Listing of self-help materials and informational publications.
There are 264 resources
Page 2 of 6
Cash assistance for families (TANF and WorkFirst)
Diversion Cash Assistance
It is an emergency grant to a family facing a temporary financial crisis. You may get up to $1,250.00 in any twelve-month period. The amount you get cannot exceed $1,250.00 and may be less.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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DSHS Help for People with Disabilities: Necessary Supplemental Accomodations
If you get DSHS benefits, such as TANF, SFA, Disability Lifeline, Medicaid, or food assistance, DSHS must accommodate your disabilities. This means that DSHS must try to make their services and benefits available to you to the same extent that they are available to people without a disability.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT): How to Use Your Card
(Separate Website)
The Quest card looks like a debit or credit card. It replaces paper food stamps and welfare checks. Food stamps and state cash benefits are now deposited into an account that you spend by using your Quest card. Stores and bank machines (often called Automated Teller Machines or ATMs) that take Quest will display a sign with the Quest logo.
By: Department of Social and Health Services
Emergency Assistance Programs: News October 2011 An overview of recent changes to emergency assistance programs.
By: Medical-Legal Project
How to Fight a Denial of DSHS Public Assistance
This publication explains your rights if you apply for cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and their office denies you benefits.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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Russian / Pусский
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Spanish / Español
How To Fight an Overpayment of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps
7104EN - An overpayment happens when you receive benefits you are not eligible for according to Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) rules.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
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How to Petition for Superior Court Review
If you disagree with the final fair hearing decision, you may appeal your case to a state Superior Court. The appeal is called a "Petition for Judicial Review of an Administrative Decision." Your appeal can be filed in either the Superior Court of the county where you live or in Thurston County Superior Court in Olympia.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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Representing Yourself at a Fair Hearing
If you do not agree with any decision, either verbal or written, made by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), you have the right to appeal that decision by asking for a fair hearing.
This publication tells you about 1) the deadline to request a fair hearing, 2) how to make the re-quest, 3) how to prepare for your hearing, and 4) what to expect at your hearing and afterward.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
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Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Working Connections Child Care News - October 2011 Summary of recent changes to the program.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Do I Qualify for DSHS Services?
(Separate Website)
Find out what benefits you may quality for.
By: Department of Social and Health Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Working Connections Child Care Washington State now has subsidized child care for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and low-income working parents. It's called Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).
By: Northwest Justice Project
What Are My Rights? Dealing with DSHS
This publication lists services available by DSHS and your rights when dealing with this state agency.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
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Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
DSHS Help for People with Disabilities: Necessary Supplemental Accomodations
If you get DSHS benefits, such as TANF, SFA, Disability Lifeline, Medicaid, or food assistance, DSHS must accommodate your disabilities. This means that DSHS must try to make their services and benefits available to you to the same extent that they are available to people without a disability.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
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DSHS Division of Child Care and Early Learning Web Site
(Separate Website)
This dept. of DSHS licenses child care homes and centers, handles complaints and inquiries about child care homes and centers, develops policy and procedure for child care licensing and the Working Connections Child Care program and manages statewide contracted child care programs.
By: DSHS
The Self-Sufficiency Calculator for Washington State
(Separate Website)
The Calculator can help you: plan and develop career goals so you can work towards a better paying job; decide if a job you are considering will pay enough to meet your family's needs; determine if you might be eligible for public benefits that can help with expenses like health care or child care; test and compare different work or living options and see how they affect your bottom line.
By: Workforce Development Councils of Washington State
Family Home Child Care Providers: Know Your Rights When State Licensors and Investigators Come to Your Home! As a family home child care provider you may have questions about what to do when State employees come to your door. This brochure will help to educate you on your rights and what you can do to protect your rights.
