DSHS limits in-person services in response to COVID-19 outbreak

Release Date: 
Mar 18 2020
DSHS Office of Communications
Adolfo Capestany
(360) 902-8007
 
OLYMPIA -- The Department of Social and Health Services’ Economic Services Administration prioritizes the health and safety of its clients, staff and community members. As such, some offices are closing to the public and others are limiting in-person lobby services. 
Effective Thursday, March 19, Disability Determination Services and Child Support services will be available online or telephonically only. For disability determination call 1-800-772-1213 and for child support call 1-800-442-KIDS. This affects offices statewide:
  • Disability Determination Services:  located in Federal Way, Spokane, and Tumwater
  • Division of Child Support Offices: Nine offices across the state and headquarters in Olympia
Starting Friday, March 20, Community Services Offices will offer these in-person services only:
  • Supplying WorkFirst vouchers for support services (pre-arranged with WorkFirst case manager)
  • Providing gas cards (pre-arranged)
  • Issuing initial EBT cards for new food assistance applications or emergency replacements
  • Receiving paperwork (via drop boxes at CSO) such as verification submissions, report changes or applications for review
The decision is in response to guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by:
  • Expanding telework options for employees
  • Limiting public gatherings
  • Closing schools
  • Implementing requirements for social distancing  
The full scope of Community Services Offices currently available by phone at 1-877-501-2233:
  • Available language options - Spanish, Russian and English. Staff can provide interpreter services in other requested languages
  • NEW - clients can now apply and/or complete a review by phone for all programs such as food, cash, medical and Medicare Savings without applying by paper or online  
  • Regular services - clients can report changes, make case inquiries and request EBT card replacements
  • Clients may experience longer-than-normal wait times as we adjust to this new service delivery model
Services available online at WashingtonConnection.org
  • Clients can submit applications, reviews and mid-certifications online for program assistance. They can also report changes and find other local services.
DSHS encourages clients to take advantage of the options and access services from the safety and convenience of their own homes. Doing so helps everyone practice social distancing requirements.
Nearly one out of every four Washington citizens turns to the Department of Social and Health Services' Economic Services Administration for assistance with cash, food, child support, child care, disability determination, transition to employment, and other services. 
Future service updates will be posted on www.dshs.wa.gov, DSHS Facebook and Twitter. Information is also available on the state’s new coronavirus web site.