Benefits & Financial Assistance

Washington Connection is a free website that helps people learn about and apply for public benefits and programs available to people who live in Washington State.  It is easy to use, and the best way to find out what programs might be available for a specific individual or family is to visit the website.

If your family has an emergency and you need a one-time cash payment to obtain or keep safe housing or utilities, you may be eligible for the Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN).

Basic Food, the state’s food stamp program, helps people in Washington make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food. Participating in Basic Food also has other benefits.

To learn more or to apply for food assistance, call 877-501-2233.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary cash, food, and medical help for families in need. Some families participate in the WorkFirst Program. The WorkFirst Program helps participants find and keep jobs.

Persons who are caring for a relative’s child, are legal guardians, or are acting in the place of a parent are also able to apply for TANF benefits on behalf of these children through the Non-Needy Relative, In Loco Parentis and Legal Guardian Program.

Career Connect Washington creates work-based and academic programs for young people to explore, learn, and earn money or college level credit. Use their directory to find support and explore resources.

DOL2Go is a new program supporting communities around Washington. The DOL2Go mobile unit provides onsite ID card and driver licensing services to people with barriers to visiting traditional offices. You may find them in rural communities, assisting people experiencing homelessness, community centers, and emergency response events.

DOL2Go focuses on helping under-resourced Washington residents get the services they need to live, work, drive and thrive. The mobile unit offers the same services as traditional offices, including:

• First time Washington driver license or ID card, including enhanced
• Out-of-state transfers
• Renew driver license, permit or ID card
• Driver record
• Reinstatement letters
• Document review for proof of identity

If you are an organization or municipality that would like DOL2Go services in your community or at an event, please email DOL-2-Go@dol.wa.gov. Please note, DOL2Go does not make individual house calls and not all requests can be accommodated. In your email, please include details of your event or need:

• Approximate number of attendees who would need DOL services
• Location where event would take place
• Date and time (if scheduled)
• Your contact email and phone number