$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Washington Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Washington
SSDI in Washington - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Washington - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Washington as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, which is why getting it right the first time matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Washington?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. In the meantime, because Washington expanded Medicaid, many people on SSDI also qualify for Apple Health while they wait.
How long does SSDI take in Washington?
Washington reviews the medical part of your claim through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Washington - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Washington - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Washington, getting SSI also opens the door to Apple Health, the state's Medicaid program.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Washington does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Apple Health with SSI in Washington?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Apple Health, which is what Washington calls Medicaid. No separate application is needed.
Does Washington add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Washington does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. While you wait for an SSI decision, the state ABD cash program can provide up to $450 a month for adults who qualify.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Washington
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Washington
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Washington offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Washington offers a property-tax exemption for disabled veterans who meet the disability rating and income rules, handled through your county assessor, and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs can help you apply. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Washington
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Washington
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Washington?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid)?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Apple Health is Washington Medicaid, based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Washington?
Yes. Washington runs SHIBA, the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program, through the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner, offering free, unbiased Medicare help. Turnout works alongside these resources to get you the most from your coverage.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Washington
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Washington
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
About 15% of public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Washington public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Washington?
Washington schools must complete the initial evaluation within 35 school days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Apple Health (Medicaid) in Washington
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Washington residents.
Apple Health (Medicaid) in Washington
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Washington residents.
Apple Health is what Washington calls Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more, usually at no cost. Washington expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify, not just parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Children and pregnant people qualify at higher income levels.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
Nearly 2M
Washington residents enrolled in Apple Health, including about 850,000 children
Washington HCA, 2025
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Washington HCA, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults 19 to 64 qualify at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, about $1,835/mo for one person
Washington HCA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
- Children in households up to 215% FPL, with higher-income kids covered through Apple Health for Kids with premiums up to 317% FPL
- Pregnant people up to 215% FPL, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- SSI recipients, who are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org, the same portal used for marketplace plans. Have proof of income, identity, and Washington residency ready. Most decisions are quick, and coverage can start right away once you qualify. Adults who need long-term care or coverage based on age or disability apply through Washington Connection instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Washington?
Yes. Washington calls its Medicaid program Apple Health. It's the same federal program, run by the Washington Health Care Authority, with the same core benefits.
Did Washington expand Medicaid?
Yes. Washington expanded Medicaid in 2014, so adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, even without children or a disability.
What's the difference between Apple Health and Medicare?
Apple Health (Medicaid) is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Washington (Basic Food)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Washington (Basic Food)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, called Basic Food in Washington, is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Washington Quest EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, plus many farmers markets. The program is run by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~525,000
Washington households received Basic Food on average each month in state fiscal year 2024
Washington DSHS, 2024
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Washington raises the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level through broad-based categorical eligibility, higher than the federal 130%
Washington DSHS
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level under Washington rules
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Washington
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org, by phone at 877-501-2233, or at your local DSHS Community Services Office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
Is SNAP called something different in Washington?
Yes. Washington calls the federal SNAP program Basic Food. It works the same way, run by DSHS, with benefits on a Washington Quest EBT card.
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for Basic Food in Washington?
Yes. Washington uses a higher gross income limit of 200% of the poverty level, so many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone doesn't tell the full story.
How long does Basic Food approval take in Washington?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Washington
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Washington
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Apple Health, Basic Food, or TANF usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON APPLE HEALTH OR BASIC FOOD?
Auto-eligible
Being on Apple Health, Basic Food, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving Apple Health, Basic Food, or TANF are automatically income-eligible
- Washington residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call the Washington WIC Cascades Support Line at 1-800-841-1410 or contact a local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Washington residency, and proof of household income or proof of Apple Health, Basic Food, or TANF enrollment. If approved, you receive your Washington WIC Card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Washington's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Apple Health or Basic Food usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Washington
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Washington
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Washington's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating bills, with payments made directly to the energy company. The program is federally funded and administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce through local community action agencies. Help is available year-round while funds last.
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level can qualify for energy assistance
Washington Dept. of Commerce, 2026
HEATING GRANT
$250 to $1,250
The heating benefit ranges roughly from a $250 minimum to a $1,250 maximum, based on need
LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Washington Dept. of Commerce
Who qualifies
- Washington households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on Basic Food, TANF, or SSI are generally income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through your local community action agency, not Commerce directly. Find your agency using the Commerce provider map or by calling 2-1-1. Bring a current energy bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Funds are limited, so apply early. If approved, the benefit is credited to your energy account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Washington uses a 150% federal poverty level income limit for energy assistance. If you receive Basic Food, TANF, or SSI, you generally meet the income test. Weatherization help uses a higher 200% limit.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your energy company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If energy costs are included in your rent, your local community action agency can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Washington
Subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Washingtonians.
ACA Subsidies in Washington
Subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Washingtonians.
ACA subsidies are tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan. In Washington, you buy that plan through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state-run marketplace, not HealthCare.gov. Because Washington expanded Medicaid, adults earning under 138% of the poverty level usually qualify for free Apple Health instead of a marketplace plan.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
290K+
Washingtonians enrolled in a Washington Healthplanfinder marketplace plan for 2026 (approximate)
Washington Health Benefit Exchange, 2026 (approx.)
