Washington Department of Social and Health Services: Services, Phone
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, commonly searched as Washington DSHS, DSHS Washington, or Department of Social and Health Services WA, helps Washington residents connect with food, cash, medical, child support, adult protective services, long-term care, developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, behavioral health facilities, public records, forms and local service offices.
This guide is written in simple U.S. English for seniors, families, caregivers, applicants, people with disabilities, parents, case clients, child support users, and anyone who needs the correct DSHS phone number, login route, office locator, benefits application, EBT help, adult abuse reporting, public records route or official form.
Quick answer: what Washington DSHS helps with in 2026
Washington DSHS is a social services agency, not the same as the Washington State Department of Health. Use DSHS for benefits, social services, disability supports, adult protective services, child support, vocational rehabilitation, DSHS records and local Community Services Offices. Use Washington DOH for birth certificates, death certificates, immunizations, food worker cards and health professional license lookup.
| What you need | Best DSHS route | Prepare before calling | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply for food, cash or medical assistance | Washington Connection, Customer Service Contact Center or local Community Services Office | Household members, income, address, expenses, immigration/citizenship details if applicable, documents and callback number | Calling an unrelated health department for EBT or TANF questions |
| Complete interview or review | Call 877-501-2233 or visit a local CSO during service hours | Client ID if known, application date, requested verifications and safe phone number | Waiting until after the deadline to complete the interview |
| Report a benefit change | Washington Connection or Customer Service Contact Center | New income, household member change, address change, job change, rent/utility change or proof documents | Reporting only by voicemail without confirming the official route |
| Find a DSHS office near me | DSHS Office Locator | ZIP code, city, county, service type and transportation needs | Driving to Olympia when a local Community Services Office is the correct office |
| Report adult abuse, neglect or exploitation | Adult Protective Services | Name, location, safety concern, suspected harm, people involved and your contact info if you can provide it | Waiting for proof when DSHS says to report concerns |
| Child support case, payment or enrollment | Division of Child Support / KIDS line | Case number if known, parent names, child information, payment issue and mailing address | Using the benefits call center for a child support case |
| DDA / developmental disability services | DDA / DDCS enrollment or Service and Information Request line | County, diagnosis or disability documentation, school/medical records and service question | Waiting to apply because you do not know the exact service name |
| Birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate | Not DSHS — use Washington Department of Health Vital Records | Record name, date, county, ID and certificate type | Searching DSHS for vital records when DOH handles certificates |
If your issue is benefits, EBT, child support, adult care, DDA, DVR, DSHS forms, public records or local service office access, start with DSHS. If your issue is birth certificates, death certificates, immunizations, health professional license lookup or food worker cards, start with Washington DOH instead.
Washington DSHS route finder: choose the correct service before calling
Use this task router before calling, visiting, submitting documents, reporting a change, filing public records, reporting fraud, applying for child support or opening a login page.
Washington DSHS task router
Select your task. The safest next step appears below.
Washington DSHS phone number, office hours and call script
The correct Washington DSHS phone number depends on your service. The most common benefits number is 877-501-2233. DSHS also lists 800-737-0617 for all other inquiries through the general contact route. Most DSHS offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed weekends and holidays.
800-737-0617
Use when your question does not fit benefits, child support, APS, DDA, DVR or public records.
877-501-2233
Use for food, cash, medical, interviews, reviews, changes and Customer Service Contact Center help.
1-877-734-6277
Use to report suspected abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult.
1-800-442-KIDS
Use for Division of Child Support information. The numeric version is 1-800-442-5437.
| Need | Phone / route | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Food, cash, medical, HEN referral, ABD-related Medicaid questions | 877-501-2233 | Apply, complete interview, report a change, submit review, ask about case status or request help with documents. |
| TTY/TDD for Community Services Office phone service | 1-800-833-6384 | Washington Relay route listed for TTY/TDD users connected to CSO phone services. |
| Child support general information | 1-800-442-KIDS / 1-800-442-5437 | Payment information, case access, establishing a case, field office direction or speaking with support staff. |
| Enroll for child support services | 1-800-457-6202 | Questions about applying for Division of Child Support services. |
| Adult Protective Services | 1-877-734-6277 | Report vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect or financial exploitation. |
| Welfare fraud | 1-800-562-6906 | Report suspected public benefits fraud involving TANF, Basic Food, EBT card misuse or child care assistance. |
| Public records | 360-902-8484 | DSHS Public Records Officer route for public disclosure and DSHS records requests. |
| General contact not covered above | 800-737-0617 | All other inquiries through DSHS contact page when a specific program route is not listed. |
Use a short call script
Say: “I’m calling about [food benefits, cash assistance, medical assistance, EBT card, child support, adult protective services, developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, public records, fraud, or office locator]. My county is [county]. Which DSHS program or official page should I use?”
If your question is about cash, food, medical benefits, EBT, interviews, reviews or reporting a change, start with 877-501-2233. If your question is child support, use the Division of Child Support route. If it is adult abuse or neglect, use Adult Protective Services.
