Financial Resources Government Assistance Programs

Assistance Programs to Support Life

Sometimes we need additional resources to support our lives outside of our academic environment.

The following has some community resources related to:

Healthcare
Food
Financial & Utility Support

A great starting place to check if you have eligibility to apply for these government aid agencies is through Washington Connection website.

Healthcare

Apple Health is Washington's name for Medicaid. Apple Health is free or low-cost health insurance for those who qualify, largely related to income level.

To see more about eligibility, visit the WA Health Care Authority Eligibility Overview page

Free or Low Cost Health Coverage Flyer with 2025 Income Table (**income table updates in April annually)

Single Person-- under 1800 monthly
Apple Health for Kids is free for children up to age 19 who are below 215% of federal poverty level

Apply for Apple Health:

To apply for or renew coverage, you can visit the WA Health Care Authority Application + Renewal Page.

Generally, to apply, you'll need your household monthly income, immigration information (if applicable), dates of birth for those in your household, and social security numbers for those in your household.

If you need help with the enrollment process, you can work with a Navigator to help with the process. In Pierce County, there are Navigators at Sea Mar Community Health Centers 1-855-289-4503 or seamaripa@seamarchc.org

Apple Health Renewal:

Enrollment typically lasts for a year. Generally, you are sent a letter to remind you to renew your Apple Health coverage so its important to keep your information, including mailing address, as up to date as possible.

This flyer also has information on Renewing your AppleHealth coverage.

Additional Healthcare Information:

WA Healthplan Finder is another helpful resource

If you do not qualify for Apple Health, it still may prove useful to work with a Navigator or Insurance Broker to find the best option for you.

Connect Pierce has some case management support to help folks navigate healthcare, health and social services in the area. 253-302-5508

Food

Basic Food (SNAP)

WA Basic Food Program which includes SNAP + FAP.

Eligibility- live in WA state, income requirements based on household, meet citizenship or immigration status requirements

Apply for Food Program:

You can apply for Basic Food:

Online at https://www.washingtonconnection.org
By phone by calling 877-501-2233.
In person at your local DSHS Community Services Office. Find a CSO near you at www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations.
By mail:
- DSHS Customer Service Center
- P.O. Box 11699 Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
- For more information, call 877-501-2233.

**An interview is required for the basic food program. Once approved, you'll receive a letter with the date of each month your benefits will be deposited to your EBT card.

Most households who receive EBT services have a review every 6 months called an MCR. It is important to complete your paperwork and review in a timely manner as to not postpone and/or lose access to your benefits.

Students especially- if they receive TANF, part of work study, work 20 hours per week or are single parent may have to be careful of the qualification and reauthorization requires.

TANF- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

TANF provides temporary monthly cash to eligible families. "Families" must include a pregnant person or minor child.

You may get TANF if you:

are pregnant
are caring for your own minor child or a relative's child who is living with you
are caring for a child who is under the age of 19 and is currently participating in high school or equivalent
Meet resource/income limits based on household size
Meet TANF time limits (up to 60 months or 5 years unless other extension requirements are met)
There is also "non-needy TANF" which is usually used for caretakers of relative children/kins.

Sometimes you are required to participate in WorkFirst type programing to gain employable experience as a TANF recipient.

You'll also be required to work with Division of Child Support to open a child support case though those can be requested to be limited if it's not "good cause."

To Apply for TANF or DCA:

Step 1. Submit an application

In person at your local Community Services Office.
Online at Washington Connection
By fax at 888-338-7410.
By mail at DSHS, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411.
By phone at 877-501-2233

Step 2: Complete an interview in person or by phone at 877-501-2233 between 8 and 2pm M-F

Step 3: If you meet financial eligibility, you will be referred to a worker to discuss WorkFirst participation.

For more about TANF, you can check out the DSHS Temporary Aid for Needy Families webpage.

Additional Food Resources:

Emergency Food Network- Find a Food Pantry Map OR EFN Food Bank Directory

Nourish Food Bank Locator (which does have some overlap with EFN's schedule)

There is no eligibility to utilize the Food Banks in Pierce County. You do not need to bring any documentation or id to visit, and you do not need to prove citizenship or income level to receive food.

Upon your first visit, you may be asked to fill out paperwork with your name, household size, and demographic information but it is voluntary. Information on the forms helps to get you the right amount of food for your family and to help with data collection for funding for the Food Banks and other resources.

Click the following link for more information about visiting a Food Pantry for the First Time.

Connect Pierce has some case management support to help folks navigate healthcare, health and social services in the area. 253-302-5508

Financial Assistance

Disability & SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a monthly cash benefit for individuals with disabilities of any age or individuals 65+.

For Eligibility Information + Application:

There are a variety of eligibility requirements which you can find at the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) website where you can also apply if you find that you are eligible.

***There are some special rules for SSI recipients who are students, especially as it relates to income and/or your "fit enough for work."

Students will need to be particularly on top of the reporting responsibilities and should work with their case worker
Student Earned Income Exclusion for SSI

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

DVR helps folks find meaningful work. They can sometimes help with counseling, support, tools, and other services that may help students in accessing education or certification programs that aid in getting into further employment.

DVR may be particularly helpful for folks with certain physical or mental disabilities that have created barriers to employment and who required vocational rehabilitation services to get/keep a job. .

To apply you'll want to visit the How Do I Get Started Website with DVR.

You can also visit a DVR Counselor at one of their offices.

They have additional Resources for Job Seekers via the DSHS website like WorkSource.

For more information visit the DVR Website.

Connect Pierce has some case management support to help folks navigate healthcare, health and social services in the area. 253-302-5508