When money is tight, Washington has benefits programs that can help, including Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid), Basic Food (SNAP), and WorkFirst cash help. Food, cash, and child care help start at Washington Connection, and Apple Health starts at Washington Healthplanfinder. For SSDI, SSI, or VA disability benefits, start with Social Security or the VA.
Washington benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | Monthly income when a health condition stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with very limited income | SSA, or with Turnout |
VA Disability | Tax-free monthly payments for conditions connected to military service | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage through Apple Health | Washington Healthplanfinder |
ACA Subsidies (Affordable Care Act) | Lower monthly costs for marketplace health plans | Washington Healthplanfinder |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health insurance for older adults and some people with disabilities, plus help using it | SSA to enroll, Turnout for advocacy |
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Money for groceries through Basic Food | Washington Connection |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) | Healthy food and nutrition support for families with young children | A local WIC clinic |
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | Help paying energy bills | Your local LIHEAP agency |
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Cash help and job support through WorkFirst | Washington Connection |
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) | A bigger tax refund for working people, plus Washington's Working Families Tax Credit | Your federal tax return and the state's credit application |
Child Tax Credit | Lower taxes for families with children | Your federal tax return |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP, Child Care Assistance Program) | Help paying for child care through Working Connections Child Care | Washington Connection |
IEP (Individualized Education Program) / Education Advocacy | Special education support at school | Your child's school, or with Turnout |
Disability and income
SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can't work now because of a serious medical condition. SSA runs SSDI the same way in every state, and Washington residents can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Have your medical records, a list of your doctors, and your work history ready when you apply. If you'd like one-on-one help, you can apply for SSDI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's disability benefits overview and the Blue Book listing of impairments.
SSI
SSI is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and savings who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSA runs SSI, and you apply through SSA online, by phone, or at a local office. In Washington, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) runs other programs many people on SSI use, like Basic Food, through Washington Connection. For one-on-one help, you can apply for SSI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's Understanding SSI guide and what counts toward SSI limits.
VA Disability
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with illnesses or injuries connected to their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and assigns a disability rating. In Washington, the Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is the state agency for veterans, and it explains state benefits like property tax relief for some disabled veterans. You can also work with a VA-accredited representative when you file. Turnout doesn't represent veterans in VA claims, but you can learn more on Turnout's veterans benefits page.
Official resources: VA's disability compensation overview, how VA disability ratings work, and WDVA's property tax relief page.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income. In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health, and the Health Care Authority (HCA) runs it. You apply through Washington Healthplanfinder, the same site where people shop for private health plans, so one application can show which coverage fits you. You can apply at Washington Healthplanfinder online. If you'd like help, free local enrollment helpers can walk you through the application.
Official resources: the federal Medicaid program at Medicaid.gov and Apple Health from the Health Care Authority.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits that lower what you pay each month for a health plan you buy on the marketplace. Washington runs its own marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, so residents shop and enroll there instead of HealthCare.gov. You can apply at Washington Healthplanfinder. Free local navigators can help you compare plans and finish your application. Most people enroll during the yearly open enrollment period, but life changes like losing coverage can let you enroll at other times.
Official resources: the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and Healthplanfinder's free local enrollment help.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, and you enroll through SSA. In Washington, SHIBA, a program of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, offers free Medicare counseling. SHIBA counselors can help you compare plans and look into programs that lower costs, like Medicare Savings Programs. When coverage isn't working, like a denial or a confusing bill, you can get one-on-one help from Turnout's healthcare advocacy team.
Official resources: Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, and SHIBA free Medicare help.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
SNAP gives households money each month to buy groceries. In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food, and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) runs it through local Community Services Offices. Benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. You can apply at Washington Connection, the state's online site for food, cash, and child care help. After you apply, DSHS will contact you for an interview. You can also apply in person at a Community Services Office.
Official resources: the federal SNAP program and DSHS Basic Food.
WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under five. In Washington, the Department of Health runs WIC through local clinics. WIC staff can also connect you with other health and community services. To start, find a WIC clinic and see how to apply, then set up an appointment. At your appointment, staff will check whether you qualify and explain how to use your benefits. You don't need to be on another program to apply.
Official resources: the federal WIC program from USDA and Washington WIC from the Department of Health.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps households with limited income pay home energy bills. In Washington, the Department of Commerce oversees LIHEAP, and local agencies across the state take applications. Help depends on your household's income and available funding. To start, find your local LIHEAP agency through Commerce. Ask your local agency what documents to bring, like proof of income and a recent energy bill. You can also dial 2-1-1 to get connected with local help.
Official resources: the federal LIHEAP program and 2-1-1 Washington, which connects you with local help.
TANF
TANF gives temporary cash help and job support to families with children who have little or no income. In Washington, DSHS runs TANF, and its job support side is called WorkFirst. WorkFirst helps parents build skills and find work while getting cash help. You can apply at Washington Connection, the same site used for Basic Food and child care. After you apply, DSHS will contact you for an interview. You can also apply at a Community Services Office.
Official resources: the federal TANF program and DSHS TANF and WorkFirst.
Tax credits
EITC
The EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can lower what you owe or increase your refund. Washington adds the Working Families Tax Credit, a refund of sales tax from the Department of Revenue for people who qualify for the federal EITC. People filing with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can also qualify if they would otherwise meet the EITC rules. You file a federal tax return first, then apply for the Working Families Tax Credit online or on paper.
Official resources: the IRS EITC page and free in-person tax prep through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit lowers federal taxes for families raising qualifying children, and part of it can come back as a refund. The IRS runs it the same way in Washington as in every other state. You claim it on your federal tax return using Schedule 8812, the IRS form for the Child Tax Credit. Keep your children's Social Security numbers handy when you file. If you have children, you may also qualify for Washington's Working Families Tax Credit.
Official resources: the IRS Child Tax Credit page and free in-person tax prep through VITA.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care. In Washington, it's called Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) runs it. It helps eligible parents pay for care so they can work or go to school. You can apply at Washington Connection, the same site used for Basic Food and cash help. DCYF may ask for proof of income and your child care provider's information.
Official resources: the federal Office of Child Care and DCYF Working Connections Child Care.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that spells out the special education services the school will provide. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives your child this right. In Washington, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) oversees special education in public schools. Ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If you'd like someone in the meeting with you, Turnout's education advocacy team starts with a free case review.
Official resources: the federal IDEA website and OSPI special education.
What this means for you
- Start with Washington Connection for Basic Food, TANF, or child care, and Washington Healthplanfinder for Apple Health or a marketplace plan.
- Gather your papers before you apply: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs, and any medical or school records.
- File a federal tax return, then apply for the Working Families Tax Credit if you qualify.
FAQ
What are Washington's program names for food and health coverage?
In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food and Medicaid is called Apple Health. You apply for Basic Food at Washington Connection and for Apple Health at Washington Healthplanfinder.
Can I get the Working Families Tax Credit with an ITIN?
Yes. The Department of Revenue says people filing with an ITIN can qualify if they would otherwise meet the federal EITC rules. You still need to file a federal tax return first.
Who can help me with Medicare questions in Washington?
SHIBA, a program of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, offers free Medicare counseling across Washington. Counselors can help you compare plans and look into programs that lower costs, like Medicare Savings Programs.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice
It's your turn
You don't have to sort through all 14 programs on your own. Turnout's free Washington benefits scan asks a few plain-language questions about your household and income, then shows which programs you may qualify for. It takes about three minutes and gives you a clear place to start today.