Cash assistance

Know Your Rights

Other Public Problems

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.

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

When DSHS or DCYF thinks you made an intentional program violation

Answers to common questions and important information that you should know if you are being accused of intentionally violating a public assistance program rule (sometimes called welfare fraud). #7116EN

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

When DSHS or DCYF thinks you made an intentional program violation

Answers to common questions and important information that you should know if you are being accused of intentionally violating a public assistance program rule (sometimes called welfare fraud). #7116EN

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

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 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

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