Department of Social and Health Services 2026: Services, Phone & Records
In Washington, “Department of Social and Health Services” usually means the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, often called DSHS. People search for it when they need Basic Food, cash assistance, DSHS phone numbers, Washington Connection login help, EBT help, DSHS records, adult protective services, child support, disability support, long-term care, local office locations, or a safe way to report abuse and neglect.
This guide is written in simple U.S. English for seniors, caregivers, parents, benefit applicants, workers, people with disabilities, and family members who need the right official page before calling, mailing documents, uploading records, visiting a Community Services Office, or sharing private information online.
Quick answer: what the Department of Social and Health Services helps with
Washington DSHS delivers social services, employment supports, safety programs, public benefit support, adult protective services, child support services, disability support, long-term care connections, and court-ordered behavioral health care. It also works with other Washington agencies such as the Department of Health, Health Care Authority, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and Washington Connection.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Senior-friendly tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSHS phone number | Contact DSHS or Customer Service Contact Center | Your county, DSHS client ID if known, benefit type, callback number and letter date | Ask which office or program owns your issue before explaining everything. |
| Apply for food, cash or medical help | Washington Connection, phone, local CSO, mail or fax | Household size, income, rent, utilities, ID, immigration documents if applicable, and proof requested in letters | Keep every DSHS letter until your case is fully resolved. |
| Basic Food / food stamps / SNAP | DSHS Basic Food page and Washington Connection | Income, shelter costs, household members, expenses and interview availability | Basic Food generally requires an interview, so answer calls and read letters. |
| Report a change or complete review | Washington Connection, phone, fax, mail or local office | Change date, income proof, address, household change, employer info and letter deadline | Do not wait until the final day if the letter asks for proof. |
| Upload or send documents | MyDocs, fax 888-338-7410, mail or local CSO drop box | Case name, client ID, document type, date and readable copies | Take a photo or screenshot showing when you submitted documents. |
| Child support | Division of Child Support | Case number, parent names, Social Security details if required by official forms, payment issue and order details | Use the KIDS line first for payment status and case routing. |
| Adult abuse, neglect or exploitation | APS / Report Abuse and Neglect | Adult’s name, location, safety concern, caregiver or facility details and urgent risk facts | Call 911 first if anyone is in immediate danger. |
| DSHS records request | How to Request Public Records / Request for DSHS Records | Program name, record type, date range, client authorization if needed and your contact details | For your own confidential client records, be ready to prove identity or authority. |
DSHS is not one single counter for every Washington service. Food, cash and medical support usually start with the Economic Services / Community Services Office route. Child support uses the Division of Child Support. Adult abuse reports use APS or the abuse and neglect route. Public records and client records use the records request route. Local office questions use the office locator.
DSHS route finder: choose the right official page before calling or uploading documents
Use this simple task router first. It helps match search intent such as “DSHS phone number,” “DSHS login,” “Washington Connection,” “DSHS office near me,” “DSHS records request,” “DSHS EBT card,” “DSHS child support,” and “DSHS adult protective services.”
Department of Social and Health Services task router
Select the task. The safest next step appears below.
Department of Social and Health Services phone number and smart call script
The phone number most people need for food, cash, interviews, benefit changes, local Community Services Office questions and DSHS benefit help is 877-501-2233. DSHS also lists a broader “all other inquiries” phone route at 800-737-0617. Use the right phone number for the right problem.
Customer Service Contact Center
Call 877-501-2233 for many Community Services Office and food/cash benefit questions. TTY/TDD users can dial 1-800-833-6384 for Washington Relay Service.
Open CSO pageAll other inquiries
Use the DSHS contact webform or call 800-737-0617 for general routing that does not fit food, cash, child support, APS, office location, or a specific program page.
Open contactUse this short call script
Say: “I need help with [food benefits, cash assistance, eligibility review, interview, EBT card, child support, adult protective services, records request, or local office]. My county is [county]. I have a letter dated [date] and my client ID is [ID if available]. Which official route should I use next?”
Call early for interviews and benefit deadlines
Community Services Office and phone services list certain interview and case-management services from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., while most offices are generally open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on weekends and holidays. Check the office page for your exact office before visiting.
Before calling, place your DSHS letters, ID, case number, benefit card, proof documents, and a pen on the table. Write down the date, time, phone number called, person or unit reached, and what they told you to do next.
