Important Message(s)

The federal government hasn't passed spending legislation to keep the government open. On Oct. 1, 2025, portions of the federal government stopped operating. Until federal funding is restored, DSHS will be unable to issue food benefits after Oct. 31. 

DSHS will continue to accept applications, eligibility reviews, mid-certification reviews, and changes beyond Oct. 31, 2025, and those will be addressed once federal guidance is received. 

Recipients can still use any remaining food benefits on their EBT cards. Other DSHS benefits are not affected by the shutdown.
For updates on how the shutdown impacts DSHS and the people we serve, visit https://www.dshs.wa.gov/.

Important: Because of the federal government shutdown, your online account might show incorrect information about November food benefits. If federal funding isn't restored, DSHS won't be able to issue food benefits after Oct. 31. For questions about your EBT account balances, please call the Customer Service Helpline at 1-888-328-9271 or visit www.ebtEDGE.com.

Navigation Tutorial

Welcome

Washington Connection offers you a fast and easy way to apply for a variety of public benefits. This may save you having to visit or call an office in some cases. Services for families and individuals include:

  • Food
  • Cash
  • Child Care
  • Long-Term Care
  • Medicare Savings Programs
  • Medical assistance (Age 65 or older, blind, or disabled)

Click the "See If I Qualify" button to get started.

Document Upload Portal

Select this link to securely send in your paperwork online for your food, cash, DSHS medical, and child care benefits.

Best Browsing Practices

Click Here to see tips on Washington Connection browsing.

You can visit Washington Healthplanfinder to find healthcare coverage for: 

  • Children
  • Parents/caretakers with children
  • Pregnant women
  • Adults age 18 to 64 years old

Have you heard about MyWABenefits?

This mobile-friendly portal is a resource for Washington residents. You can track the status of an application or renewal. See interview appointment details. And even opt-in to receive important reminders by text message or email.

Review this chart to see the differences between MyWABenefits and the Client Benefit Account.

About Us: Is this an official government website? Yes! Washington Connection has a .org address because it was created in partnership between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The City of Seattle and WA state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in 2010. This site is managed by the state of Washington through DSHS. It is the secure, official way to apply online for many public benefits in our state.

Save time and go online! Thanks for choosing Washington Connection.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. View the DSHS Civil Rights and Complaints page for more Civil Rights and Nondiscrimination information.