Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Thank you for sharing! DSHS is working to interpret court rulings issued Friday, Oct. 31, and awaiting federal guidance to get food benefits issued as soon as possible. Check dshs.wa.gov often for new updates.

Thank you! We are working to interpret today's court rulings and awaiting federal guidance to get food benefits issued as soon as possible. Keep an eye on dshs.wa.gov for updates.

Blue background with white text that matches post. DSHS logo. More info at dshs.wa.gov.

Are you wondering how the federal government shutdown will impact benefits? Here's what we know: DSHS has funding to send out October 2025 food and cash benefits as usual.
We'll keep sharing updates as we learn more. Visit our website for the latest news: dshs.wa.gov

Dark purple background with floral pattern, brightly colored blue, pink, teal and yellow flowers in corners. Text: We join the nationwide celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2025. This month honors the history, culture and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across our country.

Sept. 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we celebrate and honor the history, culture and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across our country. Learn more about events and ways to commemorate on the WA Commission on Hispanic Affairs website: www.cha.wa.gov/lhhm

Texts are sent Tuesday - Saturday. To verify if any text message is from us, visit dshs.wa.gov/text.

Want to share feedback now? Use this link: www.research.net/r/SurveyCSD

Illustration of cell phone held by two hands. Phone has pictures of DSHS logo and three faces - sad, neutral and happy. Text matches post.

DSHS just launched a new texting campaign to make it easier to share feedback. If you recently visited an office or called our Customer Service Contact Center, and have a number we can text on file, you might receive a link to our customer feedback survey. Your response helps us better serve you.

Collage of six photos of DSHS employees smiling as they work. Text: DSHS offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

In observance of #LaborDay, DSHS offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1. We will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. We are thankful for all our dedicated DSHS employees throughout Washington state and laborers everywhere. Thank you for everything you do! #PartneringWithPeople #BuildingAccessForAll

Illustration of four friends sitting on the floor socializing and smiling. Text: International Overdose Awareness Day August 31

When someone survives an opioid overdose, it’s because someone else stepped up to help. When we see each other as friends to keep safe, we have the power to change what happens next. Overdose is preventable when we act together.

#OneWAfamily #IOAD2025 @doh.wa.gov @wa-health-care.bsky.social

Photo of six smiling school-aged kids outside standing in a row. Text: There's still time. Sunburst graphic with yellow rays. SUN Bucks logo.

#SUNBucks has already provided $120 in summer food benefits to more than 533,000 kids across WA. Think you might be eligible? There's still time to apply! The due date for 2025 summer food benefits is Friday, Aug. 29. Learn more: sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov/en/

#SupportCareResources

Give Document Upload a try today and enjoy a fast and easy paperwork experience!

documentupload.dshs.wa.gov/welcome

#DSHS #BuildingAccessForAll

Tips for using Document Upload:
• Use clear scans or photos.
• If you’re snapping a photo, make sure the document is flat and in good lighting.
• Legible text: Avoid blurry or dark images.
• Double-check all pages are included and in the right order. Nothing should be cut off or hidden.

This new tool simplifies your paperwork experience by letting you submit:
• Paystubs
• Landlord statements
• Driver's licenses
• Birth certificates
• Death certificates
• Marriage verifications
• Pregnancy verifications
• Social Security cards
• And more!

DSHS logo. Illustration of a cell phone with the DSHS Document Upload website portal on the screen. Text matches post.

New Document Upload portal is now available!
Do you need to send us paperwork for your food, cash, DSHS medical or child care benefits? You can now easily send paperwork online using Document Upload.

Gov. Ferguson appoints Angela Ramirez secretary of DSHS On Thursday, Aug. 14, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his appointment of Angela Ramirez as Washington’s new secretary of the Department of…

Exciting news! We will welcome our new DSHS secretary, Angela Ramirez, on Sept. 22. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced her appointment today. You can read more about her and her appointment on our Medium site: medium.com/@dshswa/gov-... #DSHS #SupportCareResources #PartneringWithPeople

We will verify the disaster through a third party, like fire or police officials, utility company or local media. If verified, we can replace food benefits up to the amount of your monthly allotment. 

