Adults unable to work due to a disability in Washington State may receive cash assistance from one of the three listed government programs. Disability benefits are offered though the Social Security Administration (SSA) this benefit is for people who have a documented disability that is expected to keep them from working for a period of one year or more. SSA is a federal program, and it can take some time to award a claim for disability. In Washington State while you are waiting to hear about your disability claim with SSA you may apply for Aging, Blind and Disabled (ABD) cash benefit.
Washington State Department of Health and Humans Services
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) To receive cash benefit of $197.00 a month you will need to fill out the DSHS App and apply Social Security Disability. You must turn in documentation that you applied for Social Security Disability to collect the 197.00 a month. For more information about ABD and other insurance programs offered though DSHS check out ABD MCS HEN Info.
DSHS offers cash benefits through three different programs Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA), and Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA). Fill out the DSHS App to apply for these benefits.
Resources for Students
I am constantly trying to encourage my clients to go back to school. Minimum wage is not enough money to live off of, and so there is a tendency amongst some people to give up on the idea of working. If you look at how much money is available though grants and other assistance you could almost make the case that you can get paid to go to school. Depending on how much money you have made in the past you could make more money going to school full time at a community college then you will receive while on disability.
Do your client a favor and print off the Federal Student Grant Programs Info and then talk about scholarships for school. When you are ready to start apply begin with Filling out FAFSA Info, then fill out the paper FAFSA App. You will need to get an online PIN to fill out your FAFSA, and then when you are ready to file you must do so online at the FAFSA web page.
For information about disability benefits for veterans please read Veterans Benefits Info.
To apply for any benefits offered through the Veterans Administration please do so online at eBenefits.gov.
For veterans to apply via mail please download and fill out the Veterans Disability Claim App.
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR is the best way to get cash benefits because participating in a low stress structured activity outside of the home helps your mental health. Please going online to determine if DVR is the choice for you.
Typically DVR in Washington State is a program for people who have a disability, who want to work, and are having difficulty keeping a job. To determine if DVR would be best for you then please check out DVR Info.
If you are unable to work due to a physical disability you expect to have for a year or more call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 between 7am and 7pm Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment with a worker at your local SSA office.
SSA Disability App - You should bring this paper application competed to your appointment with your SSA worker. For more information about what is required before you may start receiving disability benefits though SSA check out SS Disability Benefits. You may start your SSA disability application
Unemployment Insurance
Work Source and Job Hunting Assistance