Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Provides monthly checks for people who have worked in the past and who are now unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. SSDI checks may start at the sixth full month of the disability, although claims may be filed before that time.   Claims may also be filed for up to 12 months retroactively.   Individuals with disabilities may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services which could result in a return to work.   Recipients of SSDI may also be eligible for Medicare benefits.   Offers a Compassionate Allowances initiative that benefits people with certain rare diseases.   This initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe.   Currently, many people with rare diseases experience lengthy delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.   

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

System Navigation helps families and individuals navigate resources and applications at the local, state and federal level with Spanish language access. SERVICES WE CAN PROVIDE Bill Assistance Navigation: PSE Utility Discount Enrollment, SCL Utility Discount Enrollment Housing: Mediation planning & Tenant Rights Workshops, Housing navigation & guidance Government Programs: SNAP, DSHS, Disability, SSI, Unemployment Translation/Interpretation support - i.e., Medical Charity Application, Records Request for Police Reports, Motor vehicle claim for damages (initial report only) Transportation: Bus Tickets distribution (Adult & RRFP), ORCA Lift referral, Access KCM, Parking Permits, Disabled Parking Pass, Residential Disabled Request Form, Car registration FAQs

Provides free legal advice and direct representation for public benefits cases with DSHS where benefits have been denied, reduced, overpaid or terminated. These cases include: - Basic Food/food stamps - TANF - ABD (formerly GAU/GAX/Disability Lifeline programs) - Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral - WA Apple Health (Medicaid) - Medical assistance (including issues with prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, managed care programs, specific medical treatment/services) - Childcare - Emergency financial aid (including AREN, DCA and Refugee Cash Assistance) - Alien Emergency Medical Program - State long-term care cases (can only assist with issues of financial eligibility) - Medicare Savings Program

Pays out permanent partial disability awards based on legal statute and determined by degree of bodily impairment.   Pension benefits are paid when the job injury results in a permanent inability to work at gainful employment.   Interpreter services are available upon request with one day notice.

Provides monthly checks for people who have worked in the past and who are now unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. SSDI checks may start at the sixth full month of the disability, although claims may be filed before that time.   Claims may also be filed for up to 12 months retroactively.   Individuals with disabilities may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services which could result in a return to work.   Recipients of SSDI may also be eligible for Medicare benefits.   Offers a Compassionate Allowances initiative that benefits people with certain rare diseases.   This initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe.   Currently, many people with rare diseases experience lengthy delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.   

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Pays out permanent partial disability awards based on legal statute and determined by degree of bodily impairment.   Pension benefits are paid when the job injury results in a permanent inability to work at gainful employment.   Interpreter services are available upon request with one day notice.

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Pays out permanent partial disability awards based on legal statute and determined by degree of bodily impairment.   Pension benefits are paid when the job injury results in a permanent inability to work at gainful employment.   Interpreter services are available upon request with one day notice.

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Provides monthly checks for people who have worked in the past and who are now unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. SSDI checks may start at the sixth full month of the disability, although claims may be filed before that time.   Claims may also be filed for up to 12 months retroactively.   Individuals with disabilities may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services which could result in a return to work.   Recipients of SSDI may also be eligible for Medicare benefits.   Offers a Compassionate Allowances initiative that benefits people with certain rare diseases.   This initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe.   Currently, many people with rare diseases experience lengthy delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.   

Provides monthly checks for people who have worked in the past and who are now unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. SSDI checks may start at the sixth full month of the disability, although claims may be filed before that time.   Claims may also be filed for up to 12 months retroactively.   Individuals with disabilities may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services which could result in a return to work.   Recipients of SSDI may also be eligible for Medicare benefits.   Offers a Compassionate Allowances initiative that benefits people with certain rare diseases.   This initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe.   Currently, many people with rare diseases experience lengthy delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.   

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Provides monthly checks for people who have worked in the past and who are now unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. SSDI checks may start at the sixth full month of the disability, although claims may be filed before that time.   Claims may also be filed for up to 12 months retroactively.   Individuals with disabilities may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services which could result in a return to work.   Recipients of SSDI may also be eligible for Medicare benefits.   Offers a Compassionate Allowances initiative that benefits people with certain rare diseases.   This initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe.   Currently, many people with rare diseases experience lengthy delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.   

Provides legal services related to Social Security benefits, including advocacy, counsel, advice, and sometimes full representation for low-income and homeless individuals with disabilities. Offers free self-help packets designed for those who need explanative information regarding their specific SSI/SSDI issue. Can assist with:   -  Overpayment and underpayments -  Terminations and reductions -  Continuing disability reviews -  Fraud (non-criminal only)   -  Age 18 re-determinations    -  Applications, denials, and appeals Also can assist if someone is having trouble accessing their benefits because of a warrant.

