Washington LawHelp

General Info (4)+

• Applying for Public Assistance

  Information about the application process to receive public assistance. #7903EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Russian / Pусский

• Exception to Rule (ETR): DSHS Programs

  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) can give you some benefits even if you do not meet all their requirements. This is an “exception to a rule” or “ETR.” #7101EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Russian / Pусский

• Help for People Unable to Work: ABD and HEN

  The ABD and HEN programs may be able to help you if you have very low income and resources AND are unable to work due to disability or incapacity. Read more for details. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Your Rights Dealing with DSHS

  This lists services available by DSHS and your rights when dealing with this state agency. #7900EN. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Russian / Pусский

Denials and Terminations (2)+

• ABD Denial/Termination: Medical Reasons

  The ABD program provides income and medical coverage if you are a citizen or eligible immigrant, you have income and resources within Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) rules, and you are "disabled." "Disabled" means you are unable to work due to physical or mental conditions (or both) that either have lasted or are expected to last at least nine months. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• How to Fight a Denial or Termination of Eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral Program for Medical Reasons

  The HEN Referral Program can provide non-cash help for people who are unable to work. You must meet the income and incapacity requirements to establish eligibility for the HEN Referral Program. This publication explains what you can do if DSHS denies or terminates your eligibility for the HEN Referral Program. Publication #7813EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Overpayments (1)+

• DSHS and HCA Overpayments: What is “Equitable Estoppel”?

  Read this if DSHS sends you a notice saying you owe them money (an overpayment) because they gave you benefits they should not have and the overpayment was not your fault, and you cannot afford to repay it. You should ask for an administrative hearing. You have a legal defense against the overpayment. #7912EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Public Benefits and Accommodations (2)+

• 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. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• 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 Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Ukrainian / Українська