The Savvy Social Worker is the therapist who understands that case management needs must be addressed before real progress can be made through therapy. This web site is designed to help streamline the process of applying for all benefits your client may qualify for. Applications are available here for download as well as a short description of eligibility requirements and the process of applying for these benefits. Here you will find listings for Whatcom and Snohomish County Washington.
Medical/Essential Needs
DSHS App - You can apply for all DSHS benefits online at Washington Connection. Complete this application if you intend to apply for cash, assisted living facility/adult family home, hospice, healthcare for workers with disabilities, food stamps, drug alcohol treatment, medicare savings program, nursing home care, or psychiatric indigent inpatient.
You have 14 days to report any changes that my affect your DSHS benefits. To do so please fill out the DSHS Change of Circumstance App.
You may sign up for health insurance though the Washington Health Plan Finder during open enrollment period.
Please check out Whatcom Co Resource Guide Info for information about resources local to Bellingham.
To find out if you qualify for medical or other essential needs please go to the Do I Qualify web page.
Energy Assistance
The Energy Assistance Scheduling and Information Line is 360-255-2192 or 1-888-586-7293. PSE HELP Scheduling begins: Sat. March 7th from 9am-2pm, then continues the following week during normal energy line hours until all appointments have been filled. Normal Energy Line Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm;
Individuals over the age of 62 will fill out the Senior Low Income Sno Co PUD App, persons under 62 need to fill out the Low Income Sno Co PUD App. You will need to appear in person to apply for energy assistance at 3000 Rockefeller Everett, WA 98201.
National Energy Assistance Referral - This program is kinda like the 211 of energy assistance. They may be contacted at 1-866-674-6327.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Drug and alcohol treatment center search based on your address go to Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
For a quick list of clean and sober housing in Bellingham check out Clean and Sober Housing Info.
For alcohol assessment and treatment in the Everett area you should go to Evergreen Manor.
Family and loved ones who have substance abuse issues should contact Al-Anon to get support.
Whatcome Community Detox is for people who are intoxicated or with drawing from drugs/alcohol who are medically stable.
Resources for Seniors
COPES can pay for a care giver to help a senior or other disabled individual meet their basic needs. For more information please check out the COPES Info. If you have already qualified for COPE click on Senior Information Info to find a copes worker in the Bellingham area.
It is important for seniors to get out of the house on a regular basis. In Whatcom County there is an Adult Day Health Center, and in Snohomish and King counties there is Full Life.
The Bellingham Senior Activity Center has scholarships available to people over the age of 50. To apply for help paying for this program check out the Senior Center Scholarship App.
Dental Assistance
Whatcom Project Access Dental a program for people who have Medicaid and cannot find a dentist who will accept their dental insurance. Please call the WAHA main line (360) 788 - 6594 and ask about Whatcom Project Access Dental. Please click on general information about dental resources in Bellingham.
If you have a little cash to spend on addressing your dental needs check out the Adult Dental Resources Info for a list of almost free dental options.
Housing/Shelter/Utility
Interfaith Coalition Severe Weather Shelter can be accessed on days were there is a snow storm or if the weather man says it will dip below 20 degrees f.
HEN Program is for people with 0 income who are in need of short term assistance. Check out HEN Info for more information.
Everett Housing Authority App - Elderly and disabled person only can apply. For residence of Everett Only.
Housing Authority of Snohomish Co App - Any can apply who live outside of Everett but inside Snohomish County.
Everett Gospel Mission - Men for emergency shelter apply in person at 3711 Smith Ave Everett WA 98201 7 days a week between 9am and 5pm.
Emergency Shelter for Women. Call Sophia at (425) 740 - 2501 and leave a message Mondays at 9am.
Shelter Plus Care - Staff at social services only may call (425) 258 - 2766 to apply for this housing subsidy on behalf of a client.
Transportation
Please check out Medicaid Transportation Info to learn about how to help those who are having trouble getting to medical appointments paid for by medicaid.
To be eligible for Para-Transit you must fill out the Para-Transit App. To schedule a ride call (425) 257-8801.
Hopelink is for those who live in Snohomish county to schedule a ride call 1-855-766-7433. MyRideOnline is helpful if you have your client's provider one number, their date of birth, and ride date.
A reduced fare bus pass is available to see if you qualify go to Reduced Bus Fare Info, and if you do qualify then complete the Reduced Bus Fare App.
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities work towards finding and maintaining employment. For more information please check out the DVR Info. If you are interested in enrolling then go to the DVR web page.
Resources for Students
Any adult who is considering going back to school should apply for federal student finical aid. Please go to the Filling out FAFSA Info for more information about what you need to apply, and then to apply for finical aid please go to the, or you can fill out he FAFSA App. Federal grants are available for low income students program information can be accessed by going to the Federal Student Grant Programs Info.
Walk In Clinics
If you have Apple Health and you do not have an HMO plan such as Community Health Plan of Washington or Molina then you can go to Bellingham's only true walk in clinic Walk In Health Clinic Incorporated.
Grants/Cash Assistance
Social Security Disability App - To apply online for Social Security disability benefits please go to the online application page.
The federal government does provide personal grants for individual citizens. In order to apply for the so called "free money from the government" you should go to Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid Web Page.
Veterans
Apply for any benefits online at eBenefits.gov, and to apply for benefits via mail fill out the Veterans Disability Claim App.
Legal Assistance
Clear Online is for non-criminal legal issues. You should go to CLEAR online before you call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014.
If you have criminal charges brought against you and you cannot afford an attorney in Snohomish county go to at 3000 Rockefeller Everett, WA 98201 first floor room C103 at 9:00am.
Genesis Law Firm web page has a wealth of information about the process of applying for American citizenship.
For people who wish to apply for citizenship who have limited finical needs please check out the Free Legal Immigration Info.
Mental Health Treatment/Case Management
To enroll to receive mental health care treatment or case management services please go to the regional support network services information. From there you will be able to find a list of community mental healthcare facilities in your area.
One of the least expensive and best counseling service in Snohomish is iPass.
Crisis Hotlines
Crisis Line provides immediate help for people experiencing emotional crisis. They can be reached at (866) 427-4747.
Crisis Chat is also available for people who wish to communicate online.
Teen Link is a crisis line for teenagers available from 6pm to 10pm every day at (866) 833-6546.
Recently Released from Jail/Prison
Starting from square one can be hard. Please check out Jail Release Support Info for more information about support groups for those recently released from jail/prison.
Free Cell Phone
Assurance Wireless is the best option for a free cell phone. To qualify you must have some type of DSHS benefit or be on Social Security. Only one phone will be mailed to an address. To apply fill out the Assurance Wireless App.
Local Resources
For a nice list of local service providers in the Bellingham area please check out the Community Resources Info.
Useful Phone Numbers