Apply for DSHS services: Washington Connection, phone, office, fax and mail
For many food, cash and medical-related support tasks, Washington Connection is the online starting point. DSHS also lets many users apply by phone, at a local Community Services Office, by fax, or by mail.
| Application route | Use when | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Online | You can use a computer or phone and want to start at home. | Use WashingtonConnection.org to apply, report a change, submit eligibility review, and check “Do I Qualify?” |
| Phone | You need help starting or completing an application. | Call 877-501-2233. |
| Local office | You need in-person help, a navigator, document drop-off or EBT card pickup. | Use the DSHS Office Locator first; office and service hours may differ by office. |
| Fax | You need to submit an application or verification quickly and have access to fax. | DSHS lists fax number 888-338-7410 for many Community Services Division documents. |
| You prefer paper or are sending forms and copies. | Mail to DSHS CSD Customer Service Center, PO Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699 when that route is listed for your form. |
Start online if you can
Washington Connection lets users start a new application, report a change such as address or income, submit an eligibility review for continuing benefits, and check possible eligibility.
Submit documents the way DSHS asks
If DSHS asks for proof, send readable copies. Include your name, client ID if available, document type, date, and what letter or request you are answering. If using MyDocs, save a screenshot or confirmation. If faxing, keep the fax confirmation page.
If DSHS sends a letter asking for information, read the due date first. For seniors and families, the most common problem is not the application itself; it is missing an interview, missing a review deadline, or sending proof without enough identifying information.
DSHS Basic Food, food stamps, SNAP and EBT help
Washington Basic Food is the state’s food assistance program often searched as “DSHS food stamps,” “Washington SNAP,” “DSHS EBT,” or “Basic Food benefits.” The official Basic Food page explains application methods, interviews, eligibility and benefit amount factors.
Use Washington Connection
Apply online, by phone, in person at a local Community Services Office, or by mail when the official page allows it.
Open portalBasic Food interview
Basic Food generally requires an interview. You can complete it at a local office or by phone at 877-501-2233.
Open Basic FoodBenefit amount varies
Your Basic Food amount depends on household size, income and allowable deductions or expenses. Apply and complete the interview for an official decision.
Food cash medicalPrepare household and cost information
Have information about everyone in the household, income, rent, utilities, childcare costs, medical costs for eligible household members, and any DSHS letter already received.
Complete interview and send proof quickly
After application, DSHS may ask for an interview and verification. If more information is needed, DSHS says it will request it in writing. Keep the written request and answer it by the due date.
DSHS cash assistance, TANF, ABD, DCA and emergency help routing
DSHS cash assistance can include different programs depending on age, disability, family status, emergency need, income, immigration status and household situation. Do not guess the program name before applying; start with the official DSHS food, cash and medical route or Washington Connection.
| Search phrase | What it may mean | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| DSHS cash assistance | General cash support for eligible people or families | Use Washington Connection or call 877-501-2233. |
| TANF Washington | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | Submit application, complete required interview and provide proof if requested. |
| ABD cash assistance | Aged, Blind or Disabled cash help route | Review DSHS food/cash/medical pages and prepare disability or income proof if requested. |
| DCA | Diversion Cash Assistance for some families in specific short-term situations | Use official DSHS instructions because eligibility is situation-specific. |
| Emergency assistance | Possible urgent help or referrals | Call DSHS or local resources; for immediate safety call 911. |
DSHS EBT card, lost card, alternate cardholder and benefit access
For EBT questions, first identify whether the problem is a lost card, stolen card, PIN issue, benefit amount, alternate cardholder, change in household, or eligibility review. Different problems need different DSHS routes.
Lost, stolen or replacement card
Use the official EBT guidance and Customer Service Contact Center. Keep your card number private and do not share your PIN.
Open EBT infoAlternate cardholder
DSHS explains that an alternate cardholder may be used when you want someone you trust to shop for you on a regular basis, but the proper form and process must be followed.
EBT detailsNever give your PIN to a caller, text sender, social media account, or unofficial website. If your card is missing or benefits look wrong, use the official DSHS route and document the date, amount, and what happened.
DSHS Division of Child Support phone, case help, payments and records
Washington’s Division of Child Support, often searched as “DSHS child support,” “DCS Washington,” or “KIDS line,” has its own phone route and case process. Do not call the general food/cash line for child support payment details if the Division of Child Support route is available.
Use the KIDS line first
Call 800-442-KIDS (5437). The KIDS line can give general information about DCS services and help with established case access when you enter your case number. If you do not have a case number, the official DCS page says to press “0” for staff assistance.
Prepare the right child support details
Have the case number, names of both parents, child support order details, payment date, amount, employer or income withholding information, direct deposit or debit card question, and any DCS letter.
Do not mail or pay child support using instructions from old screenshots or third-party pages. Use the official DCS paying and receiving child support route because payment methods and office payment rules can change.
Report adult abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation or self-neglect in Washington
If a vulnerable adult may be abused, neglected, abandoned, financially exploited, or unable to care for themselves safely, use the official adult protective services route. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Call 911 first
Use 911 for immediate danger, assault, medical emergency, serious injury, fire, violence, or urgent safety risk.
Report to Adult Protective Services
APS investigates reports about abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect of vulnerable adults in Washington State.
