Grants for Single Mothers in Washington (2026 Guide)

Where to start when several bills are due

Washington uses different systems for different needs. One application will not cover everything. Pick the problem that cannot wait, then keep the other applications moving.

ASMOM’s Washington resource hub organizes state help by topic.

Quick Washington table: which door should you use?

Cash and emergency help

Washington’s main family cash program is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. TANF provides temporary monthly cash to some families with a minor child or a pregnant person. Some adults must take part in WorkFirst. A 60-month lifetime limit usually applies, although hardship extensions may be available.

Diversion Cash Assistance can cover housing, utilities, transportation, child care, medical, or employment needs when a family expects to meet ongoing costs afterward. Ask how accepting DCA would affect a later TANF application.

DSHS also runs emergency programs for families, pregnant people, and adults with serious work limits. The emergency cash page explains CEAP, AREN, DCA, PWA, and ABD. Pregnant Women Assistance may fit when a pregnant applicant is not eligible for TANF. ABD provides a Housing and Essential Needs referral, and some other adults unable to work for at least 90 days may qualify for a HEN referral. HEN services depend on local provider funding and are not guaranteed.

ASMOM’s Washington TANF guide covers cash rules in more detail.

Food help, WIC, and SUN Bucks

Basic Food is Washington’s SNAP program. Benefit amounts depend on household size, income, and allowed deductions. Complete the required interview. If your household has very little money or income, ask whether you qualify for expedited service within seven calendar days.

Washington also has a State Food Assistance Program for some lawfully admitted immigrants who cannot receive federal SNAP only because of immigration status. Ask DSHS how the rules apply to each person in a mixed-status family rather than assuming the whole household is ineligible.

Washington WIC provides food benefits, nutrition support, feeding help, and referrals for eligible pregnant or recently pregnant people, infants, and children under 5. The income limits changed July 1, 2026. The posted monthly limit is $5,088 for a four-person household. Call 1-800-841-1410 to find a clinic.

Washington SUN Bucks provides $120 for each eligible school-age child for summer food. The 2026 benefit period began June 15. Many children qualify automatically, while some families need to apply. DSHS reports that card delivery is taking longer for some households because of vendor delays.

ASMOM’s Washington food guide and Washington WIC guide explain the separate application paths.

Rent, eviction, shelter, and housing referrals

Washington does not have one statewide rent grant for all single mothers. Rent and shelter help is mainly local. Call 211 and ask for eviction prevention, family shelter, rent assistance, and the Coordinated Entry site for your county.

Coordinated Entry helps local homelessness systems review needs and match people to available services. It is not a promise of a hotel, shelter bed, voucher, or apartment. Keep calling if your location, family size, safety needs, or housing status changes.

If you have an eviction summons or court papers, use the state legal-help directory immediately. Low-income tenants can call the Eviction Defense Screening Line at 1-855-657-8387 to be screened for legal help or appointed counsel.

A HEN referral may help some adults who cannot work for at least 90 days because of a physical or mental condition. Local HEN providers may offer hygiene supplies, transportation, rent, or utility help, but availability depends on funding.

Use ASMOM’s Washington housing guide for shelters, vouchers, waitlists, and eviction steps.

Apple Health and pregnancy coverage

Apple Health is Washington’s Medicaid program. Most parents, children, pregnant people, and adults under 65 apply through Healthplanfinder. Apple Health can cover medical, dental, behavioral health, prescriptions, and other approved care.

The current income standards took effect April 1, 2026. The amounts below are gross monthly screening limits. Other coverage groups, deductions, immigration rules, and medically needy options may apply.

Include an unborn child in household size for pregnancy coverage. A person enrolled in Apple Health during pregnancy normally receives 12 months of after-pregnancy coverage after the pregnancy ends. People who were not enrolled during pregnancy may still apply for after-pregnancy coverage within the allowed period.

ASMOM’s Washington health guide covers applications, clinics, and coverage problems.

Child care, preschool, and young children

Working Connections Child Care pays part of approved child care costs for eligible families. The household must live in Washington, meet income and resource rules, and take part in an approved activity such as work, WorkFirst, BFET, or certain education programs.

For applications, income must usually be at or below 60% of state median income. Under the current table, a four-person household can have up to $6,965 in gross monthly income at application. A family renewing without a break may qualify up to 65% of state median income, or $7,546 for four people. Current monthly copays range from $0 to $165 for new applicants, based on income. Call 1-844-626-8687 or apply through Washington Connection.

You do not need a provider before applying, but payment cannot begin until you choose an eligible provider. Call 1-800-446-1114 for provider-search help. Apply early if you need infant care, evening care, rural care, or a provider near work or school.

Washington’s ECEAP preschool is free for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children and includes family support. Head Start and Early Head Start use separate local applications.

ASMOM’s Washington child care guide explains subsidy rules and provider searches.

Energy, water, phone, and internet help

The Washington LIHEAP program helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs through local agencies. Washington’s State Home Energy Assistance Program can serve some households with income above LIHEAP, up to 80% of area median income. Contact the local energy agency instead of applying to Commerce.

Call the utility when a shutoff notice arrives. Ask for a payment plan, low-income discount, hardship fund, budget billing, and medical or weather protection when relevant. An assistance application does not automatically stop disconnection.

Water, sewer, and garbage programs are usually run by the city, district, or local provider. Ask about low-income discounts, leak adjustments, emergency credits, and payment plans. ASMOM’s Washington utility guide lists current state and local starting points.

The federal Lifeline program may lower a qualifying household’s phone or internet bill. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. Eligibility can be based on income or participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or federal housing assistance.

Work, school, paid leave, and tax help

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Washington Paid Leave replaces part of a qualifying worker’s wages during approved family or medical leave. In 2026, weekly benefits range from $100 to $1,647. A worker may receive up to 12 weeks of family or medical leave, up to 16 combined weeks, or up to 18 weeks when pregnancy or birth complications qualify.

Jobs and training

WorkSource services help with job search, training, resumes, career planning, and local employment programs. Basic Food recipients who are not receiving TANF may qualify for the Basic Food Employment and Training program through community colleges or community organizations.

College and career aid

The Washington College Grant can pay toward college, certificates, apprenticeships, and career training. For 2026–2027, a student in a four-person family with annual income of $83,500 or less may receive a full award, depending on program and school costs. Apply through the FAFSA or WASFA unless an approved direct pathway applies.

ASMOM’s Washington education guide explains financial aid and school supports.

Working Families Tax Credit

The Working Families Tax Credit can provide up to $1,330 for the 2025 tax year. Applications opened February 1, 2026 and can be filed through December 31, 2029. The credit has residency, age, income, and federal Earned Income Tax Credit rules, but a valid ITIN can be used.

Child support, legal help, and family safety

Washington’s Division of Child Support can establish parentage, set or enforce support, and collect payments. Child support is not a grant, but regular support can help with household costs. Custody and visitation are separate legal matters.

If contacting the other parent, sharing an address, or opening a case could create danger, tell DSHS or child support staff before giving information. Ask for safe-contact options and speak with an advocate or legal aid office.

Use ASMOM’s Washington legal guide for civil legal resources. The Washington safety guide lists confidential support paths.

Documents and information to gather

Do not wait for every paper when an application can be filed first. Submit what you have, keep proof of the filing date, and ask what other evidence is accepted. ASMOM’s documents checklist provides a longer list.