NEW (8/31/2023): If you have been affected by recent wildfires and you live in Spokane, Pend Oreille or Whitman counties and are not eligible for other DSHS cash assistance programs, you may be eligible for the Disaster Cash Assistance Program. DCAP is a temporary cash assistance program activated by a governor’s declaration of a state of emergency and related proclamation. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. To apply, visit WashingtonConnection.org or a local Community Services Office, or call the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233.
NEW (8/25/2023): Congress passed a law that enables DSHS to replace some food benefits stolen through skimming, cloning or similar fraudulent activity. Customers who believe they are victims of food benefits theft should submit a claim to have some food benefits replaced.
Claims can be submitted in person in a Community Service Office, by phone through the Customer Service Contact Center (877-501-2233), online through MyDocs, by mail or by fax of a completed DSHS Claim of Stolen EBT Benefits form (DSHS 27-225).
Customers who had food benefits stolen between Oct. 1, 2022 and Aug. 22, 2023 have until Oct. 22, 2023 to submit a claim. Otherwise, they must submit the claim within 30 days of discovering the loss.
Unfortunately, cash benefits cannot be replaced at this time. Customers are encouraged to continue to report this theft to the department so we can track these losses.
Please see the EBT Card Skimming brochure for information on how to protect EBT cards from skimming.
Home and Community Services customers who believe they might be victims of food benefits theft should contact their assigned public benefits specialist. Developmental Disabilities Administration customers should call 855-873-0642.
NEW (update 8/16/23): Our statewide Customer Service Contact Center and Community Services Office hours have changed. Interview times are 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. This adjustment allows us to improve our customer service during peak times.
The following services are available at our Contact Center and CSOs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
- Completing an interview for cash or food (application/eligibility review/mid-certification review).
- Reporting changes for any of your benefits.
- WorkFirst/Social Services Case Management.
Services available after 2 p.m. include:
- Attending previously scheduled appointments with a case manager.
- Accessing a navigator to help answer questions.
ADA accommodations around scheduling and interviews will continue to be provided based on individual client needs.
Online services are available through WashingtonConnection.org:
- Submitting applications and eligibility reviews.
- Completing a mid-certification review (when you have a Client Benefit Account).
- Reporting changes for any of your benefits.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to best meet your needs.
Apple Health and the public health emergency
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, we extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. This extension ended March 31, 2023 due to the passing of the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2023.
What does this mean for Apple Health Classic Medicaid clients?
We will resume determining ongoing eligibility April 1, 2023. This means we can no longer automatically extend your coverage and will determine your eligibility based on your circumstances. Clients will receive a renewal notice prior to the end of their renewal period sometime over the next 12 months, based on a client’s renewal date.
For example, clients with a renewal date in May will receive a renewal notice in the month of April. Clients found not eligible could lose their coverage as early as April 30, but more likely at the end of May.
What can clients do to stay informed?
The best way Apple Health Classic Medicaid clients can stay informed is by keeping your contact information up to date. This ensures you don't miss important notices about your coverage, including your renewal notice. Learn how you can update your contact information.
Clients should watch for their renewal notices and take timely action to keep their coverage active. You will have the opportunity to renew your coverage prior to any closure or transition of coverage. Learn how to apply or renew Apple Health Classic Medicaid coverage.
Save time and skip waiting on hold.
Did you know you have several options to avoid long wait times in offices and on phones with our self-service options, online Client Benefit Account and other resources? Watch a short video about how to:
COVID-19 Policy and Program Changes
