WASHINGTON

Washington Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

TANF is Washington’s primary welfare reform program for “needy” families with children under age 18, including pregrant women in any stage of their pregnancy.

It provides temporary financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, expenses other than medical, including job training, and other supportive services.

A family of three is considered “needy” if its gross countable income is less than $1,912 per month. The limit for countable resources is $6,000.

How much do I get for TANF in Washington State?

In Washington State, a family of three with no income and little resources may receive a monthly cash assistance of up to $706.

All able-bodied participants ages 18—64 receiving cash benefits are required by law to work or participate in related activities, such as searching or training for a job, unless otherwise exempt.

How do I get cash assistance in Washington State?

To apply for TANF, you can request for an application at your local DSHS office ¹ or apply online through Washington Connection  for expedited processing.

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 501-2233

Washington Diversion Cash Assistance

Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is an emergency, one-time payment for families who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) but do not need ongoing monthly cash assistance.

Diversion can help with expenses such as:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Medical bills
• Employment
• Childcare

Families who choose DCA may receive up to $2,000 once in a 12-month period, either as one lump-sum payment or in multiple payments.

If the family receive TANF within 12 months of accepting DCA, the remaining portion of the DCA becomes a loan that must be repaid through monthly deductions.

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 501-2233

Washington Basic Food Program (SNAP)

Basic Food (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families in Washington afford a more nutritious diet by providing monthly food assistance benefits.

Benefits are based on how many people live in your household, your income, and living expenses. For a family of three with no income, that’s about $785 per month.

The table below presents the maximum monthly benefit amounts by household size.

The Food Assistance Program (FAP) is a state-funded version specifically for legal immigrants who do not qualify for federal SNAP solely due to their immigration status.

How do I apply for Basic Food in Washington?

To apply for Basic Food (SNAP), you need to submit an application at your local DSHS office in person,¹ or apply online through Washington Connection .

Funds are loaded onto a Washington Quest EBT card, which functions like a debit card at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 501-2233

Washington SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a new federal program to support families who lose access to free school meals over the summer months.

Families will receive an allotment of $120 for each eligible child (ages 6—18) to help cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session.

Most families enrolled in Basic Food (SNAP), WorkFirst (TANF), free school meals, or other qualifying assistance programs will be automatically certified for SUN Bucks and do not need to submit an application.

If you’re not sure if you need to apply or will get SUN Bucks automatically, use this “Should I apply? ” guide to find out.

Department of Social and Health Services
Summer EBT Contact Center
(833) 543-3230

Washington Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Washington WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children.

It does this by providing nutrition and breastfeeding education, nutritious foods, counseling, and referrals to needed services, at no cost, to eligible families.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Washington State.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk as determined by a health professional.

What is the income limit for WIC in Washington State?

WIC is available to families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the table below.

How do I apply for WIC in Washington state?

There are over 200 WIC clinics across Washington state. To locate the nearest WIC clinic, call the WIC Cascades Support Line at (800) 841-1410.

Washington Department of Health
Cascades Support Line
(800) 841-1410

Washington Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) Program

Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) is a state-funded program that provides cash assistance to low-income pregnant women who are not eligible for TANF or State Family Assistance (SFA) program.

If you are a resident of Washington State and are pregnant at the time of the application, you may receive a monthly cash grant of up to $450 when eligible.

You may sign up for Washington PWA at a local DSHS Community Services Office (CSO) in person or online through the Washington Connection .

Other programs that may help pregnant women in Washington state

• Apple Health
  Provides free prenatal care, delivery, and post-pregnancy coverage. It also includes dental and vision care, and medical care for newborns.
• After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC)
  Provides coverage for a year after pregnancy for those who are eligible for Apple Health.
• WIC
  Provides access to healthy food, health screenings, nutrition education, and more.
• Emergency Resources for Needy Families (AREN)
  Provides emergency cash benefits for shelter, housing, and utility-related expenses.

Washington Apple Health

As of early 2026, the Apple Health Expansion program is no longer accepting  new enrollments due to limited funding. The program serves certain adults regardless of immigration status.

Washington Apple Health provides free or low-cost, comprehensive health insurance to eligible low-income residents, including families with children, pregnant women, and elderly people in nursing homes.

