The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services started sending text messages in March 2025 that provide customers with additional program reminders. These messages are designed to keep you informed with important updates and help keep your benefits open.
Purpose and Goals:
DSHS is committed to improving the customer experience and providing more current and efficient ways to communicate with you. Along with the letters you may receive from us in the mail, we may also send you text messages to remind you of important program actions, like reminders about your eligibility reviews. Text frequencies may vary depending on the reason for the text and your specific household needs.
DSHS Active Texting Campaign Information
|
Text Title |
Text # |
Text Content |
Why We Send It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents Work Requirements Reminder |
509-380-9430 |
To keep getting food benefits, DSHS needs proof of your work activities. Visit https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa-1 for details Please confirm your work activities with DSHS by the end of this month. Without confirmation, your food benefits will stop. Visit https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa-1 for details |
You may receive a text if you are considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents, reminding you about your requirement to report work activities. It is important to report your work activities to keep your benefits. |
|
DSHS Mobile Community Services Office |
509-380-9430 |
Hello. The DSHS Mobile CSO truck will be in your area tomorrow. Please go to https://rb.gy/87bhj for details. Join us on Facebook at https://rb.gy/r1sgrs |
You may receive a text informing you that the DSHS Mobile Community Services Office is in your area. The text includes a link to additional details of the Mobile CSO location. |
|
EBT Card Compromised Alert |
28127 |
WA DSHS: EBT Cardholder, your benefits are at risk of theft. Act immediately! You can replace your card or change your PIN by calling the phone number on the back of your card or going to a DSHS office. For added security, you can use the ebtEDGE phone application to block out-of-state or internet transactions. Reminder: DSHS texts will never ask for personal information. To stop receiving SMS text from us, reply STOP |
You may receive a text if your card is at risk for theft. It is important to act and take safety steps to help keep your benefits safe. |
|
Quality Control Appointment Reminder |
28127 |
Washington DSHS: Our Quality Control team has randomly selected your case for review. These reviews are required and help ensure integrity of services. Call 1-800-473-5664 or visit dshs.wa.gov/text for more info. To stop receiving SMS texts from us, reply “STOP.” |
You may get a text if you have an in-person or phone appointment with our Quality Control team. The message will tell you when your interview is scheduled. It is important to attend your interview to keep your benefits. |
|
Quality Control Missed Appointment |
28127 |
Washington DSHS: Our Quality Control team has randomly selected your case for review. QC reviews are required for those selected. You’ve missed your scheduled interview, which may result in the closure of your benefits. Call 1-800-473-5664 or visit dshs.wa.gov/text for more info. To stop receiving SMS texts from us, reply "STOP." |
You may get a text if you missed an in-person or phone appointment with our Quality Control team. It is important to attend your interview to keep your benefits. Please call 1-800-473-5664 to reschedule. |
|
Eligibility Review Reminder |
28127 |
This is a reminder from Washington State DSHS that your Eligibility Review is due. Please contact us between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday-Friday at 877-501-2233 or visit your nearest Community Services Office to complete an interview. You may also submit the Eligibility Review form online at dshs.wa.gov and then follow up by phone or in person to complete the required interview. To stop receiving SMS texts from us, reply STOP |
You may receive a text informing you that you have an eligibility review due for a program you or your family are receiving. It is important to complete this review, so you do not experience a disruption to your benefits. |
SUN Bucks Texting Campaign Information
|
Text Title |
Text # |
Text Content |
Why We Send It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SUN Bucks Opt-In Confirmation |
509-661-5341 |
Initial opt-in (during summer season): Hi Xxxxx, thank you for signing up to get messages from the Washington state DSHS SUN Bucks program! SUN Bucks helps provide nutritious meal benefits to qualifying families with children while schools are closed for the summer. Stay tuned for updates, or click here to learn more: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. Initial opt-in (outside summer season): Hi Xxxxx, thank you for signing up to get messages from the Washington state DSHS SUN Bucks program! SUN Bucks helps provide food benefits to qualifying families with children while schools are closed for the summer. Throughout the school year there are other programs your child may qualify for. Find out more about those programs here: xxx You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. Previous opt-in: Hi Xxxxx, you were previously signed up for Washington State DSHS SUN Bucks texting. SUN Bucks will be starting soon to provide nutritious meals to qualifying families while school is out for the summer. If you have moved, learn how to update your address by replying ADDRESS CHANGE. To learn more: dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks. To add or remove children from getting these SUN Bucks updates, complete this form: textsunbucks.dshs.wa.gov. Reply STOP to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
Initial opt-in: You may get a text to confirm receipt if you sign up for text messages for the SUN Bucks program and includes required Stop/Help messaging. The exact wording will depend on whether you opt in during the operational period or not.
