DSHS to limit in-person contacts

OLYMPIA -- State Department of Social and Health Services officials have announced its closing some statewide offices while limiting lobby access to others in response to the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning March 19 (Thursday), Disability Determination Services and Child Support will be available via online or telephone only at 1-800-772-1213 (Disability) and 1-800-442-KIDSD (Child Support). Disability offices in Spokane will be closed and Child Support offices in nine cities and Olympia will also close.

Starting Friday, March 20, Community Services Offices will offer these in-person services only: supplying WorkFirst vouchers for support services (pre-arranged with WorkFirst case manager), providing gas cards (pre-arranged), issuing initial EBT cards for new food assistance applications or emergency replacements and receiving paperwork (via drop boxes at CSO) such as verification submissions, report changes or applications for review.

The full scope of Community Services Offices currently available by phone at 1-877-501-2233: Available language options - Spanish, Russian and English. Staff can provide interpreter services in other requested languages, NEW - clients can now apply and/or complete a review by phone for all programs such as food, cash, medical and Medicare Savings without applying by paper or online. Regular services - clients can report changes, make case inquiries and request EBT card replacements, although clients may experience longer-than-normal wait times as the service delivery model is adjusted.

Services available online at WashingtonConnection.org: clients can submit applications, reviews and mid-certifications online for program assistance. They can also report changes and find other local services.

Author Bio

John McCallum, Retired editor

John McCallum is an award-winning journalist who retired from Cheney Free Press after more than 20 years. He received 10 Washington Newspaper Publisher Association awards for journalism and photography, including first place awards for Best Investigative, Best News and back-to-back awards in Best Breaking News categories.

 

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