Most enrollees in Washington State receive services through one of five managed care organizations (MCOs) that serve their local area .

1. Community Health Plan of Washington
2. Coordinated Care
3. Molina Healthcare of Washington
4. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington
5. Wellpoint Washington

Covered services include primary care, emergency room visits, maternity care, dental services, vision care, prescription medications, and behavioral health services.

Apple Health Expansion  is a program providing coverage to adults aged 19 and older regardless of immigration status, though enrollment may be limited by funding.

What is the income limit for Apple Health in Washington State?

Under Medicaid expansion, coverage will be available  to all adults ages 19—64 whose income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Children under 18 and pregnant women are covered up to 215% of the federal poverty level, with 12 months of extended postpartum coverage.

Children in families with income between 215% and 317% FPL may still qualify for Apple Health for Kids, which requires a small monthly payment

How do I apply for Washington Apple Health?

Washington is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as WA HealthPlanFinder , where all uninsured residents of Washington State shop for health coverage, regardless of immigration status. ²

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 501-2233

Washington Apple Health for Kids

Apple Health for Kids is a health insurance program for children up to age 19 in Washington who are not eligible for Medicaid and who are uninsured. It covers major medical with special preventive benefits for children, including dental coverage.

Apple Health for Kids is free for all children in families with income up to $4,775 for a three-person family. Families above that level may have to pay a small premium for coverage based on income, ranging from a minimum of $20 in Tier 1 up to $30 per month in Tier 2.³

What is the income limit for Apple Health for Kids?

The monthly income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the table below and are subject to change annually every April based on updated federal guidelines.

How do I apply for Apple Health for Kids?

Applications for Apple Health for Kids are accepted online through WA HealthPlanFinder . If you sign up before or on the 15th of the month, your coverage will start on the 1st of the following month.

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 501-2233

WA Cares Fund

WA Cares Fund is a first-in-the-nation long-term care insurance program that provides a lifetime benefit to pay for services such as in-home care, home-delivered meals, adaptive equipment, and more.

For most Washington residents, the application for long-term care benefits become available statewide on July 1, 2026, providing up to $36,500 for long-term care services.

If you live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane, or Thurston counties, you may apply for early access from January 6, 2026, through February 28, 2026.

You must first contact the WA Cares team for a screening before you can apply. More details about the program can be found on the Pilot Program page .

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(844) 227-3492

Washington Charity Care Program

Washington has one of the strongest protections in the country for out-of-pocket hospital costs. It is one of a few states that have a law, known as “charity care” , that requires all hospitals to provide free inpatient and outpatient care to very low income and/or uninsured patients.

The law ensures all residents within 300% of the federal poverty level, or about $6,663 per month for a family of three, are eligible for financial assistance on out-of-pocket hospital bills.

Families making up to 400% of the federal poverty level could be eligible for financial assistance depending on the hospital you are visiting.

If you think you’re income eligible, ask hospital staff for a Charity Care application and for their “Charity Care Policy” when you are first admitted to the hospital, or as soon as possible after that.

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps low-income families in Washington pay for child care while parents work, look for a job, or attend school or training.

The state pays a portion of child care costs, while the parent is responsible for a monthly co-payment  paid to the provider.

Monthly co-payments are based on income, ranging from $0 for families at 0–20% of SMI to $215 for families reapplying at 60–65% of SMI.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Washington State?

The current income eligibility for families is capped at 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application or up to 65% at the time of redetermination.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Washington?

To apply for child care assistance in Washington, first check your eligibility on Washington Connection . If you’re eligible, you can submit your application through the same website.

If you need help finding a licensed provider, you can contact Child Care Aware of Washington at (800) 446-1114.

Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
(844) 626-8687

Washington Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Washington LIHEAP assists eligible low-income households in Washington in meeting their immediate home energy needs. Eligible households receive a one-time credit of up to $1,250 deposited directly into their utility accounts. ⁴

The actual benefit amount is determined by several factors, including:

• Household size
• Total household income
• Type of housing
• The household’s energy usage over the previous 12 months

LIHEAP is designed to help these families keep their heat on, especially those households that are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, the disabled, and households with young children.

