Low-Income Resources in Washington
This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.
- Food resources
- Housing and utilities
- Child and family care
- Healthcare resources
- Crisis care
- Debt help
Food resources
If you need help with groceries, start with Washington’s Basic Food program (SNAP). For WIC and local food banks, the links below can help you find the right starting point. If you are not sure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for WA 211.
Basic Food (SNAP) — Washington DSHS
- Apply online: Washington Connection
- Program details: Basic Food (DSHS)
- Phone: 877-501-2233
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Washington DOH
- Apply: Apply for WIC
- WIC Support Line: 800-841-1410
Find a food bank (statewide network) — Northwest Harvest
Find food help (Western Washington) — Food Lifeline
Housing and utilities
If housing or utility bills are the main concern, start with state and local programs. For energy assistance, Washington routes LIHEAP applications through local providers. If you need help finding the right local door, see the Crisis care section for WA 211.
LIHEAP (energy assistance) — Washington Dept. of Commerce
Housing support and homelessness prevention — Washington Dept. of Commerce
Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) referral — Washington DSHS
Tenant rights and eviction information — Washington Attorney General
Child and family care
Families may need help with child care costs, temporary cash assistance, or family support services. If you are unsure what is available in your area, WA 211 can help you find local options (see Crisis care).
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) — DCYF
- Program info: Working Connections Child Care
- Apply: Washington Connection
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — Washington DSHS
- Program info: TANF (DSHS)
- Apply: Washington Connection
WorkFirst (employment and training support)
Healthcare resources
If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, start with Washington Healthplanfinder for Apple Health (Medicaid) and other coverage options. For local low-cost clinics, community health centers can help (see the HRSA locator below).
Apple Health (Medicaid) — apply through Washington Healthplanfinder
- Apply: Washington Healthplanfinder
- Apple Health details: Apple Health for you (HCA)
Apply or renew coverage — Washington Health Care Authority (HCA)
Find a community health center (low-cost clinics) — HRSA
Crisis care
If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.
WA 211
- Dial: 2-1-1
- Outside WA: 877-211-9274
- WA 211 website
- Search the WA 211 directory
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text: 988
- 988 Lifeline website
Washington Recovery Help Line
- Call: 866-789-1511
- Recovery Help Line website
National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Call: 800-799-7233
- Text: START to 88788
- Hotline website
Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)
- Call or text: 800-985-5990
- Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
- Helpline details
If debt is part of the picture
Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.
Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.
Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/washington/