Visit dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/emergency-resources to learn more.

DSHS logo. Illustration of groceries in a paper bag. Photo of wildfire. Text: Did you lose food during a wildfire? You might be able to replace your EBT purchases within 10 days of loss. Details in caption.

Have you lost food bought with food benefits due to recent wildfires? DSHS might be able to replace some or all of its value. If you lost food purchased with Basic Food benefits, please call 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office within 10 days of the loss.

Thank you for being part of our community, for your understanding, and for your support during this transition.

We will let you know when we become active on Bluesky again!

We’re excited to continue connecting with you in new ways—see you on Facebook, Nextdoor, YouTube or LinkedIn!

These changes will help make the most of our resources while still providing you with the news, updates, and resources you rely on. You’ll still find the same helpful information and ways to connect with us on these platforms. If you’re not already following us there, now’s a great time to join.

A light blue graphic with a dark blue banner at the top displays the following text in black: "We’re moving to fewer platforms" Below, it reads: "Due to budget cuts and fewer team members, we’re focusing on just a few social media platforms. Starting July 1, we’ll share updates and resources primarily on: Facebook, Nextdoor, and YouTube." A dividing line separates this from the next section, which states: "We’re still here to keep you informed and connected—just in a simpler way." At the bottom, the DSHS logo is displayed with the text: "Washington State Department of Social and Health Services." Underneath, it reads: "See caption for full details."

We’ve loved connecting with you here, but due to budget cuts and fewer team members, we need to simplify where we share updates. Starting July 1, we’ll focus on just a few platforms
• Facebook: @WaStateDSHS
• LinkedIn: @washingtondepartmentofsocialandhealthservices
• YouTube: @WashingtonStateDSHS

A smiling man in a white shirt carries a young girl on his back in the produce section of a grocery store. The girl is reaching for a package of mushrooms on a refrigerated shelf. Bright yellow rays frame the image on the sides, resembling a sunburst. Below the image, text reads: "Find out if your children are eligible for SUN Bucks grocery benefits." The SUN Bucks logo is prominently displayed, featuring a sun and a plate with utensils.

#SUNBucks update: Is your child eligible for SUN Bucks?

The program has some changes this year. If you got a letter from DSHS about possible eligibility, we encourage you to apply for SUN Bucks if you did not already receive benefits this year.
Find out more: dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks

A horizontal banner with a blue and white theme celebrates DeafBlind Awareness Week. At the top, photos show three individuals engaged in daily activities: a man listening attentively to a woman signing and a man with a guide stick smiling. The title "DeafBlind Awareness Week" is in large white text, followed by "June 22-28." A tagline at the bottom states, "We honor and celebrate the DeafBlind community, and its leadership and advocacy!" The banner ends with a DSHS logo.

The last week of June is Deafblind Awareness Week, celebrated in honor of Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, showed the world what is possible with determination and hard work.
Let’s work together to build understanding and support for the deafblind community.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month - Protect Your Brain Health A vertical banner with a light purple background highlights Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The main message, "Protect Your Brain Health," is written in bold purple text. Three sections feature illustrated icons: a rolled yoga mat with "Mind and body exercises," a crescent moon with stars labeled "Good sleep habits," and a bike helmet for "Head injury protection." At the bottom, text reads, "Learn more about brain health on our DSHS Dementia Action Collaborative webpage," accompanied by a DSHS logo.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration wants you to know how to protect your brain health. Healthy habits include:
• Not using tobacco
• Eating healthy
• Exercising your body & mind
• Maintaining healthy weight
• Practicing good sleep habits

Still an opportunity for this NOTIS webinar June 28.