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Educates and assists clients with enrolling in state and federal assistance programs. Offers: - Energy Assistance (LIHEAP applications) - Basic Food Information and Applications - Lifeline Telephone Assistance - Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - Housing Assistance/Referrals - Low Income Subsidy Programs (LIS) Also: - Medicaid Insurance - Medicare Insurance - Medicare Part D Insurance - Phone Discount Assistance/Referral - Affordable Care Act Health Insurance

Contracts with Social Security Administration to adjudicate medical eligibility benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income rules and regulations.   Processes initial applications, reconsiderations, continuing disability reviews, continuing disability review reconsiderations and disability hearings.   The following claims are processed in the Washington DDDS: - Initial Applications - Reconsiderations - 1st appeal of denial - Continuing Disability Reviews - periodic reviews to determine if those who are on benefits still qualify. - Disability Hearings - face to face informal hearing as part of the appeal of Continuing Disability Review cessation. - DSHS Non-Grant Medical Assistance

Provides financial assistance to Washington residents in need who meet eligibility requirements. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/WorkFirst): -  Provides monthly cash grants and medical assistance to eligible low-income families with minor children in the home. -  Applicants attend a WorkFirst orientation and eligibility interview.   -  Pregnant and parenting minors may be eligible for TANF benefits if they meet additional eligibility requirements, as determined by a DSHS social worker.   -  Adults may also be eligible for WorkFirst support, which will pay for items clients must have in order to look for work, prepare for work or accept a better job. -  Assistance may include transportation, car repairs, interview and work clothes, licenses and tools and equipment.   -  Assistance will be provided via vouchers or pre-paid merchant cards.   Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD): -  Provides financial assistance for people with a long-term or permanent disability, or who are blind, or who are age 65 or older and meet income and resource requirements.     Emergency Assistance: -  TANF, Workfirst, SFA and RCA clients may apply for supplemental financial assistance when faced with an emergency caused by circumstances out of their control.   -  Funding may be approved for rent (EVICTION NOTICES); electric, gas, heating fuel, water/sewer or telephone utility shut-off notices; or deposit move-in costs for homeless individuals and families.   -  Includes Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN). AREN payments may be made up to a maximum of $750 in a 12-month period.   - Also includes WorkFirst support services, which helps with rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, moving costs, all housing-related fees, hookup fees, refundable and non-refundable deposits, and temporary housing for households participating in WorkFirst. Up to $5,000 is available in a 12-month period. Pregnant Women's Assistance: - Provides financial assistance for pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF but meet TANF income and resource requirements. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA): -  Provides a cash grant program designed to prevent households with children from having to enroll in public assistance, by assisting with living expenses for needs such as: - Housing - Transportation - Child care - Food and employment-related expenses.   Clients may be referred to DSHS non-cash programs such as food stamps. Staff may also refer to other social service programs including domestic violence services, clothing banks, food pantries, etc. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): -  Provides housing and essential needs vouchers for adults who have a shorter-term disability and meet income and resource requirements.   Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): -  Cash assistance is available to refugees with no minor children for the first eight months after their arrival.   -  Refugees with minor children are likely eligible for TANF.   State Family Assistance: -  Cash assistance program established for legal immigrants with dependent children who are ineligible for TANF because of immigrant status.

Contracts with Social Security Administration to adjudicate medical eligibility benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income rules and regulations.   Processes initial applications, reconsiderations, continuing disability reviews, continuing disability review reconsiderations and disability hearings.   The following claims are processed in the Washington DDDS: - Initial Applications - Reconsiderations - 1st appeal of denial - Continuing Disability Reviews - periodic reviews to determine if those who are on benefits still qualify. - Disability Hearings - face to face informal hearing as part of the appeal of Continuing Disability Review cessation. - DSHS Non-Grant Medical Assistance

Provides monthly checks for people who have worked in the past and who are now unable to work because of a disability. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. SSDI checks may start at the sixth full month of the disability, although claims may be filed before that time.   Claims may also be filed for up to 12 months retroactively.   Individuals with disabilities may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services which could result in a return to work.   Recipients of SSDI may also be eligible for Medicare benefits.   Offers a Compassionate Allowances initiative that benefits people with certain rare diseases.   This initiative will fast-track applications for Social Security disability for applicants with any of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers whose medical conditions are very severe.   Currently, many people with rare diseases experience lengthy delays when they apply for Social Security assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with their diseases.