Various federal and state programs are available within Washington state to help refugees, immigrants and asylees with cash, food and medical assistance.
These programs can be accessed online or at a local DSHS Community Services Office.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides temporary cash and medical help for families in need. Refugees, immigrants and asylees may be eligible for TANF if they meet program criteria.
- The Washington Basic Food Program is Washington state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP provides food assistance for low-income individuals and families.
- The federal Refugee Cash Assistance program provides cash assistance to refugees and humanitarian immigrants without minor dependents for up to four months.
- Refugee Medical Assistance provides medical services for up to four months for refugees and humanitarian immigrants who are ineligible for Apple Health.
- Apple Health is the federal Medicaid program, administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority.