Washington State DSHS

UPDATE: DSHS is working to interpret court rulings issued Friday, Oct. 31, and awaiting federal guidance to get food benefits issued as soon as possible. Check our website often for new updates.

If the federal government shutdown continues, food assistance benefits in Washington will end on Oct. 31, 2025. Losing food assistance will have devastating impacts on the well-being of hundreds of thousands of Washington residents and will hurt local economies across the state. DSHS will continue to accept applications, eligibility reviews, mid-certification reviews and changes beyond Oct. 31, 2025, and those will be addressed once federal guidance is received.

We're grateful for our Washington Economic Justice Alliance partners in this work! We have more information about the impacts as well as what clients can do to prepare for the loss of benefits.

It's the final day of the Tribal Initiative Learning Collaborative Summit in Thurston County. Today Elders and cultural leaders shared perspectives about the value of incorporating tradition in the development of home and community-based long term care systems. Our closing session will focus on the future of long-term services and supports in tribal communities.