Washington TANF

TANF is Washington’s primary welfare program that provides temporary cash assistance for “needy” families with children under age 18.

Unless otherwise exempt, all able-bodied participants receiving cash benefits are required by law to work or participate in related activities, such as searching or training for a job.

In addition, while searching for work, you may also get help paying for child care expenses through the Working Connections Child Care program.

FAQ

How to qualify for cash assistance in Washington State?

In order to qualify for cash assistance, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident
2. Be a resident of Washington State
3. Be either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age
4. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages)
5. Have income and assets below certain limits ¹

What is the income limit for cash assistance in Washington State?

In Washington State, 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 $12,000.

The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the chart below.

How much cash assistance will I get in Washington State?

In Washington, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $706 per month in cash assistance.

How do I apply for TANF in Washington State?

To apply for TANF, you can request for an application at your local Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) near you. ²

For expedited processing, you may apply online through Washington Connection , the online application portal for residents of Washington State.

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

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Washington?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Washington, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact WA Connection (DSHS) at (877) 501-2233 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Do I have to pay back cash assistance in Washington State?

No. Cash assistance are provided without obligation. However, in some cases, if you have received benefits and is subsequently determined to be ineligible, you may be required to repay the excess amount received, referred to as an overpayment.