Frequently Asked Questions
We've combined a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you better understand the program, and resources to assist you if you have questions. If you still have questions, please contact the program administrator.
What is the purpose of the homeless service workers stipend program?
The stipend is intended to help provide economic relief to homeless service workers who work in an industry that is struggling with staffing shortages and worker retention.
What is an ‘eligible entity’ (organization)?
The authorizing legislation for this program defines "eligible entity" as an organization that state agencies or local governments grant or subcontract to provide homeless services under their homeless housing program as defined in RCW 43.185C.010. The list of eligible entities for this program is from the annual homeless housing project inventory completed by local governments and submitted to the Washington State legislature via the Dept. of Commerce.
List of eligible organizations (updated 3/16/2023)
If you believe an eligible organization is missing from this list, please contact the program administrator.
Who are homeless service workers?
Full-time, part-time employees or independent contractors working directly on-site with persons experiencing homelessness or residents of transitional or permanent supportive housing.
Who is eligible to receive the stipend?
An eligible homeless service worker must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are currently employed at an ‘eligible entity’, or eligible organization
- You are a homeless service worker employee living in Washington State
- You have an immediate economic need (you can self-attest to this)
- Your income is at or below 80 % of your area median income
- You work full-time or part-time directly on-site with persons experiencing homelessness or residents of transitional or permanent supportive housing.
- Please note: Applicants do not need to be 18 years of age or older.
I have not applied yet. What is the last day to apply for Stipend #1?
The last day to submit application for Stipend #1 is June 2, 2023.
I was approved for Stipend #1 in 2022. When does the application open for Stipend #2?
Applicants awarded Stipend #1 on or before December 22, 2022, will be sent instructions viatheir registered email to apply for Stipend #2 approximately five months after their award date.
Where do I go to log into my account and update my FORWARD profile and/or upload my new documents?
1. Log into your FORWARD account, go to ABOUT

Check/update my address (if needed) and my INCOME information (required). In the DOCUMENTS section uploaded your pay stub for THE SAME eligible entity as Stipend

- Wait for the email to tell you that your application is active to apply in the portal. When you log into the FORWARD portal and click on MY APPLICATION, you will see if you are eligible to apply for Stipend #2 if the STATUS is “Eligible for Next Application."

- Click on PROGRAMS and you will see the INVITATION ONLY Stipend #2 application. Complete the application and SUBMIT it. Make sure you have uploaded your pay stub (required) and corrected W 9/ID (if needed, optional)
How do I know when I was approved for Stipend #1?
You received an email from forward-notification@livestories.com on the date you were approved. The email you receive to notify you to apply for Stipend #2 will contain your approval date in red. As well as the date you can expect to be approved for Stipend #2. You can also check the approval date of your application by emailing stipendwa-support@livestories.zendesk.com
I was approved for Stipend #1 after December 22, 2022, will I be eligible for Stipend #2?
Applicants approved for Stipend #1 after December 22, 2022 ARE NOT eligible for Stipend #2.
What if my address changed after I got my check for Stipend #1?
Log into your FORWARD account and update the address in both the CONTACT tab and the MAILING ADDRESS section.
When does my Stipend #2 application needs to be approved by?
Applications for the second stipend payment must be approved no later than June 9, 2023.
I was approved for Stipend #1. What is the last day to apply for Stipend #2?
The last day to submit application for Stipend #2 is June 2, 2023.
What happens if I submit my application, but my W-9 is filled out incorrectly?
If your W-9 was filled out incorrectly, it will need to be amended.
In that case, our staff may call you from a number you do not recognize. We will never ask you for private information, only how to properly re-submit your W-9. Please keep an eye out for this phone call. Please sign, date, and upload the completed form into the Forward application platform
My application was approved. When will I receive my stipend?
Once your application is approved, you can expect payment within 2-4 weeks.
Who administers the applications?
LiveStories, a U.S. company, created FORWARD to simplify the management of assistance programs. With FORWARD, local governments and non-profits can connect households and businesses to resources, collect applications, process payments, and drive equity. Contact the program administrator.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the application and the process?
Visit the Contact page to reach the Program administrator.
How long does it take to get approved?
The approval process can take up to 60 days from the time of application.
How will I learn if I my application was approved?
You will receive an automatic email message from the program administrator at the time of approval. You can also contact the program administrator to learn about the status of your application.
I was approved. When can I expect my stipend payment?
Once your application is approved, you can expect payment within 2-4 weeks.
I was not approved for a stipend. Can I appeal the decision?
If an application was denied, written notice of the denial will be provided to the applicant. Applicants denied have the right to file a grievance if they disagree with the program administrator’s (LiveStories) decision. The Grievance Procedure will be included in the written notice for denial.
Are taxes deducted from the stipend payment?
No, you are responsible for paying any and all taxes associated with your stipend. You will receive an IRS Form 1099 from the program administrator to file with your annual federal personal income tax for 2022 and/or 2023 (depending on when you receive stipend payments).
To prevent disruption of income-based social services, please consult with your service provider(s) to ensure this stipend will not affect your benefits eligibility. (For example, if you are a recipient of SNAP benefits, please check with DSHS on the impact of this additional income on your food and/or cash benefits eligibility.)
Please use this tax bracket calculator to determine your tax liability.
I received my approval notice and IRS 1099, but it is from GEOCKO, INC. Is this correct?
Yes, Geocko, Inc. is the parent company of FORWARD.
If you were awarded a stipend payment in 2022, an IRS tax form 1099 reporting that payment has been mailed and/or emailed to you from GEOCKO, INC. The email will come from a service called Track1099 1099 & W-2.
Will this program collect demographic data?
Anonymous demographic data will be collected for applicants receiving a stipend payment over $1,000. This data includes recipient age, gender, length of time at the current agency, salary/wage, educational attainment, race, ethnicity, and geographic location.
How do I know my information is secure?
LiveStories, the program administrator of the FORWARD platform is committed to protecting your privacy and will never share or disclose your information without your consent. Click here for FORWARD’s Privacy Policy.
Questions?
There is a dedicated support team ready to help you with any quesitons you may have.
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