Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Washington

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington State Health Care Authority, Washington State Department of Health

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and April (HUD limits). State programs may change with legislative budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or 1-866-426-9378 • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at Washington Connection – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call your local Community Action Agency immediately – find yours at 211 • Eviction notice: Call Northwest Justice Project at 1-888-201-1014 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at esd.wa.gov or 1-800-318-6022 • Need health coverage: Apply at WA Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at your local health department – find yours at doh.wa.gov • Domestic violence: Call 1-800-562-6025 (24/7 confidential hotline)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

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If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP (Basic Food) benefits online at Washington Connection. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, contact your local WIC clinic. Many offer same-day appointments if space is available.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your power company and ask for a “payment arrangement” or “hardship extension” – many give you 30-60 days • Call 211 immediately and ask for your local Community Action Agency for LIHEAP crisis assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment – crisis cases often get priority

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call Northwest Justice Project at 1-888-201-1014 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for TANF (WorkFirst) cash assistance at Washington Connection. A family of three with no income would receive a monthly TANF grant of $654.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at esd.wa.gov or 1-800-318-6022. Washington pays up to $1,152 per week for up to 26 weeks.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-4 weeks. Unemployment takes 2-3 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

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Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, TANF, and Apple Health use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • Washington expanded Medicaid – adults up to 138% of federal poverty level qualify for Apple Health • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are years long in most areas

Washington advantages: The state has higher benefit amounts than many states, expanded Medicaid, and no asset limits for SNAP.

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Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Basic Food Program) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. Washington has expanded eligibility beyond standard federal SNAP requirements and has no asset limits.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits for federal fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – September 2025):

*Washington uses broad-based categorical eligibility, which removes gross income limits for most households. Net income must still be at or below 100% of federal poverty level.

How to apply:

1. Go to Washington Connection
2. Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
3. Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
4. Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 7-10 days)
5. Call 1-877-501-2233 if you need help

Timeline: Emergency SNAP takes up to 7 days if you qualify. Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills • Bank statements

Reality check: The minimum benefit for households of one or two people is $23. Most working families get reduced amounts based on their net income.

TANF (WorkFirst Cash Assistance) (Source: Washington DSHS, 2025)

What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 19 in school or under 18. Most families are required to participate in the WorkFirst program for job training and work activities.

How much you can get: A family of three with no income would receive a monthly TANF grant of $654. When a household member starts working, only half of the earnings count against the grant.

TANF Payment Schedule (Washington DSHS, 2025)

Income limits: In Washington State, a family is considered “needy” when their gross countable income is less than $1,912 a month for a family of three.

How to apply:

1. Apply at Washington Connection (same application as SNAP)
2. Attend required interview
3. Agree to participate in WorkFirst program if required (up to 40 hours/week of work or training)
4. Cooperate with Division of Child Support unless it would cause physical or emotional harm

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-4 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: TANF families are limited to 60 months of benefits in their lifetime unless they qualify for a time limit extension. If DCS receives current child support payments, you get a pass-through payment of up to $50 per month with one child or up to $100 per month with two or more children.

Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA)

If you choose to receive DCA, you are eligible for only one 30-day period per year — up to a maximum benefit of $2,000. This is for families facing temporary financial crisis who can avoid ongoing TANF.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal.

How much you can get: Cash value benefits for fresh produce vary by category – approximately $26/month per child, $47/month for pregnant and postpartum women, $52/month for breastfeeding women (amounts subject to federal updates).

Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level as of July 2025:

How to apply: Contact your local WIC clinic through your county health department. Find locations at doh.wa.gov. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may be eligible for WIC.

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Health Coverage Options

Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) (Washington State Health Care Authority, 2025)

Adults (19-64): Adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) qualify. For 2025, this means approximately $1,732/month for one person or $3,303/month for a family of three (amounts updated annually each April).

Pregnant Women: Pregnant women with incomes up to 198% of poverty qualify. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.

Children: Children with household incomes up to 200% of FPL are eligible for no-premium Medicaid; children with household incomes 200-300% of FPL eligible with premium.

How to apply: Apply at WA Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633. You can also apply through Washington Connection for most Apple Health programs.

Apple Health Coverage Features (HCA, 2025)

Most individuals who qualify for Washington Medicaid will have no monthly premium, no copay, and no out-of-pocket costs for covered services.

