Seattle

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Public Assistance

Programs and services aimed at supporting low-income individuals and families, including food assistance, cash benefits, and utility support.

Sections

1. Food Assistance Programs

a. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Description: SNAP, known as Basic Food in Washington State, provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries.
  • Eligibility:
    • Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
    • U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens (some exceptions for immigrants).
    • Must meet resource limits (e.g., savings, property).
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply online via the Washington Connection portal: www.washingtonconnection.org.
    2. Submit required documents (e.g., proof of income, ID, residency).
    3. Complete an interview (phone or in-person).
  • Costs: Free to apply.
  • Local Offices:
    • Seattle Community Service Office (CSO): 1700 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122.
    • Phone: 1-877-501-2233.
  • Additional Advice:
    • Immigrants with specific statuses may qualify; consult with local nonprofits like Northwest Immigrant Rights Project for guidance.

b. Food Banks

  • Description: Free groceries and meals for individuals and families in need.
  • Key Locations:
    • Ballard Food Bank: 1400 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107.
    • Rainier Valley Food Bank: 4205 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118.
    • University District Food Bank: 5017 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
  • Eligibility: No income or residency requirements; open to all.
  • Costs: Free.
  • Additional Advice:
    • Bring reusable bags for groceries.
    • Check operating hours as they vary by location.

2. Housing Assistance Programs

a. Seattle Housing Authority (SHA)

  • Description: Provides affordable housing options, including public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).
  • Eligibility:
    • Income must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
    • U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants.
    • Must meet SHAโ€™s screening criteria (e.g., rental history, criminal background).
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply online at www.seattlehousing.org.
    2. Join the waitlist (wait times can be long).
    3. Provide documentation (e.g., income verification, ID).
  • Costs: Rent is typically 30% of household income.
  • Local Office:
    • Seattle Housing Authority: 190 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.
    • Phone: 206-239-1500.
  • Additional Advice:
    • Consider applying for emergency housing assistance through local nonprofits like Solid Ground or Catholic Community Services.

b. King County Homelessness Services

  • Description: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Key Resources:
    • King County Coordinated Entry for All (CEA): Centralized system to access housing resources.
    • Phone: 2-1-1 (King County Crisis Line).
  • Costs: Free.
  • Additional Advice:
    • Call 2-1-1 for immediate shelter availability and referrals.

3. Cash Assistance Programs

a. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

  • Description: Provides cash assistance to low-income families with children.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have a child under 18 (or 19 if still in school).
    • Meet income and resource limits.
    • U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants.
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply online at www.washingtonconnection.org.
    2. Submit required documents (e.g., proof of income, ID, childโ€™s birth certificate).
    3. Complete an interview.
  • Costs: Free to apply.
  • Local Office:
    • Seattle Community Service Office (CSO): 1700 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122.
    • Phone: 1-877-501-2233.
  • Additional Advice:
    • TANF recipients may also qualify for job training and childcare assistance.

b. Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance

  • Description: Provides cash assistance to low-income adults who are unable to work due to age, blindness, or disability.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be 65+ or meet disability criteria.
    • Income and resource limits apply.
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply online at www.washingtonconnection.org.
    2. Provide medical documentation of disability.
  • Costs: Free to apply.
  • Local Office:
    • Seattle Community Service Office (CSO): 1700 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122.
    • Phone: 1-877-501-2233.

4. Medical Assistance Programs

a. Apple Health (Medicaid)

  • Description: Free or low-cost health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
  • Eligibility:
    • Income must be at or below 138% of the FPL for adults.
    • No income limit for children under 19.
    • U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants.
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply online at www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
    2. Submit proof of income, residency, and ID.
  • Costs: Free for most; some plans may have minimal premiums or co-pays.
  • Local Office:
    • Public Health โ€“ Seattle & King County: 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.
    • Phone: 1-800-562-3022.
  • Additional Advice:
    • Free in-person enrollment assistance is available at community health centers.

b. Community Health Clinics

  • Description: Low-cost or free healthcare services for uninsured or underinsured individuals.
  • Key Locations:
    • Neighborcare Health: Multiple locations in Seattle.
    • Sea Mar Community Health Centers: 8720 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108.
  • Costs: Sliding scale based on income.
  • Additional Advice:
    • Call ahead to confirm eligibility and required documents.

5. Additional Resources

a. Utility Assistance

  • Description: Programs to help with utility bills, such as electricity, water, and heating.
  • Key Programs:
    • Seattle City Light Utility Discount Program: Up to 60% off electricity bills for low-income households.
    • LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Assistance with heating costs.
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply online or call the utility provider.
    2. Provide proof of income and residency.
  • Costs: Free to apply.

b. Legal Aid

  • Description: Free or low-cost legal assistance for public benefits, housing, and immigration issues.
  • Key Organizations:
    • Northwest Justice Project: 401 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104.
    • Phone: 1-888-201-1014.

Cultural and Administrative Considerations

  • Language Access: Many public assistance programs in Seattle offer interpretation services. Call ahead to request assistance in your preferred language.
  • Immigrant-Friendly Resources: Nonprofits like El Centro de la Raza and Refugee Womenโ€™s Alliance (ReWA) provide culturally tailored support for immigrants and refugees.
  • Transportation: Use public transit (King County Metro) to access offices and services. Reduced fare programs are available for low-income residents.

This guide provides a starting point for accessing public assistance in Seattle. For personalized help, consider reaching out to local nonprofits or calling 2-1-1 for referrals.