Previous opt-in: You may get a text to remind you if you signed up for text messages for the SUN Bucks program in prior years, let’s you know the program is starting again, and includes required Stop/Help messaging. |
|
SUN Bucks Benefit Status |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. Here is the current status of each child. These are one-time issuances, not the balance on the SUN Bucks cards. Benefits will be ready to use once the card is received. Xxxx, [Not Yet Decided/Approved/Denied]: $xxx.xx Reply BENEFITS for more information on how to use SUN Bucks cards. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
You may get a text letting you know the status of each child and the benefit amount if they are approved. |
|
SUN Bucks Card Status |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. |
You may get a text letting you know when a new SUN Bucks card was mailed to remind you to look for the card in the mail. |
|
Undeliverable SUN Bucks Card |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. |
You may get a text letting you know a SUN Bucks card was not deliverable and to contact DSHS for next steps. |
|
SUN Bucks Card Confirmation |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. |
You may get a text asking you to confirm whether you received the SUN Bucks card DSHS attempted to mail. |
|
SUN Bucks Benefits Expungement |
509-661-5341 |
Some benefits used: Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. Xxxxx: xx/xx/xxxx, $x.xx You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. Some benefits not used: Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. Xxxxx: xx/xx/xxxx, $x.xx
We see that you haven’t used any benefits for one of your children. If you need help activating card(s), call the number on the back of the card and set up a PIN. To find out where to use your card(s), reply LOCATIONS. If you haven’t received a card, reply NO CARD. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. No benefits used:Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. SUN Bucks benefits for the child(ren) below will expire on the following date(s). Remember to use each child's remaining benefits soon. SUN Bucks expire xxx days after the benefits were issued, and won't be replaced or available after the expiration dates. Making a purchase with a SUN Bucks card will not stop benefits from being removed. Xxxxx: xx/xx/xxxx, $x.xx We see that you haven’t used any benefits for one of your children. If you need help activating card(s), call the number on the back of the card and set up a pin. To find out where to use your card(s), reply LOCATIONS. If you haven’t received a card, reply NO CARD. Reply DECLINE if you no longer wish to use these benefits. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
You may get a text letting you know the SUN Bucks benefits will expire if they are not used by a certain date. |
|
SUN Bucks Application Deadline Reminder |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. Great news! The SUN Bucks application remains open for submissions. You can apply here: https://sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov. For details about eligibility, visit the Should I Apply page. Keep in mind the deadline to apply is xx/xx/xxxx. For additional resources, click here: xxxxx. |
You may get a text to let you know of the deadline to apply if you opted in for a child that doesn’t yet have an application and was not automatically approved.