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SAVINGS
About 3 in 4
Marketplace customers receive federal premium tax credits or state Cascade Care Savings that lower their cost
Washington Health Benefit Exchange, 2025
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
Washington Healthplanfinder
Who qualifies
- Washingtonians without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 138% of the federal poverty level, above the Apple Health cutoff
- Those not eligible for Apple Health, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or lawfully present residents living in Washington
How to apply
Apply online at Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org), the state marketplace. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use HealthCare.gov in Washington?
No. Washington runs its own marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, so you enroll there instead of HealthCare.gov. It is the same portal used to apply for Apple Health.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. Washington Healthplanfinder screens you for Apple Health at the same time. Because Washington expanded Medicaid, adults under 138% of the poverty level usually qualify for free Apple Health coverage.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 3 in 4 Washington marketplace customers get federal premium tax credits or state Cascade Care Savings, applied automatically when you enroll.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Washington (WorkFirst)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Washington (WorkFirst)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
WorkFirst is how Washington delivers TANF, temporary cash assistance for families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit and a work component through WorkFirst.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$706
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income. This is the benefit paid, which is different from the income eligibility limit
Washington WAC 388-478-0020, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults, with hardship extensions available in Washington
Washington DSHS
WORK PROGRAM
WorkFirst
Most adults join WorkFirst, which supports job search, training, and work while you receive cash
Washington DSHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Washington residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income, tested against the state payment standard for their family size
- Adults must take part in WorkFirst activities unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org, by phone at 877-501-2233, or at your local DSHS Community Services Office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through Washington Connection also screens you for Basic Food. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive TANF in Washington?
A federal 60-month lifetime cap applies to adults. Washington offers hardship extensions in some cases, such as a documented disability, and many cases become child-only, where the grant covers the children after the adult reaches the limit.
What's the difference between WorkFirst and TANF?
They go together. TANF is the federal cash program, and WorkFirst is the Washington program that delivers it, including the job-search and training support, all run by DSHS.
Can I receive TANF and Basic Food at the same time?
Yes. TANF families are generally categorically eligible for Basic Food and Apple Health. Applying at Washington Connection screens you for Basic Food at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Working Families Tax Credit in Washington
A state cash credit for working people, on top of the federal EITC.
Working Families Tax Credit in Washington
A state cash credit for working people, on top of the federal EITC.
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income, and it is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. Washington adds its own Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) on top, a separate cash payment of up to $1,330 run by the state Department of Revenue. The two are claimed separately, and the state credit is even open to some ITIN filers who cannot get the federal EITC.
FEDERAL EITC WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
WASHINGTON ADDS UP TO
$1,330
The state Working Families Tax Credit ranges from $335 with no children to $1,330 for three or more, with a $50 minimum credit
Washington DOR, 2025
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
Both credits are refundable, so you receive them as cash even if you owe nothing
IRS / Washington DOR
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal EITC limits for filing status and number of children
- For the state credit, Washington residents who lived here more than half the year, including many ITIN filers
- Valid Social Security numbers for the federal EITC, though the state credit accepts ITINs
How to apply
Claim the federal EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you do not normally file. Then apply separately for the Washington Working Families Tax Credit through the state Department of Revenue at workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov, online, on paper, or through participating tax software. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington have its own version of the EITC?
Yes. Washington offers the Working Families Tax Credit, a separate state cash payment of up to $1,330, on top of the federal EITC. It is run by the state Department of Revenue and claimed with its own application.
Can I get these credits without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller federal EITC and a Washington credit of up to $335, and having children increases both amounts.
Can I get the state credit if I file with an ITIN?
Yes. Unlike the federal EITC, the Washington Working Families Tax Credit is open to eligible workers who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Washington
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Washington
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Washington families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Washington does not have a separate state child tax credit, though its Working Families Tax Credit gives many families with kids an added cash boost.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Washington have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Washington does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Washington residents, and the state Working Families Tax Credit offers a separate cash boost for many families with children.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Washington
Subsidized child care for working Washington families.
Child Care Assistance in Washington
Subsidized child care for working Washington families.
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Washington Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). The program pays providers directly, with families paying a capped, sliding-scale copay based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Capped copays
Families pay a capped monthly copay on a sliding scale, from $0 to $215 based on income and family size, with lower-income families paying little to nothing
Washington DCYF, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
60% SMI to enter
Families qualify with household income at or below 60% of the state median income, the actual entry threshold Washington uses
Washington DCYF, 2026
NO WAITLIST
Enroll anytime
Washington does not run a WCCC waitlist, so eligible families can enroll year-round
Washington DCYF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Washington residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below 60% of the state median income at the time of application
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org, or contact the DCYF Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 1-844-626-8687. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work, school, or training schedule. There is no waitlist, so coverage can begin once you are approved.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider approved to accept WCCC, including licensed centers, licensed family home providers, and certain approved relatives.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A capped, sliding-scale copay applies based on your income and family size, ranging from $0 to $215 a month. Families experiencing homelessness can get up to 12 months at no cost.
Is there a waitlist for child care assistance in Washington?
No. Washington does not run a WCCC waitlist, so eligible families can apply and enroll at any time. Eligibility stays at 60% of the state median income for 2026.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
