Cash assistance
Know Your Rights
Am I eligible for DSHS benefits if I have an arrest warrant or violated probation or parole?
If you are a fleeing felon, you are not eligible for many federal and state public benefits. This publication defines "fleeing felon" and discusses the benefits that are affected. Publication #7406EN.
Applying for Public Assistance
Information about the application process to receive public assistance. #7903EN
DSHS benefits and lump sum payments
Read this if you get DSHS benefits and then you get a one-time payment such as a settlement from a court case, insurance claims or a back payment of benefits you are owed (such as from Social Security or L&I). You must report this kind of payment to DSHS. Publication #7140EN
DSHS Support Services for WorkFirst Participants
DSHS may provide goods and services for WorkFirst participants to help them look for work, prepare for work, or keep work. #7146EN
Petitioning for Superior Court Review: When you disagree with a DSHS/HCA benefits administrative hearing
If you appealed an agency decision about your public benefits and lost your administrative hearing, you can appeal the administrative law judge's decision. This packet explains when and how to do so, and has forms you can use. Packet #7917EN
The TANF five-year time limit
You might only be able to get TANF or SFA for 5 years. Read this to learn more. #7150EN
Your Rights Dealing with DSHS
Read about what services you can get from DSHS and what your rights are when dealing with this state agency. #7900EN.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): The Basics
TANF is the welfare program that gives cash grants to needy families. Read this to learn if you are eligible to get TANF and what is required of you if you get TANF. #7123EN
Additional Requirements (AR): Emergency Cash Help
If you qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), State Financial Assistance (SFA), or a Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) welfare grant through DSHS and you have an emergency, you may be eligible to get "Additional Requirements (AR).” AR is a once-a-year cash grant for emergency needs. 7108EN
Consolidated Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP): Extra Money for Needy Families
Learn more about this state emergency cash assistance program for families who cannot get TANF. #7106EN
Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): Emergency Cash Help
Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is an emergency grant to a family facing a temporary financial crisis. #7121EN
Additional Requirements (AR): Emergency Cash Help
If you qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), State Financial Assistance (SFA), or a Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) welfare grant through DSHS and you have an emergency, you may be eligible to get "Additional Requirements (AR).” AR is a once-a-year cash grant for emergency needs. 7108EN
Fighting an overpayment of cash or medical assistance
Use this when the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) or Health Care Authority (HCA) notifies you of a cash or medical overpayment. An overpayment is when you get benefits you are not eligible for according to DSHS or HCA rules. #7104EN
DSHS Help for People with Disabilities: Necessary Supplemental Accommodations
If you get DSHS benefits, such as TANF, SFA, Disability Lifeline, 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. #7151EN
How to Ask for a Reasonable Accommodation of Your Disability from the Office of Administrative Hearings
The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) must make sure its services and its hearings are fully available to all persons with disabilities. This may mean OAH needs to make a change in the way it handles a hearing or communicates with you to make sure you have the same chance to take part in the hearings as a person without disabilities. #8406EN
Your Rights Dealing with DSHS
Read about what services you can get from DSHS and what your rights are when dealing with this state agency. #7900EN.
DSHS benefits and lump sum payments
Read this if you get DSHS benefits and then you get a one-time payment such as a settlement from a court case, insurance claims or a back payment of benefits you are owed (such as from Social Security or L&I). You must report this kind of payment to DSHS. Publication #7140EN
TANF and WorkFirst for College Students
If you get a TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grant, you probably have to take part in WorkFirst if you want to go to college and keep getting TANF. #7138EN
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for Teen Parents
If you are a teenager under the age of 18, low income, and have children or are pregnant, you may be able to get help (money) from the state TANF program. Read on for answers to your questions about how to get TANF. Publication #7122EN
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): The Basics
TANF is the welfare program that gives cash grants to needy families. Read this to learn if you are eligible to get TANF and what is required of you if you get TANF. #7123EN
The TANF five-year time limit
You might only be able to get TANF or SFA for 5 years. Read this to learn more. #7150EN
How WorkFirst can help Survivors of Family Violence
DSHS will screen and identify TANF (Welfare) recipients for a history of family violence, notify TANF recipients about the Family Violence Amendment, maintain confidentiality, refer individuals needing counseling to supportive services, and waive Workfirst requirements where the requirements would make it more difficult to escape family violence, or put victims at further risk of family violence. #7124EN
Questions and Answers about WorkFirst: The Basics
Almost all families who get TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) must participate in Workfirst. Most parents must do a job search program and take a job if one is offered. #7126EN
TANF and WorkFirst for College Students
If you get a TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grant, you probably have to take part in WorkFirst if you want to go to college and keep getting TANF. #7138EN
TANF for working families
This should help you understand how working affects your family’s eligibility for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and other public benefits. #7137EN
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. #7135EN
WorkFirst: Individual Responsibility Plans (IRPs)
Read this if you have to do Workfirst. #7134EN
WorkFirst sanctions
Read this if DSHS is giving you less TANF or food stamps because they say you didn't follow their rules or otherwise cooperate. #7132EN