Basic Needs Assistance Programs

Basic Needs Assistance Programs is sponsored by Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Offers cash, food, and medical assistance to eligible individuals and families in Washington State.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | SUN Bucks benefits are on the way! Benefits started processing in June after a delay in federal funding. All eligible children are getting new SUN Bucks cards for summer 2026.

Please don’t request a replacement card. New cards will be mailed automatically. Card delivery times will vary and might take longer than expected due to card vendor processing times.

Washington Economic Justice Alliance DSHS is proud to host this important work toward a Washington free of poverty, where everyone can thrive and experience joy, belonging and dignity. DSHS is hosting a summer webinar series on federal legislation called H. R.

1, which makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid. The July 15 webinar will offer an overview of changes to SNAP. Am I eligible for food stamps/EBT?

How do I apply for cash or food assistance? How do I report food stamp/EBT fraud? What is TANF and how can it help with my medical expenses?

What medical programs are available? More Food, Cash & Medical Information What housing resources are available across the state? Where can I find help preventing or ending homelessness?

Can you help me find affordable, safe housing? Where can I find housing that meets a special need? How can I apply for the Housing and Essential Needs Program?

More Housing Assistance Information Our new office locator allows you to locate your nearest DSHS Office or Resource based on your zip code, city or county. More Office Locator Information How do I pay my child support? How do I receive my court ordered child support?

How do I enroll for child support? If I am raising my grandchild, can I collect child support from the parents? How does domestic violence impact my case?

As an employer, how do I report a new hire on the Internet? More Child Support Information Vocational Rehabilitation Vocational Rehabilitation Vocational rehabilitation What services are available to me? Services for individuals with disabilities Tribal vocational programs More Vocational Rehabilitation Information How do I report suspected abuse/neglect of a vulnerable adult?

How do I know if I am eligible for long-term care in my home or residential settings? Can you help me find a long-term care facility in WA State? How do I pay for long-term care?

Where can I find Caregiver support? How do I become a long-term care provider? How do I find deaf and hard of hearing services?

How can I learn more about remote caregiving and if it’s an option for me? More Adult Care Information How do I get free or low-cost health insurance to pay for treatment? Who can I talk to in a crisis?

More Mental Health Services Information If I have a disability how do I find a job? How can I find developmental disability information? How do I apply for Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Is there assistive technology for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind? I am trying to reach Disability Determination Services. What is the phone number?

I’m on Supplemental Security Income, can I still work? More Disability Support Information Economic Services Administration Economic Services Administration Nearly one out of every four Washington citizens turns to the Department of Social and Health Services' Economic Services Administration for assistance with cash, food, child support, child care, disability determination, transition to employment, and other services.

Core services focus on: Community Partnership Program Community Services Office Division of Child Support Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Disability Determination Services Office of Policy and Rules Language Testing and Certification Program Facilities, Finance and Analytics Administration Facilities, Finance and Analytics Administration Research and Data Analysis Procurements and Contracting Office of Fraud and Accountability Office of Financial Recovery Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Disabilities Resources for Job Seekers Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Find Counselors for the Deaf Aging and Long-Term Support Administration Aging and Long-Term Support Administration Provides services that empower senior citizens and people with disabilities to remain independent and supported in settings of their choice.

This is accomplished through person-centered case management that works with individuals to build a care plan that reflects the individual’s choices and preferences.

Long-Term Care Services & Information Long-Term Care Professionals & Providers Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Behavioral Health Administration Behavioral Health Administration Child Study and Treatment Center Office of Forensic Mental Health Services Services for American Indians and Alaska Natives Special Commitment Center Developmental Disabilities Administration Developmental Disabilities Administration Administers programs designed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to obtain services and supports based on individual preferences, capabilities, and needs.

DDCS strives to develop and implement public policies that promote: Sort by Need | Sort by Administration UPDATE: SUN Bucks is Back for 2026 Planning for Changes in Federal Immigration Policies and Practices In March 2026, DSHS found a former employee improperly viewed internal client data. The agency is notifying all affected individuals whose information may have been viewed. The full Notice of Breach can be found here .

Apply for services online Track my application and benefits Paying and Receiving Child Support Find a local service office Make a public records requests Find Research and Data Analysis Ask a question or submit a concern/complaint . Federal Government Shutdown Impacts Reimagine DSHS Organizational Changes Federal legislation changes and DSHS benefits (H. R.

1)