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Washington

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 18, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Washington, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website.

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Description of Program and Relief

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Washington’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary cash for families in need and enrolled in Washington’s WorkFirst Program to assist unemployed individuals in finding and keeping a job. Although there is no specific guidance related to COVID-19, individuals struggling to find employment due to COVID-19 may be eligible for this program if they meet eligibility requirements (below).

Government or Lead Agency

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Dates Available

Effective immediately (existing program)

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

For specific eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Health and Social Services website.

The program, in general, is available to Washington State residents who are responsible for the care of children or who are pregnant and meet certain eligibility requirements, including income and resource requirements and citizenship and alien status requirements. TANF families are limited to sixty months of benefits in their lifetime unless they qualify for a time-limit extension.

To be eligible for TANF, a family must have resources of $6,000 or less. Resources include things like:

Checking and savings accounts;

Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds; or

Vehicle equity over $10,000

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

You can apply for TANF program online or at your local Community Services Office. You may also call (877) 501-2233 Monday–Friday. Hours for interviews are 8 a.m.––3 p.m.

List of Additional Information

For more information about income limits, benefit amounts, and eligibility requirements, or for any other information about TANF, please visit the Department of Health and Social Services website.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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