Open APSReport online or by phone
DSHS encourages online reporting for many concerns because online reports can be submitted 24 hours a day and provide a confirmation number. APS phone intake is 1-877-734-6277; TTY is 1-833-866-5595.
Know the broad abuse and neglect line
DSHS also lists 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276) for abuse or neglect reporting routes and says a person answers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use the official page to choose the correct route for vulnerable adults or child-related concerns.
APS is not an ambulance, police response, fire department, or emergency medical team. If someone is injured, trapped, threatened, missing, assaulted, without urgent medical care, or in immediate danger, call 911 now.
DSHS senior services, disability support, long-term care and developmental disability routes
Many older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities search “Department of Social and Health Services” when they really need adult care, long-term care, in-home support, developmental disability services, vocational rehabilitation, deaf and hard of hearing services, or local resource navigation.
Long-term care and in-home support
Use DSHS adult care and local service routes for long-term care questions, caregiver support, in-home services and residential options.
Developmental Disabilities Administration
Use the DDA route for developmental disability services, eligibility and local office contacts.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Use DVR for eligible disability-related employment support and work-readiness services.
Deaf and hard of hearing
Use the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for specialized communication access support routes.
If you are helping a parent, spouse, adult child or neighbor, ask the official office what authorization is needed before discussing private case details. DSHS may need written permission, proof of authority, guardian paperwork, or another official form before sharing confidential records.
DSHS records request: public records, client records, medical records and forms
The phrase “DSHS records” can mean four different things: public agency records, confidential client records, Division of Child Support records, or state hospital / behavioral health medical records. Use the right route because confidential records usually require proof of identity or authority.
| Record need | Best route | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|
| Public records request | How to Request Public Records | Program name, record type, date range, subject and your contact details. |
| Client records | Request for DSHS Records form or public records officer route | Proof of identity, proof of authority, signed authorization if needed and specific records requested. |
| Child support records | Division of Child Support records or case route | Case number, parent names, child support order details and proof of authority if requesting another person’s information. |
| State hospital medical records | DSHS Behavioral Health / State Hospitals medical records page | Hospital name, patient name, date range, authorization and receiving party details. |
| DSHS forms | Electronic DSHS Forms page | Form number, program name, language preference and whether the office specifically asked for that form. |
Use the public records officer route for records requests
DSHS lists the Public Records Officer at Office of Information Governance, PO Box 45135, Olympia WA 98504-5135. The phone number listed is 360-902-8484, fax is 360-902-7855, and email is DSHSPublicDisclosure@dshs.wa.gov.
Describe records as completely as possible
Include the DSHS program, office, date range, record type, case name, client ID if known, and what you need the records for. If requesting confidential records, be ready to show proof of identity or authority.
Use the medical records route for state hospital records
If your record is from Eastern State Hospital, Western State Hospital, Child Study and Treatment Center, Maple Lane Campus, or another DSHS behavioral health treatment setting, use the medical records page instead of a general benefit route.
Do not write “send all my records” unless you truly need everything. A narrow request with program name, dates, document types and case details is easier to locate and less likely to be delayed for clarification.
DSHS office locator: find a Community Services Office near you
For “DSHS near me,” “DSHS office locator,” “DSHS community services office,” or “DSHS office hours,” use the official Office Locator. The locator can help you find DSHS offices or resources by ZIP code, city or county.
Search by ZIP, city or county
Use the official locator rather than old address lists because office details can change.
Open locatorInterviews, documents and help
Local Community Services Offices may handle interviews, changes, WorkFirst case management, documents, applications and navigators.
Open CSO infoEBT card pickup
DSHS states some CSO-only services include picking up EBT cards during listed pickup hours. Confirm your office before visiting.
Find office| Bring | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Photo ID if available | Helpful for identity-sensitive questions or document review. |
| DSHS letters | Shows deadlines, requested documents and program contact details. |
| Proof documents | Income, rent, utility, employment, household, immigration or medical proof if requested. |
| Client ID or case number | Helps staff locate your case faster. |
| List of questions | Keeps the visit focused and reduces forgotten questions. |
Customers who check in by 2 p.m. may be served for certain listed CSO services, but office-by-office details can vary. Check your specific office page before driving, especially if you need an interview, EBT card, navigator, computer access or document drop-off.
DSHS Olympia / Tumwater office map and visit-planning note
The map below points to the Olympia Community Services Office location listed by DSHS in Tumwater. Do not assume this is the correct office for your case. Use the Office Locator to find your nearest office or resource by ZIP code, city or county.
Call or check the official page first. Some DSHS issues can be handled online, by phone, by fax, by mail, or through Washington Connection. A local office visit is most useful when your official letter, case situation, or document need truly requires in-person help.
What DSHS may not be the right place for
The name “Department of Social and Health Services” can be confusing because Washington has several agencies with related responsibilities. Use this section to avoid the wrong page.
