Community Services Division, Economic Services Administration, Department of Social and Health Services
Community Services Division, Economic Services Administration, Department of Social and Health Services





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Eligibility for DSHS Services

Each DSHS program has its own eligibility requirements; this is only a general overview. All programs consider your income. Some programs also consider your resources. Some programs are for those who are disabled, elderly or have minor children.

Below is a table that outlines some of these requirements:

DSHS ProgramChildrenPregnancyDisabilityEligibility Factors
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)YESYES/NO*NOIncome, Resources
Washington Basic Food ProgramNONONOIncome, Resources
Working Connections ChildcareYESNONOIncome, Employment
Family MedicalYESNONOIncome, Resources
Children's Health Insurance Program
(low cost health insurance)
YESNONOIncome
General Assistance Unemployable (GAU)NONOYESIncome, Resources
Pregnancy MedicalNOYESNOIncome
Children's MedicalYESNONOIncome
Aged, Blind and Disabled MedicalNONOYESIncome, Resources

* Pregnancy is only a requirement for a TANF grant if there are no other dependent children residing in the home.

For example:

  • A single mother with two children who has no medical coverage for her children through her job. Depending on her income and resources she might qualify for family or children's health insurance program. She might also be eligible for Basic Food and Working Connections Childcare.

  • An individual with no children who is temporarily disabled and unable to work might be eligible for General Assistance and Basic Food.

  • A pregnant woman living alone might be eligible for pregnancy medical, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Basic Food.

These are example situations.

  • Remember, the only way to know for sure if you're eligible is to apply.

You can use our on-line Do I qualify? calculator to see if you would be eligible.




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Page last modified: Wednesday, September 26, 2007
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