1k Project

Jul 15th, 2020 4m 17s

Struggling families can get $1,000 a month for three months through The $1k Project. And it opens a conversation about direct giving. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michellelitv/message

The Unemployment Law Project

Jul 12th, 2020 13m 28s

The Unemployment Law Project is a non-profit that helps people appeal their unemployment claims once denied. The group has also been a place for people to turn to when they have gone weeks without receiving benefits.--- Send in a voice mess