Apply for DSHS food, cash and medical assistance
For searches like “Washington DSHS benefits,” “DSHS food stamps,” “Washington EBT,” “DSHS cash assistance,” “DSHS medical assistance,” “TANF Washington,” or “Basic Food Washington,” the main routes are Washington Connection, the Customer Service Contact Center and your local Community Services Office.
Washington Connection
Start an application, report a change, submit an eligibility review and check whether you may qualify.
Open Washington Connection877-501-2233
Apply by phone, complete interviews, report changes, ask case questions and get help with MyDocs.
Documents route
DSHS lists fax 888-338-7410 and CSD Customer Service Center, PO Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699 for application or verification mailing.
| Prepare | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Household details | Names, ages, relationship, household size and who buys/prepares food together | Benefits are usually based on household composition and program rules. |
| Income and job details | Pay stubs, unemployment, Social Security, child support, self-employment income | DSHS may request verification in writing after the interview. |
| Expenses | Rent, mortgage, utilities, child care, medical costs for eligible households | Certain expenses may affect eligibility or benefit calculation. |
| Identity and address | Photo ID, mailing address, residential address, safe phone number | DSHS needs a way to contact you and mail official decisions. |
| Requested documents | Verification letters, proof of income, immigration documents if applicable, medical proof when requested | Missing documents can delay or reduce benefits. |
Submit the application through an official route
You may apply online through Washington Connection, by phone at 877-501-2233, in person at a local Community Services Office, by fax or by mail. Some programs require a signed application and an interview.
Complete the interview if required
Some programs require an interview, and DSHS says you will be told at the end of the interview whether more information or verification is needed. If additional information is needed, DSHS will request it in writing.
Do not mail original documents unless DSHS specifically tells you to. Send clear copies or use the official MyDocs attachment route when appropriate, and keep proof of what you submitted.
Washington Connection login, application, eligibility review and benefit changes
Many people search “Washington DSHS login,” “DSHS benefits login,” “Washington Connection login,” “DSHS food stamps application,” or “DSHS report a change.” For food, cash and many benefit actions, Washington Connection is the main online door.
New application
Use Washington Connection to start a new benefits application when applying online.
Eligibility review
Use the official online route when you need to renew or review continuing benefits.
Report a change
Report changes such as address, income, household members, employment or family situation.
Am I Eligible?
Use the screening tools to see whether you may qualify before applying.
Do not enter your Social Security number, income documents, EBT details or case information on unofficial pages. Start from DSHS.wa.gov or WashingtonConnection.org.
Washington DSHS EBT / Quest card: lost card, benefits, alternate cardholder and safe use
Washington food and cash benefits may be accessed through an EBT card often called the Quest card. For card questions, case questions or benefit changes, start with the Customer Service Contact Center or the official EBT page.
Lost, stolen or damaged card
Use DSHS card guidance and Customer Service Contact Center routing. Ask how to protect your benefits immediately.
Benefit amount or change
Use Washington Connection or 877-501-2233 to report changes or ask case questions.
Alternate cardholder
DSHS has an alternate cardholder process when a trusted person regularly shops for someone else.
Ask the correct card question
When calling, say whether the issue is a lost card, stolen benefits, a case change, an alternate cardholder, a PIN problem, a benefit amount question or a card replacement question.
Do not share your PIN, card number, Washington Connection login or verification codes. If you believe your card or benefits were stolen, call promptly and ask for the official next step.
Find a Washington DSHS office near me: CSO, DDA, DCS and local service office locator
Use the official DSHS Office Locator when searching “DSHS office near me,” “DSHS office locator,” “DSHS Seattle,” “DSHS Tacoma,” “DSHS Spokane,” “DSHS Everett,” “DSHS Vancouver,” “DSHS Yakima,” “DSHS Olympia,” or “DSHS office hours.”
Cash, food, medical
Use for benefits applications, interviews, documents, EBT card pickup and navigator help.
DCS field office
Use for child support field office routing when your case has an assigned office.
Developmental disability help
Use for local DDA field office or county-based service and information request routing.
| CSO service | Typical listed timing | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Cash or food interviews, eligibility reviews, mid-certification reviews, report changes, WorkFirst/Social Services case management | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Call early when your task needs an interview or active case action. |
| Previously scheduled appointments and navigator help | After 2 p.m. | After 2 p.m. may be better for scheduled appointments or general navigator questions. |
| EBT card pickup | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Confirm the local office and ID requirements before going. |
| Submit documents or applications | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Ask for a receipt if you bring items to an office. |
Bring photo ID, case number if known, appointment letter, requested verification, proof of address and any DSHS notice. Always confirm the office and service hours before traveling.
DSHS adult care, long-term care, caregiver help and home/community services
Searchers often type “Washington DSHS long term care,” “DSHS caregiver,” “DSHS home care,” “DSHS adult care,” or “DSHS nursing home help.” DSHS connects seniors and people with disabilities to long-term care, home and community services, caregiver support and adult protective services routing.