A promotional image for the "Caregiving in Action" newsletter by DSHS. The headline reads, "Are you a caregiver?" followed by the text: "Check out our brand-new newsletter featuring topics, skills, and stories of Washington’s caregivers." Below the headline, a preview of the newsletter is shown, including sections with titles such as "Welcome," "Fun Facts," and "Secrets that Make Caregiving Easier." At the bottom, there's a blue banner with the DSHS logo and text encouraging viewers to get the first edition and sign up for the email newsletter series. It also invites users to share their caregiving tips and stories for future newsletters. The overall tone is warm and inviting, with an emphasis on caregiving as a valuable and heroic effort.

Are you a caregiver? We’ve got some exciting news just for you! DSHS is excited to introduce our brand-new HCLA Caregiver Newsletter. ! It’s the perfect place to find support and celebrate the amazing work that you do every day. Visit linktr.ee/wa_dshs to subscribe and download the first edition!

A graphic announcing office closures in observance of Juneteenth. The text reads: "Our offices will be closed in observance and celebration of Juneteenth." The word "Juneteenth" is displayed prominently in bold, stylized text with colorful accents of green, orange, and red. Below, it states: "Thursday, June 19." At the bottom, the DSHS logo is displayed with the text: "Washington State Department of Social and Health Services." The background is dark green with confetti patterns in red, orange, and green, creating a celebratory feel.

As we approach June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest national holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S. This day in 1865 represented the arrival of freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, TX, over 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Let’s use this day to reflect and remember.

FWB brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and advocacy, regarding all domains for children who experience trauma/foster care. We know we are not able to have experts in each office, but the FWB team is just a phone call or email away and a vital resource during times of limited or no resources for children and families. - Denise McJohnson, DCYF

Focused on healthy futures for children and teens in foster care. DSHS Fostering Well-Being staff include pediatricians, nurses, and program specialists working together to make sure their clients’ medical, behavioral, mental health, & school needs are met. www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/fostering-well-being

To protect your EBT account, here are a few tips:

- Don’t share your EBT card number or PIN with anyone who reaches out to you by phone or text messaging.
- Change your PIN frequently
- Check your EBT account regularly
- Use features in the FIS ebtEDGE mobile app or through www.ebtedge.com

ALT TEXT Illustration of a hand holding a smartphone displaying a red alert icon, next to a Washington Quest EBT card. The text reads, 'Did you get our EBT alert text?' Above the website link 'dshs.wa.gov/text' for more details on DSHS texts.

#ALERT Our EBT team is anticipating an increase in EBT theft this summer.

You may receive this message from DSHS:
"EBT cardholder, your benefits are in danger of theft. Act immediately. Change the PIN or replace your card by calling the phone number on the back of your card or the DSHS office."

A digital graphic highlights A Father’s Day story. The top half features a torn-paper effect with the headline: ‘Every day if Father’s Day’ followed by the publication date, '06/12/2025.' Below, two photos. One of a son and dad standing together at a highschool graduation. One of a dad and small son holding his hand at a beach. The bottom section has a blue background with the DSHS (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services) logo on the left and the text 'DSHS stories on Medium' with the Medium logo on the right.

As Father’s Day approaches, we honor all the amazing dads in Washington — those who see their kids regularly and especially those who are working hard to be in their children’s lives. The Fatherhood Council State of Father asked dads, What are your strengths? Read: dshswa.medium.com/every-day-is...

A digital graphic highlights A BHHA success story. The top half features a torn-paper effect with the headline: ‘Fircrest Nursing Facility earns Five-Star Rating followed by the publication date, '06/09/2025.' Below, a photo of Fircrest RHC staff celebrate their Five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The bottom section has a blue background with the DSHS (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services) logo on the left and the text 'DSHS stories on Medium' with the Medium logo on the right.

DSHS is thrilled to announce that the Fircrest Nursing Facility earned a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, placing it among the top 10% of nursing homes in Washington state. Read the full story here: dshswa.medium.com/fircrest-nur...