Apple Health application
Some health coverage tasks route through Washington Healthplanfinder or the Health Care Authority, not a DSHS office.
HealthplanfinderDCYF services
Child welfare and child care subsidy questions may route to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Open DCYFVital records
Birth and death certificates usually route through the Washington State Department of Health, not DSHS.
Open DOH recordsImmediate danger
Use 911 for emergencies, immediate danger, violence, urgent medical issues or life-safety risks.
People also search for: DSHS Google and Bing intent guide
These are common search-style intents around “Department of Social and Health Services.” The page section listed beside each term is the better path than opening random directories, old PDFs, social media posts or unofficial lead forms.
Department of Social and Health Services phone number
Use 877-501-2233 for food, cash and CSO help; use 800-737-0617 for broad DSHS contact routing.
Phone routeDSHS login / Washington Connection login
Use Washington Connection for applications, changes, reviews and benefit account tasks.
Login routeDSHS office locator near me
Use the official DSHS Office Locator and search by ZIP code, city or county.
Office routeDSHS records request
Use the Public Records Officer route or Request for DSHS Records form for public or client records.
Records routeDSHS food stamps / Basic Food
Use Basic Food and Washington Connection for food assistance applications and reviews.
Food routeDSHS child support
Use Division of Child Support and the KIDS line at 800-442-KIDS (5437).
Child supportDSHS adult protective services
Use APS for vulnerable adult abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect. Call 911 for emergencies.
APS routeDSHS disability support
Use DDA, DVR, ODHH or adult care routes depending on the specific support needed.
Disability routeOfficial Department of Social and Health Services links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final details, current phone numbers, eligibility rules, secure submission, records requests and office information. This independent guide does not collect applications, records, benefit documents, payments, reports or private case information.
Privacy, safety and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website, not DSHS.wa.gov, not Washington Connection, not a Community Services Office, not Adult Protective Services, and not the Division of Child Support.
Do not send Social Security numbers, EBT card numbers, PINs, birth dates, income proof, bank statements, medical records, benefit letters, child support records, adult abuse evidence, identity documents or payment details to an independent guide page. Use official secure portals, forms, phone numbers or offices only.
Phone numbers, forms, benefit rules, office hours, fax numbers, mailing addresses, portal instructions, interview rules, office services and eligibility requirements can change. Always confirm final details on DSHS.wa.gov, WashingtonConnection.org, official DCS pages, APS pages or your local DSHS office before taking action.
Department of Social and Health Services FAQs
What is the Department of Social and Health Services?
The Department of Social and Health Services usually refers to Washington State DSHS. It provides social services, employment supports, safety programs, benefit support, adult protective services, child support services, disability support and related human services in Washington.
What is the DSHS phone number for food, cash and Community Services Office help?
The DSHS Customer Service Contact Center phone number for many food, cash and Community Services Office questions is 877-501-2233. TTY/TDD users can dial 1-800-833-6384 for Washington Relay Service.
What is the general DSHS contact number?
For general DSHS inquiries that do not fit a specific program route, DSHS lists a webform and phone number 800-737-0617 on its official Contact the Department of Social and Health Services page.
How do I apply for DSHS food or cash assistance?
You can apply online through Washington Connection, by phone at 877-501-2233, in person at a local Community Services Office, by fax at 888-338-7410, or by mail when the official DSHS application route allows it.
How do I find a DSHS office near me?
Use the official DSHS Office Locator to search by ZIP code, city or county. Check the specific office page before visiting because office hours, services, EBT card pickup, interview help and document drop-off details can vary.
How do I send documents to DSHS?
DSHS may allow documents through MyDocs, fax, mail or local office drop-off depending on the program and request. For many Community Services Division documents, DSHS lists fax number 888-338-7410 and mailing address DSHS CSD Customer Service Center, PO Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699.
How do I contact DSHS child support?
Call the Division of Child Support KIDS line at 800-442-KIDS (5437). Have your case number ready if you have one. If you do not have a case number, the official DCS page says to press “0” for staff assistance.
How do I report vulnerable adult abuse or neglect in Washington?
Call 911 if there is immediate danger. For Adult Protective Services, call 1-877-734-6277 or use the official online reporting route. DSHS also lists 1-866-ENDHARM for abuse and neglect reporting routes.
How do I request DSHS records?
Use the official DSHS How to Request Public Records page or the Request for DSHS Records form. The DSHS Public Records Officer route lists phone 360-902-8484, fax 360-902-7855 and email DSHSPublicDisclosure@dshs.wa.gov. Confidential client records may require proof of identity or authority.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official DSHS website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide that helps users find the correct official route. It does not process benefits, upload documents, file reports, request records, access child support cases, issue EBT cards or replace DSHS.wa.gov or WashingtonConnection.org.