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All kinds of help

Money

Cash help for basic needs, monthly payments for people with disabilities, retirees and veterans, and help with taxes. Your state runs cash help for families. Social Security pays disability and retirement benefits, and the VA pays veterans benefits. Free tax help can make sure you claim the credits you qualify for.Help in Washington and from the federal government.

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Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Washington

Washington programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

Washington has a fuller page for this topic. See all Washington help for this

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 877-501-2233

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

    State-funded cash assistance

    DSHS offers state-funded cash programs for some families and adults who cannot qualify for federal cash assistance.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 877-501-2233

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

    Child Support Services

    The Division of Child Support helps parents establish and collect child support.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Call 877-501-2233

  • Washington State Employment Security Department

    Unemployment benefits

    Unemployment benefits provide temporary income to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhone

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-318-6022

  • Washington State Employment Security Department

    Paid Family and Medical Leave

    Paid Leave provides partial wage replacement for eligible workers taking time away for qualifying family or medical reasons.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-318-6022

  • Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

    Veterans services

    WDVA helps veterans and their families access state and federal benefits and services.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person

    Apply online Call 800-562-2308

  • Washington State Department of Revenue

    Working Families Tax Credit

    The Working Families Tax Credit gives eligible workers a state tax refund.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

    Apply online Call 360-705-6705

Checked on October 8, 2026

Help lines in Washington

  • Washington 211

    Washington Information Network 211. Free, confidential help finding local services: food, housing, utilities, health care, and more. Talk to a real person.

    Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm; online search any time

    Call 211

    Checked on September 15, 2026

  • Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

    Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). Help for veterans and their families with VA benefits, state veterans homes, and finding veteran services in your county.

    Call 1-800-562-2308

    Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Washington

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Social Security Administration

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security retirement benefits

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

    Apply online at SSA.gov about four months before you want payments to start, or call Social Security.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA disability compensation and benefits

    Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

    File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.

    Apply on VA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-827-1000

  • Internal Revenue Service

    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

    Claim it when you file your federal tax return. Free help from VITA or IRS Free File can make sure you get it.

    Official pageCall 1-800-829-1040

  • Internal Revenue Service

    VITA and TCE free tax help

    IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Find a site near you on IRS.gov or call the locator line, then bring your ID and tax papers.

    Official pageCall 1-800-906-9887

  • Internal Revenue Service

    IRS Free File

    File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

    Start from IRS.gov so you get the free version. Fillable forms are free for everyone.

    Apply on IRS.gov

Checked on October 9, 2026

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