Covered services include: • Medical, dental, and vision care • Mental health and substance use treatment • Prescription medications • Transportation to medical appointments

Reality check: As of July 2024, Apple Health became available to undocumented immigrant adults with eligible incomes, but enrollment was capped at 13,000 and filled quickly.

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Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, households must have 50% or less of area median income (AMI). Examples for 2025:

Pierce County Income Limits (Pierce County Housing Authority, 2025):

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $2,000/month, you’d pay about $600 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: With only 29 affordable rental homes available for every 100 extremely low-income renters statewide, the demand for Section 8 housing in Washington is higher than ever. Waiting lists are extremely long.

How to apply:

1. Find your local Public Housing Authority using HUD’s directory
2. Apply when waiting lists open (they announce this on their websites)
3. Apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances

Major Washington Housing Authorities: • Seattle: Seattle Housing Authority – (206) 615-3300, seattlehousing.org • King County (outside Seattle): King County Housing Authority – (206) 574-1100, kcha.org • Pierce County: Pierce County Housing Authority – (253) 620-5400, pchawa.org • Spokane: Spokane Housing Authority – (509) 328-2953, spokanehousing.org • Vancouver: Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver – (360) 694-2501, hacv.org

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

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Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits (Washington Employment Security Department, 2025)

How much you can get: Washington’s maximum weekly benefit amount is $1,152 for 2025. The minimum is $366 per week. For new claims filed on or after July 7, 2024, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $342 and the maximum is $1,079 (conflicting sources suggest the maximum may vary – verify with ESD).

How long: Up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits.

How to apply:

1. File online at esd.wa.gov
2. Call 1-800-318-6022 if you can’t apply online
3. You must file weekly claims and complete 3 job search activities per week

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing. There’s a one-week waiting period.

Reality check: Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can elect to have 10% withheld for federal taxes to avoid a big bill later.

Job Training and Support

If you’re on TANF, you may be required to participate in the WorkFirst program – up to 40 hours per week of work activities, job training, or education.

WorkFirst Support Services can help with: • Child care assistance • Transportation assistance • Work clothes and supplies • Job search support • Skills training

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Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,800/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (reduced due to income) • WIC: $78/month in produce benefits (if kids under 5) • Apple Health for children: Yes • Apple Health for mom: Yes (under 138% FPL limit) • TANF: No (income too high) • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits and waiting lists

Reality: She’d get food and health coverage help but still struggle with housing costs.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living Alone

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $291/month • WIC: $47/month in produce benefits
• Apple Health pregnancy coverage: Yes (up to 198% FPL) • TANF: Yes, $435/month for one person • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Apple Health in 2-3 weeks, TANF in 2-4 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $4,500/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: Up to $1,152/week for 26 weeks • SNAP: About $300-400/month initially (more when unemployment runs out) • Apple Health for child: Yes • Apple Health for mom: Yes (under 138% FPL) • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – benefits are based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

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Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor • Contact Lambda Legal (1-866-542-8336) for legal support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Apple Health • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible • Ask about “child-only” TANF if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities • Contact Seattle VA at (206) 762-1010 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency Medicaid) may be available regardless of status • Undocumented immigrant adults became eligible for Apple Health in July 2024, but enrollment was capped

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal housing office in addition to applying to state housing authorities
• Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and Community Action office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

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Washington Housing Assistance by Region

King County (Seattle Area)

• Seattle Housing Authority: (206) 615-3300, seattlehousing.org • King County Housing Authority (suburban): (206) 574-1100, kcha.org • DSHS Community Services: Call 1-877-501-2233 • Legal Services: Northwest Justice Project – 1-888-201-1014

Pierce County (Tacoma Area)

• Pierce County Housing Authority: (253) 620-5400, pchawa.org • DSHS Pierce County: Find office at dshs.wa.gov/office-locations

Spokane County

• Spokane Housing Authority: (509) 328-2953, spokanehousing.org • Benefits: DSHS 1-877-501-2233

Snohomish County

• Housing Authority of Snohomish County: (425) 290-8499, hasco.org • Benefits: DSHS 1-877-501-2233

Clark County (Vancouver)

• Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver: (360) 694-2501, hacv.org • Benefits: DSHS 1-877-501-2233

Other Counties

• Start with 211 for local Community Action agencies and housing resources • Benefits: DSHS 1-877-501-2233; Washington Connection

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Program Comparison Table

*Net income must be at or below federal poverty level.

