Listing of self-help materials and informational publications.
There are 73 resources
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Solving problems with DSHS
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
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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
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PDF File
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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
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Russian / Pусский
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Spanish / Español
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
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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
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Russian / Pусский
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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
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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
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PDF File
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
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PDF File
Immigrant Eligibility for Disaster Assistance
(Separate Website)
The information provided here is for families with members who are not U.S. citizens. It also
applies to agencies that help immigrant families affected by a disaster.
By: National Immigration Law Center
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
Immigration issues affecting youth and children
Mediation: Should I Use It? 3226EN - Mediation is an informal way to resolve disputes without going to court. The parties attempt to negotiate a mutually agreeable settlement with the help of a neutral mediator. Mediation can be used in many types of disputes.
By: Northwest Women's Law Center - Legal Information and Referral Line
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Spanish / Español
Other immigration issues
10 Year Cancellation of Removal: What You Should Know Cancellation of Removal is a last chance for people who have already been detained and are in process of deportation to appeal to a judge for a waiver of deportation.
By: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
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Spanish / Español
A Guide for Immigrants, Limited English Persons and Their Advocates to Federally Subsidized Housing
A detailed guide for immigrants and non-english speakers to federally subsidized housing programs.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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PDF File
Domestic Violence: Questions and Answers for Immigrant and Refugee Women
3708EN - If you are being hurt by your husband, you may be eligible for legal status without his cooperation. You have the right to be free from violence in your home. This publication provides important information on what you can do to protect you and your family.
By: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
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Chinese / 中文
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Spanish / Español
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Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Don't Vote Unless You Are a U.S. Citizen
Only citizens can vote in Federal, State and most local elections. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are not eligible to vote until they become naturalized U.S. citizens.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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