What are reviews?
A review is a check-in on your benefits during and at the end of your certification period to see if any changes have occurred that affect your benefits. A certification period is the time frame in which you are approved to receive benefits.
What types of reviews are there?
Benefits have two types of reviews: mid-certification and eligibility.
What is an eligibility review?
An eligibility review for public assistance is like an annual check-in by DSHS to make sure you still qualify for help. We look at things like your income, family size and other factors, depending on the benefits you receive, such as your resources or deductions, to see if you're still eligible for such benefits as food, cash or medical assistance.
What is a mid-certification review?
A mid-certification review is a check-in during the sixth month of your certification period. We confirm whether your situation has changed and if you still qualify for the assistance you're receiving. Mid-certification reviews do not require an interview but do require verification of changes that might lead to an increase in your benefits, such as adding a person or reducing an income source.
When do I have to complete an eligibility review?
Eligibility reviews are usually due during the 12th month of your certification period. Reviews for cash, food and medical assistance could be due on different dates if benefits for all programs weren’t started at the same time. To avoid losing benefits, please refer to your eligibility review letter to see when you need to complete the process.
When do I have to complete a mid-certification review?
If you receive Basic Food or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, you may have to complete a mid-certification review. If you need to complete a mid-certification review, we’ll send you a letter in the fifth month of certification. You will then need to complete your review by the 10th day of the following month.
Do I need to complete an interview for a review?
Mid-certification reviews do not require interviews.
Eligibility reviews for:
- Cash assistance: All eligibility reviews require interviews.
- Food assistance: Most food assistance cases require an interview, but some do not.
- Please refer to your eligibility review letter for your interview requirements.
- Medical programs: No interviews are required.
Learn more: Eligibility Reviews for Medical Only
How do I complete my mid-certification review?
For best service, please complete, sign and return the mid-certification form that was mailed to you. You can do this using any of the following methods:
- In person at your local Community Services Office.
- Online at washingtonconnection.org.
- By fax at 888-338-7410.
- By mail at DSHS, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411.
- By phone at 877-501-2233.
Learn more: Washington Connection Access Online Services
You've notified me my benefits are ending due to an incomplete review, but I've already submitted the necessary form. Can you explain why my benefits are ending?
Your benefits might be ending due to an incomplete review:
- Your review was received but not yet processed.
- We are missing information needed to determine your eligibility.
- Your eligibility review requires an interview that has not been completed.
- If you have questions about why your benefits are ending, please contact us by phone at 877-501-2233, or visit us at your local Community Services Office.
For more information about any of the programs DSHS offers, please call 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.