South Sound Resource Guide

Glossary of Terms/ Abbreviations

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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

Housing and Essential Needs program⁠

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.

More info here.⁠

⁠

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

online⁠

, by phone at 877-501-2233 or at the

local Community Services Office.⁠

⁠

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

Apply Online for Disability Benefits⁠

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:

sarasmith@crcoly.org⁠

mika@crcoly.org⁠

80% of people experiencing homelessness are denied SSI benefits due to insufficient evidence. In the case of a denial, contact a

social security appeals attorney⁠

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.

⁠

Applying online⁠

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

Have this information ready⁠

webpage or see page 1 of the

Unemployed Worker Handbook⁠

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

Email:

DVRTumwaterReferral@dshs.wa.gov⁠

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

disability page at the VA website⁠

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

⁠

https://worksourcewa.com⁠

⁠

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

⁠

https://www.fcscompass.com/⁠

⁠

(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

Family Support Center Of South Sound

A shelter program which helps families apply for housing and recover from intimate partner violence or crime. 3545 7th Ave Sw Ste 200 Olympia, WA 98502

(360) 754-9297

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

Olympic Health And Recovery Services provides behavioral health and crisis supports including housing, as well as programs after incarceration or when you return from the hospital. Please look at their website for more info:

https://www.ohrs.org/programs⁠

612 Woodland Square Loop Se Ste 401

Lacey, WA 98503

(360) 763-5828

Supreme Living

Supreme Living offers residential mental health care while supporting employment and housing in the interim. Please navigate to their website for further information:

https://www.supremelivingwa.com⁠

1420 Marvin Rd Ne, Olympia, WA 98516

(360) 639-7002

Vadis

Vadis offers assistance obtaining and maintaining employment for those with disabilities. You must have a documented disability. Work may take about ninety days or longer to find.

3025 Limited Ln Nw Ste 105

Olympia, WA 98502

(360) 522-0020

WorkFirst - Community Jobs

WorkFirst is Washington State’s program to assist recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to meet employment goals. It can provide support with job search and placement, job training, and support services including childcare. The Community Jobs program is administered by WorkSource. Discuss with your TANF caseworker to apply.

Olympia Career Hub

The

Olympia Career Hub⁠

is a workforce development project that is funded by the City of Olympia and sponsored by Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Olympia Career Hub offers multi-week Construction Cohorts to help Olympia residents obtain the job skills needed to enter the construction trade. These training cohorts are a great professional skills training opportunity and will be available to City of Olympia residents and members of the Squaxin Island Tribe at no cost!

⁠

bit.ly/3NZtADl⁠

⁠

(360) 347-6054

Peer Olympia

At Peer Olympia a Supported Employment peer services specialist will provide support with addressing barriers to employment, working with a disability, and finding jobs in competitive or customized work settings. Services include vocational / job-related discovery or assessment, planning for employment or education, resume preparation and skills building.

Peer Olympia operates Washington State's Foundational Community Supports (FCS) program for Medicaid-eligible members. FCS is designed to provide the support and resources necessary for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges to overcome barriers to accessing and maintaining stable employment. However, supported employment services at the site are available to all, regardless of income or insurance.

⁠

Peer Olympia⁠

launched Passageways to Recovery, Employment and Education (PREE) support services in 2024 for eligible members. PREE aims to empower Black, Indigenous, People of Color with a history of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) who are seeking employment or pursuing an education program. PREE provides eligible members the opportunity to meet 1:1 with a vocational Peer Services Specialist and address barriers as they take steps to achieve short-and long-term employment and education goals.

Valeo Vocation

Offers low-barrier employment opportunities in industrial/construction, non-profit and custodial fields and case management. Partners with DSHS to provide financial counseling and helps clients find permanent supportive housing and transportation.

(360)701-0160

⁠

www.valeovocation.org⁠

⁠

Village Vans

Intercity Transit has a program called Village Vans that provides (free) 24/7 transportation in support of work related activities, such as:

Transportation to and from new job, job interviews, job training sites, WorkSource Center, childcare centers, temp agencies (Labor Works, Smart Talent, etc.), and other locations

Scheduling line at 360-705-5840.

*Village Vans is volunteer-run, and could also be a great way to learn job skills in the transportation industry.

Exceptional Foresters Inc.

EFI is a private nonprofit corporation providing vocational, transportation, housing and community-based employment services to adults living with a disability or other challenges.

Business Phone: (360) 426-0077 ext.223

Cell Phone: (360) 688-0752

www.TEAM-EFI.org⁠

⁠

StephenHeath@TEAM-EFI.org⁠

⁠

Temporary and Day Labor Employment Agencies

*These agencies offer short-term (1month-1year) employment opportunities in customer service, construction, admin, and trades work. Ensure you have a resume to submit!*

Laborworks

3700 Martin Way E Ste 111, Olympia

(360) 528-3222

https://laborworks.com/⁠

⁠

People Ready

7914 Martin Way E Ste 9, Lacey (360) 786-9113

⁠

https://www.peopleready.com/location/lacey-wa-1108-2/⁠

⁠

Express Employment Professionals

1120 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia

(360) 357-7195

https://www.expresspros.com/olympiawa/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_ca mpaign=Qiigo⁠

⁠

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