Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in Washington

Where to start

Pick the first card that matches the trip you need. This helps you call the right office first.

Quick reference table

Medical rides through Apple Health

Washington Health Care Authority says nonemergency transportation may be covered for eligible Apple Health clients and some state-funded medical assistance clients when they have no other way to get to a covered health care appointment. The state lists possible help such as public bus, taxi, wheelchair van, airplane, gas vouchers, ferry tickets, and mileage reimbursement.

Use the Health Care Authority page to find your county broker. Call early when you can. HCA recommends contacting the broker 7 to 14 days before the appointment when possible, and warns that requests made less than two business days before the appointment may not be schedulable.

What you need before you call

• Your ProviderOne services card.
• Your pickup address and a safe phone number.
• The provider name and phone number.
• The exact appointment date and time.
• The type of appointment, such as OB, dental, dialysis, therapy, primary care, or specialty care.
• Your return time, if you know it.

For more Washington health coverage steps, see our guide to health care help.

Reduced fares and youth transit

ORCA LIFT is the main low-income fare card in the Puget Sound region. It can lower fares on participating agencies. The ORCA site says adults ages 19 through 64 may qualify by income or by enrollment in programs such as Apple Health, Basic Food, or WIC. You still need to load fare value unless your card is connected to a separate no-cost pass.

The subsidized annual pass is different. It is for residents of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties who meet program rules and are enrolled in certain state benefit programs, such as TANF, SFA, RCA, ABD, PWA, SSI, or HEN. The pass can cover select transit systems for up to 12 months. Check the official pass page before you plan a commute because covered agencies and rules can change.

For children and teens, Youth Ride Free says riders 18 and younger ride transit at no cost under Move Ahead Washington. Youth are encouraged to use a Youth ORCA card or student ID, but the ORCA page says youth without either can still ride free. Local rules may vary for proof, ferries, special services, or private carriers.

Outside the ORCA area, use the WSDOT public transit page to find local transit systems and check each agency’s reduced fare, dial-a-ride, vanpool, and paratransit rules.

Work, job training, and short-term cash help

If you receive TANF or State Family Assistance, Washington’s WorkFirst support services may help with transportation when it is needed for WorkFirst orientation, job search, work, training, or another approved activity. DSHS says support services are temporary and targeted. They are not a blank check, but they may cover the real barrier that keeps you from taking part in your plan.

Ask your case manager about WorkFirst supports before you miss a required activity. DSHS also says Post-TANF Employment Transportation Support Services may help some families for up to three months after TANF closes when they have verified unsubsidized employment of at least 15 hours per week.

If you have a short-term need and do not want ongoing TANF, DSHS lists Diversion Cash Assistance as an option for eligible families. DCA can help with expenses such as transportation, housing, medical bills, employment, and child care. The maximum benefit is $2,000 for one 30-day period per year, and you may have to repay a prorated part if you go on TANF less than one year later.

You can apply for cash, food, and some child care benefits through Washington Connection. If you already receive Basic Food and are not receiving TANF, the BFET program may connect you with training and support services through colleges or community organizations. Ask the provider if transportation support is available for your class, training, or job search.

For related next steps, see our guides to TANF in Washington, food assistance, and job training help.

Children, school, child care, and Head Start

If your child is 18 or younger and can safely use transit, youth fare rules may make the trip much easier. For younger children, children with disabilities, or children in unstable housing, the right starting point may be the school district or child care program, not a transit agency.

Washington’s Office of the Education Ombuds says students experiencing homelessness can receive transportation to stay at their school of origin, immediate enrollment, and other school supports under McKinney-Vento. This can apply when a family is doubled up, in a shelter, in a motel, in an RV or car, or in another temporary place because they do not have stable housing. Ask the school for the homeless liaison and use the student homelessness guide if you are not sure what to ask.

If your child has an IEP, transportation can be a related service when the IEP team decides it is needed for the child to benefit from special education. Ask for the issue to be discussed in an IEP meeting. For early learning, the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families has a Head Start page for no-cost early learning options. Transportation varies by program, so ask the provider directly.

For more help with child care, school supplies, and afterschool needs, read our Washington guides to child care help, afterschool programs, and school supplies.

Local, rural, disability, and backup ride options

Transportation looks different across Washington. Some counties have bus service, dial-a-ride, or volunteer drivers. Others have little service after work hours.

Start with your county transit agency and WA 211. In King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, Find a Ride can compare transit, community shuttles, paratransit, and other options. In Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties, United Way of Pierce County says its transportation navigators may help with bus passes, rideshare services, and other resources.

If a disability keeps you from using regular fixed-route bus or rail service, ask your transit agency about ADA paratransit or accessible services. Washington’s state accessibility page has a starting point for accessible transportation. Eligibility, service area, trip windows, and fares are set locally.

If you are in a rural area, ask for more than one option at the same time: medical broker, local transit, 211, church or community agency, school liaison, and your benefits worker. You can also use our guides to rural help, disability support, and community support.

Documents and details to gather

You do not need every document for every program. But having key items ready can save time.

If you are unhoused and do not have Washington ID, the Department of Licensing explains free ID help and ID review options. A school liaison, shelter, community group, church, or caseworker may also help you with mailing address issues.

If you are denied, delayed, or ignored

Ask for the reason in plain language. Then ask what rule, document, or missing step caused the denial. If the problem is missing proof, ask if you can upload, email, fax, or bring the document in person.

For Apple Health ride problems, ask the broker how to reschedule, appeal, or complain. For DSHS benefits, ask for written notice and hearing rights if a benefit or support request is denied. Washington LawHelp and local legal aid may help when a benefits denial, disability issue, custody order, domestic violence issue, or school transportation dispute is involved. Start with our Washington guide to legal help if the issue is not solved.

If a missed ride could cost you work, benefits, housing, or medical care, call that office before the deadline. Ask them to note your file and reschedule.