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Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/TANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: DSHS often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not requesting expedited service: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported within 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

1. Request written reason for denial
2. File appeal within 90 days (DSHS programs) or follow program-specific appeal timelines
3. Get help from Northwest Justice Project: 1-888-201-1014
4. Consider reapplying if you have new information or documentation

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When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact local food banks at foodbank.org • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into Salvation Army and local food pantries

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs through 211

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan or medical necessity extension • Get doctor’s note if anyone has health conditions requiring power • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

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Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, TANF, Apple Health online • Call local WIC clinic for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable • Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/TANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • TANF decision and first payment • Apple Health coverage starts • Begin required work activities if applicable

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

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Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, Washington has some of the most generous income limits. SNAP and WIC support working families. Apple Health covers adults up to 138% of federal poverty level. Working actually helps you qualify for child care assistance.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has stricter limits. Apple Health cuts off at 138% FPL for adults. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together for SNAP. For housing programs, they look at your individual income. For TANF, household composition matters.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions. Washington has no vehicle limits for SNAP.

“How long can I get help?”

SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) TANF: 60-month lifetime limit
WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum Unemployment: 26 weeks maximum Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 90 days. Get help from Northwest Justice Project (1-888-201-1014). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Undocumented immigrant adults became eligible for Apple Health in July 2024, but enrollment was capped and filled quickly.

Language assistance: DSHS and most agencies provide interpreters and translated documents. Call the main DSHS number (1-877-501-2233) and ask for language assistance.

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Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 Washington: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone or 1-866-426-9378 • DSHS Customer Service: 1-877-501-2233 • Apple Health Customer Service: 1-800-562-3022
• WA Healthplanfinder: 1-855-923-4633 • Unemployment (ESD): 1-800-318-6022 • Northwest Justice Project: 1-888-201-1014

Crisis Support

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-6025 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Washington Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511

Online Applications

• SNAP/TANF/Apple Health: washingtonconnection.org • Apple Health only: wahealthplanfinder.org • Unemployment: esd.wa.gov • Housing Authorities: Find yours through HUD directory

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): doh.wa.gov • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • Washington State ID: dol.wa.gov

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Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

Washington has higher benefit amounts than most states, but they still won’t cover all your expenses. TANF amounts haven’t increased significantly in years. Use these programs as a foundation while you build stability, not as a permanent solution.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Washington enforces these requirements and will reduce or cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits, gig work earnings. Programs share information with each other. Unreported income can result in overpayments, penalties, and permanent disqualification.

About Housing Costs

Even with assistance, housing costs in Washington are extremely high. Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver have some of the highest rents in the nation. Rural areas may be more affordable but have fewer services and job opportunities.

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Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Northwest Justice Project at 1-888-201-1014.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

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Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Washington

Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)

• Emergencia: Llame 911 • Necesita refugio: Llame 211 o 1-866-426-9378 • Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en washingtonconnection.org – beneficios en 7 días • Van a cortar la luz: Llame a su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local • Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en esd.wa.gov o 1-800-318-6022 • Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC a su departamento de salud local

Programas Principales

SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Solicite en washingtonconnection.org TANF (Ayuda en Efectivo): Hasta $745/mes para familia de 4. Debe participar en WorkFirst. WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): Comida especial para embarazadas y niños menores de 5. Apple Health: Cobertura médica gratuita hasta 138% del nivel de pobreza federal. Sección 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera muy largas).

Números Importantes

• DSHS: 1-877-501-2233 (servicios de traducción disponibles) • Apple Health: 1-800-562-3022 • WA Healthplanfinder: 1-855-923-4633 • Desempleo: 1-800-318-6022 • Servicios Legales: 1-888-201-1014

Nota: Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados. Los adultos indocumentados calificaron para Apple Health en julio 2024, pero la inscripción se llenó rápidamente.

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About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington State Health Care Authority, and Washington State Department of Health.

This comprehensive resource follows our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Contact corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve Washington families better.

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Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – dshs.wa.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • Washington State Health Care Authority – hca.wa.gov • Washington State Department of Health (WIC) – doh.wa.gov • Washington Employment Security Department – esd.wa.gov • Northwest Justice Project – nwjustice.org • Washington 211 – wa211.org