Online Community Services Office (CSO)

Latest News

Your food benefits are changing. Here's what you need to know:

Emergency food allotments are ending in February and your food benefit amount will decrease to normal benefit levels beginning March 2023. We understand this will have a significant impact on families across Washington and we are here to support you during this transition.

From March 2020 to February 2023, the federal government issued temporary emergency funding to provide families with additional food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in March 2023, the amount of food benefits you will receive without the emergency benefits will depend on your specific circumstances.

Here's what you can do:

  • Learn what your new benefit amount will be.
    • Call 877-501-2233 and choose the self-service option or log into your Client Benefit Account at WashingtonConnection.org.
  • Find local resources.
    • Use SNAP Match Programs to increase the value of your food benefits so you can buy more fruits and vegetables.
    • Visit 211.org or simply call 211 to find additional resources near you.
  • Report a change.
    • If circumstances in your life have changed, you may qualify for a different benefit amount. Call 877-501-2233, go to WashingtonConnection.org, or visit your local Community Services Office to report changes in household size, income or expenses.
  • If you receive services from our Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, contact your Home and Community Services Public Benefits Specialist.
  • If you receive services from our Developmental Disabilities Administration, please contact a Public Benefits Specialist at 855-873-0642.

Help us spread the word. We sent tri-fold fliers with this information to all Basic Food clients. You can find and print or email those fliers in English, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Lao, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Don't see the language you need? Check our Publications Library for PDFs in other languages

A Guide to Services

Local Community Services Offices provide many DSHS services. Your local CSO can provide you with details about these services and how to apply for them.

This website can also help you:

Community Services Division provides programs to support the mission of the Department of Social and Health Services. When we provide services, we work diligently to honor our commitment to our customers.

Apply Online -- DSHS Online Application for Benefits

Use the DSHS Online Application at https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/ to:

EITC

The Earned Income Tax Credit (or EITC) is for people who earn low-to-moderate incomes. EITC can reduce a worker's taxes and result in a refund. This means working families and individuals in Washington can keep more of what they earn. After January 15 Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-9274 Ask for Free Tax Prep.