By: Columbia Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Fight a Denial of DSHS Public Assistance
This publication explains your rights if you apply for cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and their office denies you benefits.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How To Fight a Termination or Reduction of DSHS Public Assistance
7102EN - This publication explains your rights if the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) tells you that it will stop or cut back the cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance they have been giving you. The most important thing to know is that you must ask for a fair hearing soon, usually within 10 days of being mailed written notice, to keep getting your benefits while you appeal.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How To Fight an Overpayment of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps
7104EN - An overpayment happens when you receive benefits you are not eligible for according to Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) rules.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Representing Yourself at a Fair Hearing
If you do not agree with any decision, either verbal or written, made by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), you have the right to appeal that decision by asking for a fair hearing.
This publication tells you about 1) the deadline to request a fair hearing, 2) how to make the re-quest, 3) how to prepare for your hearing, and 4) what to expect at your hearing and afterward.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How to Present an Equitable Estoppel Defense at a DSHS Hearing
7912EN - If you receive an overpayment notice from DSHS telling you that you owe them money or food stamps because they gave you benefits they should not have given you, and the overpayment was through no fault of yours, you should ask for a fair hearing because there is a legal defense against the overpayment. You must ask for the fair hearing within 90 days of the date of the overpayment notice. The notice will say the overpayment was unintentionally caused and will say you are required to repay it, but will not tell you that there is a legal defense against it. Read this publication to find out about an Equitable Estoppel defense.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Petition for Superior Court Review
If you disagree with the final fair hearing decision, you may appeal your case to a state Superior Court. The appeal is called a "Petition for Judicial Review of an Administrative Decision." Your appeal can be filed in either the Superior Court of the county where you live or in Thurston County Superior Court in Olympia.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Exception to Rule (ETR) DSHS Programs
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is able to give you some types of benefits even if you don't meet all of the requirements. This is called an "exception to a rule" or "ETR". DSHS considers ETR requests on a case-by-case basis and approves requests only in limited circumstances.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) programs and problems
General information
Video - How to Represent Yourself at a DSHS Hearing
This half hour video shows how anyone who disagrees with a decision by DSHS can appeal their decision through the fair hearing process and represent themselves at the hearing.
By: Kitsap Legal Services
Do I Qualify for DSHS Services?
(Separate Website)
Find out what benefits you may quality for.
By: Department of Social and Health Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Applying for Public Assistance
Information about the application process to receive public assistance.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Department of Social and Health Services Web Site
(Separate Website)
Information about government services and how to apply for them. Information provided in many languages.
By: DSHS
DSHS Help for People with Disabilities: Necessary Supplemental Accomodations
If you get DSHS benefits, such as TANF, SFA, Disability Lifeline, Medicaid, or food assistance, DSHS must accommodate your disabilities. This means that DSHS must try to make their services and benefits available to you to the same extent that they are available to people without a disability.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
What Are My Rights? Dealing with DSHS
This publication lists services available by DSHS and your rights when dealing with this state agency.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
DSHS Support Services for WorkFirst Participants
DSHS may provide goods and services for WorkFirst participants to help them look for work, prepare for work, or keep work.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
Family Home Child Care Providers: Know Your Rights When State Licensors and Investigators Come to Your Home! As a family home child care provider you may have questions about what to do when State employees come to your door. This brochure will help to educate you on your rights and what you can do to protect your rights.
By: Columbia Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Exception to Rule (ETR) DSHS Programs
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is able to give you some types of benefits even if you don't meet all of the requirements. This is called an "exception to a rule" or "ETR". DSHS considers ETR requests on a case-by-case basis and approves requests only in limited circumstances.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
How to Fight a Denial of DSHS Public Assistance
This publication explains your rights if you apply for cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and their office denies you benefits.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How To Fight a Termination or Reduction of DSHS Public Assistance
7102EN - This publication explains your rights if the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) tells you that it will stop or cut back the cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance they have been giving you. The most important thing to know is that you must ask for a fair hearing soon, usually within 10 days of being mailed written notice, to keep getting your benefits while you appeal.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How To Fight an Overpayment of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps
7104EN - An overpayment happens when you receive benefits you are not eligible for according to Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) rules.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Representing Yourself at a Fair Hearing
If you do not agree with any decision, either verbal or written, made by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), you have the right to appeal that decision by asking for a fair hearing.
