$1M Disaster Cash Assistance Program available to WA residents affected by recent floods

People can also request replacement food benefits for food lost during power outages, flooding

OLYMPIA — Beginning Dec. 17, 2025, Washington residents affected by recent floods in many parts of the state can apply through the Department of Social and Health Services for emergency cash assistance to help meet their immediate needs. DSHS is now able to access funding through a newly amended proclamation from Gov. Bob Ferguson to activate this temporary program that helps residents of Benton, Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Yakima and Whatcom counties through this time of disaster recovery.

The governor’s proclamation enables DSHS to offer $1 million in Disaster Cash Assistance Program benefits to people who are not eligible for other cash assistance programs. The assistance application window is available from Dec. 17, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, to all families and people without children who meet the location, income and resource limits of the program.

“We are doing everything we can as a state to support people through this crisis,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “This is one part of that work. We will bring more state resources online in the coming days as we continue to work toward federal relief.”

“Our thoughts are with the many people experiencing loss, disruption and uncertainty due to the recent flooding,” said DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez. “DCAP is one small step toward helping people recover during this incredibly challenging time.”

DCAP is available regardless of citizenship status and does not require applicants to provide a Social Security number. The benefit amount depends on household size, income and need, and it ranges from a maximum of $450 for a single person to a maximum of $1,662 for a household of 10 or more people. Once approved, people will receive their DCAP benefits on an existing Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, card. DSHS can issue new EBT cards for people who are newly eligible for benefits at local Community Services Offices or via U.S. mail.

DCAP requires an application and interview. People can complete both steps by calling the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233 or going to a local Community Services Office. To start the application process online, people can submit an application at WashingtonConnection.org and then call the Customer Service Contact Center to complete the required interview. Due to higher-than-normal call volumes, people are asked to call before 11 a.m. and to keep in mind that the busiest call times are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Customer Service Contact Center is open for interviews from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition, people who lost or lose food bought with food benefits because of recent flooding or a power outage can file a claim to replace those food benefits. To receive replacement benefits, people must file a claim within 10 days of the loss. Call DSHS at 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office to request replacement.

DSHS is actively working with Gov. Ferguson’s office to explore more ways to help impacted communities. When it is safe to do so, DSHS will deploy its Mobile Community Services Offices to help people access services in person.

For more information, visit dshs.wa.gov.