What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Washington State?

In Washington State, LIHEAP assists households whose incomes are at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $3,331 per month for a family of three to qualify.

How to apply for LIHEAP in Washington State?

To apply for LIHEAP, you must schedule an appointment with local agency that offers services in your area.⁵ The program year runs from October 1 through September 30.

Washington State Department of Commerce
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(360) 725-2857

Washington Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Washington LIHWAP provides emergency assistance to low-income households who are disconnected or are in imminent threat of disconnection.

Washington’s LIHWAP provides relief assistance to two priority groups:

• Households without current water services for the immediate restoration of services
• Households with existing arrearages to prevent disconnection of drinking water and/or wastewater service

Under Washington’s LIHWAP, eligible households may receive up to $2,500  in benefit assistance towards their water/wastewater bill.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Washington state?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you can schedule an appointment with a local LIHWAP agency  that offers services in your area.

Washington Unemployment Insurance

Washington Unemployment Insurance (UI) helps eligible workers who lost their job through no fault of their own by temporarily replacing part of their wages.

To be eligible for benefits, you must prove that you have worked at least 680 hours  and earned a minimum amount of wages during the first 12 months of the 15 months prior to filing a claim.

As a condition of eligibility, you are also required to actively seek suitable employment each week that you’re filing for benefits.

How much is the unemployment benefit in Washington State?

The minimum and maximum weekly unemployment benefits in Washington State rank among the highest in the nation, at $366 and $1,152, respectively.

New rules effective January 2026 also limit benefits for those striking, making them ineligible until after the second Sunday or strike end. ⁶

How do I apply for unemployment in Washington State?

If you live in Washington State, you may choose to file a claim either online in eServices  or over the phone by calling (800) 318-6022 Monday through Friday.

If you don’t have a phone or computer, you can use one for free at any WorkSource employment center near you.

Washington State Employment Security Department
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claims Center
(800) 318-6022

Washington Paid Family Leave Program

Washington is now among a handful of states that guarantee paid family leave. It is designed to provide partial wage replacement for pregnancy-related leaves as well as for bonding with a new child.

Washington’s is among the most generous of the bunch, covering at least 12 weeks of paid leave, plus another six if there is a serious health condition that requires an incapacity.

Weekly benefits are calculated based on a percentage of the employee’s wages and the state’s weekly average wage — up to 90% of their income but no more than $1,647 a week.

To file a claim, visit https://paidleave.wa.gov/  to create an account and submit the online application. It’s best to apply within 30 days of your qualifying event.

Washington Employment Security Department
Paid Family & Medical Leave
(833) 717-2273

Washington College Grant

Washington College Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the nation, covering tuition for students from low- to middle-income families in Washington.

Award amounts vary based on income, family size, and the type of school enrolled, ranging from $282 at private two-year for-profit colleges to $12,780 for full-time undergraduates.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step of the application process. If you can’t fill out the FAFSA due to immigration status, you can apply by submitting the WASFA.

Washington Student Achievement Council
Student Financial Assistance
(888) 535-0747

Washington Opportunity Grant

Washington’s Opportunity Grant is designed to help low-income adults in Washington pay for post-secondary education that will lead to higher wages in high-demand careers.

Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 per academic year for required textbooks, tools, or supplies, along with access to career advising, tutoring, emergency childcare, and transportation assistance.

Applicants must demonstrate substantial financial need, as determined by the WAFSA, and have income not exceeding 200%  of the federal poverty level.

Washington Student Achievement Council
Student Financial Assistance
(888) 535-0747

Washington Working Families Tax Credit

Modeled after the federal credit, the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a new tax refund that will put more money back into the hands of low-to-moderate income individuals and families in Washington.

Individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive up to $1,330 depending on the number of qualifying children.

Starting January 1, 2026, HB 1214 expands eligibility to include individuals as young as 18 years old, even if they do not meet certain federal age requirements.⁷

Eligibility for the WFTC is based in part on eligibility for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. You can check your eligibility and apply online at wftc.wa.gov/apply .

Washington State Department of Revenue
Working Families Tax Credit Division
(360) 763-7300