Public benefits for immigrants and refugees

Legal Information

In this section of Washington LawHelp you will find general legal information and resources about public benefits for immigrants and refugees in Washington state.

• I am Undocumented. Am I Eligible for Public Assistance?

  7934EN - This brochure will tell you what benefits you may be eligible for if you are undocumented. If you have a different immigration status please read one of our other brochures in this series. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Public Charge: When is it safe for immigrants to use public benefits? PDF

  8120EN - This publication explains the U.S. government's published guidance on the "public charge" rules, which govern when receiving public benefits may affect your immigration status or your ability to travel outside of the U.S. We also explain when it is and isn't safe to use public benefits. Content Detail

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Washington Public Assistance for Family Visa Beneficiaries PDF

  7922EN - This publication explains what public benefits you may be eligible for if you are a family visa beneficiary. You are a family visa beneficiary if you got lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (your “green card”) because a family member filed a family visa petition for you. Content Detail

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Washington Public Assistance for “Lawfully Present” Non-Citizens

  7928EN - This publication is for certain immigration applicants and non-citizens who do not yet have their green cards, but who are considered by the Department of Social and Health Services (“DSHS”) to be “lawfully present” in the U.S. Persons who are “lawfully present” are eligible for some state and federal benefits programs, provided that they meet other program requirements. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• WA Public Assistance for Victims of Trafficking

  7933EN - This publication will tell you what benefits you may be eligible for if you are a victim of trafficking. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Washington Public Assistance for Public Interest Parolees

  7930EN - This publication will tell you what benefits you may be eligible for if you are a public interest parolee (paroled for a period of at least one year). If you have a different immigration status please read one of our other brochures in this series. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Washington Public Assistance for Refugees and Humanitarian Entrants

  7932EN - (Includes Refugees, Asylees, Persons Granted Withholding of Deportation, Cuban-Haitian Entrants and Special Immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan) Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Washington Public Assistance for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence PDF

  7924EN - This publication will tell you what benefits you may be eligible for if you are an immigrant and a victim of domestic violence. If you have a different immigration status, please read one of our other publications on this topic. Content Detail

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Help With Medical Bills for Immigrants without Legal Immigration Status PDF

  8144EN - Describes what programs are available and who is eligible for medical bill help. Content Detail

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Do I Qualify for DSHS Services?

  Find out what benefits you may quality for. Read More

  By:

  Department of Social and Health Services

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Will Using Benefits Hurt My Chances of Getting a Green Card or Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

  8118EN - Describes situations when it is appropriate to use different government benefit programs depending on your immigration status. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Questions and Answers for Immigrants Who Want To Apply For SSI

  7502EN - Find out who is eligible to receive SSI. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• How to Fight a Denial of DSHS Public Assistance

  7100EN - 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. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Russian / Pусский

  Spanish / Español

• How To Fight an Overpayment of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps

  7104EN - 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. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  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. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Russian / Pусский

  Spanish / Español