Assistance programs in Washington
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
Washington Basic Food (SNAP)
Basic Food is Washington's name for SNAP: monthly food money on an EBT card you use like a debit card at most grocery stores.
Washington WIC
WIC gives healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health referrals to pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children up to age 5.
Housing assistance
Washington Legal Aid (CLEAR / Northwest Justice Project)
Washington Legal Aid (CLEAR / Northwest Justice Project): how to apply, documents to prepare and common questions.
Utility assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program (Washington)
Free home energy-efficiency work for income-eligible Washington households: insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and related repairs that lower future bills.
Washington Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps low-income Washington households pay home heating and energy bills.
Health coverage
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid): how to apply, documents to prepare and common questions.
Cash and income support
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance
ABD is a Washington cash program from DSHS for low-income adults who are 65 or older, blind, or likely to meet the Social Security disability standard.
Unemployment Benefits (Washington ESD)
Temporary weekly payments if you lost work through no fault of your own, from the Washington Employment Security Department.
Washington TANF / WorkFirst (Cash Assistance)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, is Washington's monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children.
Washington Working Families Tax Credit
The Working Families Tax Credit is Washington's refundable cash credit, run by the Department of Revenue.
Additional support
Washington 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any Washington phone, or call 1-877-211-9274, for free, confidential help finding local assistance with housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and more.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.