This publication tells you about 1) the deadline to request a fair hearing, 2) how to make the re-quest, 3) how to prepare for your hearing, and 4) what to expect at your hearing and afterward.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How to Present an Equitable Estoppel Defense at a DSHS Hearing
7912EN - If you receive an overpayment notice from DSHS telling you that you owe them money or food stamps because they gave you benefits they should not have given you, and the overpayment was through no fault of yours, you should ask for a fair hearing because there is a legal defense against the overpayment. You must ask for the fair hearing within 90 days of the date of the overpayment notice. The notice will say the overpayment was unintentionally caused and will say you are required to repay it, but will not tell you that there is a legal defense against it. Read this publication to find out about an Equitable Estoppel defense.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Petition for Superior Court Review
If you disagree with the final fair hearing decision, you may appeal your case to a state Superior Court. The appeal is called a "Petition for Judicial Review of an Administrative Decision." Your appeal can be filed in either the Superior Court of the county where you live or in Thurston County Superior Court in Olympia.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Video: Unemployment Insurance Hearing Demonstration
(Separate Website)
The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is an independent state agency which conducts impartial administrative hearings for other government agencies. This site has a video to help you prepare for your Unemployment Insurance hearing.
By: State of Washington Office of Administrative Hearings
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
WorkFirst Education and Training Opportunities Are you interested in training or education? You can ask your WorkFirst worker to add the options in this booklet to your IRP as WorkFirst activities. Most of these activities are not required. However, studies show that the best way to get and keep a good job is to improve your education and training. These options are often your best ticket out of the welfare system.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Washington State Human Rights Commission Web Site
(Separate Website)
The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission is to eliminate and prevent discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of resources, and the establishment of productive partnerships in the community.
By: Washington State Human Rights Commission
Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP)
WTAP is a benefit program that provides discounts on telephone fees for eligible households.
By: Columbia Legal Services
Other Formats:
PDF File
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Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Welfare Fraud: What You Need to Know
This publication answers common questions about welfare fraud and offers important information that you should know if you are being accused of welfare fraud.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
What Do I Do If DSHS Stops My Benefits Because I'm a "Fleeing Felon"
If you are a fleeing felon, you are not eligible for many federal and state public benefits. This publication defines "feeling felon" and discusses the benefits that are affected.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
How to Fight a Termination of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability When SSA Decides You Are No Longer Disabled
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) believes that your medical condition has improved or that you can work, they will send you a written notice that says your benefits will stop. You may fight the proposed termination by asking for reconsideration. You may continue to receive the same benefits after the proposed termination date in the notice if you request reconsideration in time. You must request reconsideration within 10 days of receiving the notice to keep getting benefits.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Apple Health for Kids Program: How to Respond to DSHS Notices about Immigration and Citizenship Documents If you have children who receive state-funded free or low cost health insurance through the state's Apple Health for Kids program, you may receive a notice from the Department of Social and Health Services ("DSHS") asking you to send in documents about your child's citizenship or immigration status. This bulletin explains why you received this notice and what you should do.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Information for providers, clients, and advocates about the TANF Benefits Time Limit: February 1st, 2011
(Separate Website)
DSHS will be instituting a lifetime limit for families enrolled in TANF effective February 1, 2011
By: Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness
Applying for Public Assistance
Information about the application process to receive public assistance.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Disability Lifeline - HEN: The Facts The Disability Lifeline program as you have known it ends on October 31, 2011. Three separate programs will replace it. This bulletin is about the program called HEN (Housing and Essential Needs). HEN is for people who, as of November 1, get Medical Care Services (MCS) only AND are homeless or at substantial risk of homelessness.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Disability Lifeline Ends In October 2011; New Disability Programs Start November 1st Explains whappens to state programs for disabled adults on November 1, 2011.
By: Northwest Justice Project
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