|
|
SUN Bucks Request for Proof of Income |
509-661-5341 |
Has a SUN Bucks Portal account: Hi Xxxxx, Thank you for applying to the SUN Bucks program! You have been randomly selected for income verification. To complete this process, please provide proof of income received at any point between the dates of xx/xx/xxxx – xx/xx/xxxx that includes details about the source, frequency, and income received. If we do not receive the required documents 10 calendar days from the date you received the request for verification, your benefits will not be issued. Accepted documents include recent paystubs, tax records, or official letter from employer. You can securely upload these after logging in by going to the "Message Center" at https://sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. Does not have a SUN Bucks Portal account: Hi Xxxxx, Thank you for applying to the SUN Bucks program! You have been randomly selected for income verification. To complete this process, please provide proof of income received at any point between the dates of xx/xx/xxxx – xx/xx/xxxx that includes details about the source, frequency, and income received. If we do not receive the required documents 10 calendar days from the date you received the request for verification, your benefits will not be issued. Accepted documents include recent paystubs, tax records, or official letter from employer. You can provide documents securely at a CSO (please have the verification in the return envelope) or by emailing DSHS at sunbucks@dshs.wa.gov. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
You may get a text if we need to verify your income before issuing SUN Bucks benefits. |
|
SUN Bucks Denial |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is the Washington state DSHS. You can reply with your Child’s denial reason to learn more information. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
You may get a text if your child is not eligible for SUN Bucks benefits to help explain why. |
|
SUN Bucks Holiday |
509-661-5341 |
This is Washington State DSHS, letting you know the SUN Bucks Contact Center will be closed on XX/XX/XXXX for Xxxxx. We will not be able to answer texts or calls on this day. Please reach out after the holiday if you need help. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
You may get a text to let you know the SUN Bucks Contact Center will be closed for an upcoming holiday if you recently contacted DSHS. |
|
SUN Bucks High Call Wait Time |
509-661-5341 |
Hello, this is Washington State DSHS. We are experiencing high call volume and longer wait times in the SUN Bucks call center. Thanks for your patience! Here are a few answers that might help: xxxxx You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of SUN Bucks messages. |
You may get a text if the SUN Bucks Contact Center is experiencing high call wait times. |
|
SUN Bucks Satisfaction Survey |
509-661-5341 |
Hi Xxxxx, this is Washington State DSHS. |
You may get a text asking about your experience receiving text messages for the SUN Bucks program. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why am I getting text messages?
A: Our records show we have a phone number for you, and you have important program reminder(s) we want you to know about. If you recently got this phone number and are not receiving benefits with DSHS, you may ignore the text and reply “Stop” to no longer receive these text messages.
Q: Why do these texts come from different numbers?
A: DSHS uses different platforms to send you important program text reminders. You may receive a text message from a full phone number or from a short code phone number. You can check the information listed above to see the list of numbers that will send you DSHS text messages.
Q: How often will I get a text?
A: You may get texts from DSHS at different times of the month depending on the important information we need to share with you. Some of the texts require you to contact us to complete an action on your case and others may share information only. It is important that you review the message and take necessary steps. If we ask you to contact us to complete a review or other eligibility-related action and you have already done that, you may disregard the message. Please see the information above for a schedule of the different text reminders.
Q: What if I don’t want to receive any more texts?
A: You will always have the option to stop receiving text messages from DSHS. In most cases you can simply reply to the text with “STOP” to no longer get text messages. You can also review the above information to stop receiving specific reminders or see information on how you can start receiving text messages again.
Q: Why do I also receive phone call reminders?
A: DSHS uses several different ways to share important program reminders or information. You may also receive a phone call with a voice recording that shares program reminders or other important information. If you would like to stop receiving these phone calls, please contact the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233 or visit your local DSHS Community Services Office. DSHS staff can assist with answering your questions or guide you through our text message process.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: Your text message should contain a phone number to contact us if you have questions or need assistance. You can always contact us at 877-501-2233 if you have any questions.
How do I apply for benefits?
- Online at www.washingtonconnection.org.
- By phone by calling 877-501-2233.
- In person at your local DSHS Community Services Office. Find a CSO near you at www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations.
- By mail:
- DSHS Customer Service Center
P.O. Box 11699
Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
- DSHS Customer Service Center