Listing of self-help materials and informational publications.
There are 20 resources
General information
Navigating DSHS: A Road Map to Programs and Services
(Separate Website)
A 16 page guide describing the various program available through DSHS.
By: Department of Social and Health Services
Applying for Public Assistance
Information about the application process to receive public assistance.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Department of Social and Health Services Web Site
(Separate Website)
Information about government services and how to apply for them. Information provided in many languages.
By: DSHS
DSHS Help for People with Disabilities: Necessary Supplemental Accomodations
If you get DSHS benefits, such as TANF, SFA, GAU, Medicaid, or food assistance, DSHS must accommodate your disabilities. This means that DSHS must try to make their services and benefits available to you to the same extent that they are available to people without a disability.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
What Are My Rights? Dealing with DSHS
This publication lists services available by DSHS and your rights when dealing with this state agency.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Solving problems
Exception to Rule (ETR) DSHS Programs
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is able to give you some types of benefits even if you don't meet all of the requirements. This is called an "exception to a rule" or "ETR". DSHS considers ETR requests on a case-by-case basis and approves requests only in limited circumstances.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
How to Fight a Denial of DSHS Public Assistance
This publication explains your rights if you apply for cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and their office denies you benefits.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How To Fight a Termination or Reduction of DSHS Public Assistance
7102EN - This publication explains your rights if the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) tells you that it will stop or cut back the cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance they have been giving you. The most important thing to know is that you must ask for a fair hearing soon, usually within 10 days of being mailed written notice, to keep getting your benefits while you appeal.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How To Fight an Overpayment of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps
An overpayment occurs when you receive benefits you are not eligible for according to DSHS rules. DSHS gets the benefits back by charging you with an overpayment. This publication provides info on the types of overpayments and what you can do if you disagree.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Representing Yourself at a Fair Hearing
If you don't agree with any decision, either verbal or written, made by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), you have the right to appeal that decision by asking for a fair hearing.
This publication tells you about 1) the deadline to request a fair hearing, 2) how to make the re-quest, 3) how to prepare for your hearing, and 4) what to expect at your hearing and afterward.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How to Present an Equitable Estoppel Defense at a DSHS Hearing
If you receive an overpayment notice from DSHS telling you that you owe them money or food stamps because they gave you benefits they should not have given you, and the overpayment was through no fault of yours, you should ask for a fair hearing because there is a legal defense against the overpayment. You must ask for the fair hearing within 90 days of the date of the overpayment notice. The notice will say the overpayment was unintentionally caused and will say you are required to repay it, but will not tell you that there is a legal defense against it. Read this publication to find out about an Equitable Estoppel defense.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Petition for Superior Court Review
If you disagree with the final fair hearing decision, you may appeal your case to a state Superior Court. The appeal is called a "Petition for Judicial Review of an Administrative Decision." Your appeal can be filed in either the Superior Court of the county where you live or in Thurston County Superior Court in Olympia.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Office of Administrative Hearings Web Site
(Separate Website)
The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is an independent state agency which conducts impartial administrative hearings for other government agencies. OAH was created in 1982 as an independent forum for citizens challenging government decisions. It provides independent, professional, and timely "due process" hearings for a wide variety of state and local agencies.
By: State of Washington Office of Administrative Hearings
WorkFirst Education and Training Opportunities Are you interested in training or education? You can ask your WorkFirst worker to add the options in this booklet to your IRP as WorkFirst activities. Most of these activities are not required. However, studies show that the best way to get and keep a good job is to improve your education and training. These options are often your best ticket out of the welfare system.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Washington State Human Rights Commission Web Site
(Separate Website)
The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission is to eliminate and prevent discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of resources, and the establishment of productive partnerships in the community.
By: Washington State Human Rights Commission
Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP)
WTAP is a benefit program that provides discounts on telephone fees for eligible households.
By: Columbia Legal Services
Other Formats:
PDF File
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Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Welfare Fraud: What You Need to Know
This publication answers common questions about welfare fraud and offers important information that you should know if you are being accused of welfare fraud.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
What Do I Do If DSHS Stops My Benefits Because I Am a "Fleeing Felon"?
If you are a fleeing felon, you are not eligible for many federal and state public benefits. This publication defines "feeling felon" and discusses the benefits that are affected.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
How to Fight a Termination of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability When SSA Decides You Are No Longer Disabled
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) believes that your medical condition has impro
Home Page
(Separate Website)
