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Income & Employment

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Public Assistance

ABD - State Disability Benefits

Aged, Blind, or Disabled is a state-funded program that provides cash assistance and a referral to the to eligible low-income individuals who are age 65 or older, blind or determined likely to meet Supplemental Security Income disability criteria based on an impairment(s) expected to last at least 12 consecutive months.
This program provides maximum monthly cash grant of $450 for a single individual. ABD recipients are also eligible for assistance applying for SSI benefits (SSI Facilitation).
Eligibility - Individuals residing in Washington state who:
Are age 65 or older, blind or have a long-term medical condition that is likely to meet federal disability criteria.
Are at least 18 years old or, if under 18, a member of a married couple.
Meet income and resource requirements.
Meet citizenship / immigrant status requirements.
You cannot receive ABD assistance if:
Are eligible for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or State Family Assistance program.
Do not pursue federal aid assistance (e.g. Medicaid) without good cause.
Do not participate in substance use disorder treatment (when required) without good cause.
Do not follow through with the SSI application process without good cause.
Are eligible for SSI benefits or are an ineligible spouse of an SSI recipient.
Do not follow a Social Security Administration program rule or application requirement and SSA denied or terminated your benefits.

TANF - Welfare for Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides temporary cash for families in need. Some families participate in the WorkFirst Program. The WorkFirst Program helps participants find and keep jobs.
Persons who are caring for a relative's child, or legal guardians or are acting in the place of a parent are also able to apply for TANF benefits on behalf of these children.
Persons who are residents of Washington state and are ineligible for TANF solely because of eligibility changes due to the Welfare Reform Act may be eligible for State Family Assistance.
TANF benefits are based on family size and income. A family of three, with no income, would receive a monthly TANF grant of $654. When a household member starts working, they only count half of the earnings against the grant. If a member of the household starts receiving unemployment or another type of unearned income, they would count the entire amount against the grant.
To be eligible for TANF, a family must have resources of $6,000 or less. Resources are things like:
Checking and savings accounts.
Stocks, bonds or mutual funds.
Vehicle equity over $10,000.
WorkFirst (job search or employment) requirements usually apply.
Apply for TANF program , by phone at 877-501-2233 or at the

SSI/SSDI - Federal Disability Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):
It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and
It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
The payment rate for SSI is $943/month effective Jan 1, 2024.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal income program for people who have disabilities and sufficient work history to draw benefits similar to social security retirement. Payment rates vary based on credits from employment.
Applications for SSI and SSDI are both routed through the Social Security Administration.
To apply:
Visit the website to start the disability application process online. OR 1009 College Street S - Suite 120 - Lacey, WA 98503
Call 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) and make an appointment to apply for SSI.
The application process requires a great deal of medical evidence. It is HIGHLY recommended that people work with a SOAR advocate to assist in the application process. Contact Sara or Mika at the Capital Recovery Center for SOAR services: or
80% of people experiencing homelessness are denied SSI benefits due to insufficient evidence. In the case of a denial, contact a and file an appeal.

Capital Recovery Center Peer Counseling Program

SOAR (SSI.SSDI, Outreach Access, Recovery) assists clients to apply for Social Security. The Capital Recovery Center offers 1-on-1 peer counseling with a Certified Peer Counselor. Peer counselors help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to co-create and achieve their goals and objectives.
(360) 357-2582
1000 Cherry Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Unemployment

Unemployment benefits provide a temporary income when a person loses a job through no fault of their own. The money partly replaces lost earnings and helps to pay expenses while looking for new work. The benefits, from taxes their former employer(s) paid, are not based on financial need. Job search is required while receiving benefits.
is the fastest route to benefits. When applying, the system will time out after 15 minutes for security reasons. Use a laptop or desktop computer—not a mobile device or tablet.
1-800-318-6022
It’s a good idea to be prepared, so gather information before applying. Visit the webpage or see page 1 of the .

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation believes everyone should have the opportunity to pursue meaningful work, and that employment further improves a person’s ability to live independently, make informed choices, and contribute to one’s community. DVR provides individuals with disabilities the tools, services, and supports required to achieve successful employment, which results in a greater quality of life for people. With offices located throughout the state of Washington, we have been a community partner for more than 80 years.​

Vocational Rehabilitation - Tumwater Office

6639 Capitol Blvd SW Tumwater, WA 98501

Contact Us

Primary Phone: (360) 664-3060
TTY: (360) 664-3060
Fax: (360) 586-0577
DVR Mission:
Transforming lives by assisting individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their communities through meaningful employment.
DVR Vision:
Students, youth, and adults with disabilities are empowered to dream big and achieve their employment goals.
Services We Provide:
We provide individualized vocational rehabilitation counseling, employment services and supports to people with disabilities who want to work, but face substantial barriers in finding meaningful and sustained employment.
We provide technical assistance and training to businesses regarding the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities.
A DVR application and medical evidence will be required to receive services. This may take up to 60 days. More information will be provided when you apply.

Veterans Disability

VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to veterans whose military service made an existing condition worse. Veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service.
Visit the for more information and to apply.

Lacey Veterans Services Hub

The Dept of Veterans Affairs and the WA DVA offer a wide variety of services including disability benefits, healthcare, mental health support, substance use treatment, housing, employment programs, etc. Veterans seeking any kind of VA service should call or visit the Lacey Veterans Services Hub to learn about all programs they may be eligible for and for help with applying.
(360) 456-3850
4232 6th Ave SE, Suite 101, Lacey, WA 98503

Employment Programs

WorkSource

Tues-Thurs 9am-5pm
1570 Irving St SW, Tumwater, WA 98512
(360) 704-3600
WorkSource Thurston County is a full service one-stop employment services center staffed by individuals from various job search organizations ready and willing to help you look for jobs.
Resources include:
A resource room for job search with computers, copy machines, telephone, etc. Includes interactive tutorials on Microsoft Office products.
Scheduled workshops and "job club" meetings -
Resume Building Services
One-on-one appointments with WorkSource Specialists.

Employment Support Services (FCS)

Compass Career Solutions
(833) 327-2667
Compass Career Solutions provides programs and services like supported employment, supportive housing, person-centered planning, community inclusion, youth readiness, and transitions for individuals with various support needs such as disability or low income.
Other FCS
The Foundational Community Supports program funds a number of Employment Support Services programs in the community.
Family Behavioral Health Olympia
Mental health care and wraparound social support for youth and families. Voluntary in-house mental health treatments for children. 402 Yauger Way SW
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 878-8248
Morningside
Morningside offers assistance obtaining and maintaining employment for those with disabilities. A referral is not needed. Work may take about ninety days or longer to find.
809 Legion Way Se Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 943-0512
Olympic Health & Recovery Services
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