In-home or residential support
Use DSHS long-term care routes when the question is about care settings, eligibility or services that help people remain supported.
Paid caregiver questions
Use the official DSHS caregiver information route before assuming a family member can be paid automatically.
Adult Protective Services
Use APS when there is suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Report vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation
Adult Protective Services investigates reports involving vulnerable adults in Washington. This can include suspected abuse, abandonment, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation and related safety concerns.
1-877-734-6277
Use this statewide APS number to report suspected vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect or exploitation.
1-833-866-5595
TTY route listed for Adult Protective Services reporting.
| Prepare if known | Examples | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Vulnerable adult information | Name, address, phone, age, disability or care setting if known | Report even if you do not know every detail. |
| Concern details | Abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, unsafe living situation | Describe what you saw, heard or were told. |
| Alleged person causing harm | Name, relationship, location, phone or caregiver role if known | Do not confront someone if it makes the situation unsafe. |
| Safety concerns | Weapons, urgent medical need, no food, no heat, unsafe caregiver, immediate danger | For immediate danger, call 911. |
If the person is in immediate danger, call 911. APS reporting is important, but it is not a substitute for emergency response when there is an active life-safety risk.
Developmental Disabilities Administration: DDA / DDCS enrollment and service requests
Search terms like “Washington DSHS DDA,” “DDA services Washington,” “DSHS developmental disabilities,” and “DDCS enrollment” refer to developmental disability supports. Applying for DDCS enrollment is the first step toward requesting services, and you do not need to know the exact service name before asking for help.
Apply for DDCS enrollment
DSHS explains that enrollment determines whether a person meets developmental disability eligibility criteria. It is not the same thing as requesting a specific service.
Open enrollmentAsk in plain words
If enrolled, use the service request route, local field office or county phone line. DSHS says users can describe what would make life easier.
Open service request| County group | Service and information request phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| King County | (800) 974-4428 | DDA / DDCS service and information request routing for King County. |
| Kitsap and Pierce | (800) 735-6740 | DDA / DDCS service and information request routing for Kitsap and Pierce counties. |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom | (800) 567-5582 | DDA / DDCS service and information request routing for northwest counties. |
| Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum | (888) 707-1202 | DDA / DDCS service and information request routing for these counties. |
Prepare medical, psychological, school, diagnosis and functional-support documents if you have them. If you do not have all documents yet, ask DSHS what proof is needed and how to submit it.
Washington DSHS Division of Child Support: KIDS line, payments, enrollment and case help
The Washington DSHS Division of Child Support, often searched as “DSHS child support,” “Washington child support phone number,” “DCS KIDS line,” or “Washington child support payments,” is a separate route from food, cash and medical benefits.
1-800-442-KIDS
Use for general information, case access, payment information and child support office direction.
1-800-457-6202
Use when you have questions about enrolling for Division of Child Support services.
Use official DCS payment routes
DSHS says DCS does not take payments over the KIDS phone line. Use official payment instructions.
Use the KIDS line for case information
The KIDS line can provide general DCS information, help establish a case, provide payment information and route established case users to the field office or case manager.
Prepare case details before calling
Have your DCS case number if known, parent names, child information, payment issue, last payment date, mailing address, phone number and any official notice in front of you.
Child support cases may involve sensitive family and safety information. Use the official DSHS child support pages and be careful when sharing case details by email or with third-party websites.
Washington DSHS vocational rehabilitation: DVR services for people with disabilities
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, keep or advance in employment. Searchers may use terms like “Washington DVR,” “DSHS vocational rehabilitation,” “DSHS disability employment,” or “DVR office near me.”
Disability affects work
Use DVR when a disability creates a barrier to employment, training, job search, retention or advancement.
Work and disability details
Bring diagnosis or disability details if available, work history, education, job goals, barriers and contact information.
Washington DSHS public records and client records request
A DSHS public records request is not the same as applying for benefits, reporting a change, replacing an EBT card, requesting a birth certificate, or speaking to your case worker. Use public records when you need DSHS agency records or records from different parts of DSHS.
DSHSPublicDisclosure@dshs.wa.gov
Use when you do not know which office has the records or you need records from different DSHS areas.
360-902-8484
Mail: DSHS Public Records Officer, Office of Information Governance, PO Box 45135, Olympia WA 98504-5135.
Make your records request specific
Include the program, office, case type, date range, record category, names, locations and subject. If the records are confidential or about someone else, DSHS may require proof of authority or written authorization.
If you are a DSHS client requesting your own records, say that clearly. If you are asking for another person’s confidential records, ask what authorization or legal authority is required before submitting the request.
Report DSHS welfare fraud, EBT misuse or benefits fraud
The DSHS Office of Fraud and Accountability investigates public benefits fraud in Washington state, including TANF, Basic Food, EBT cards and child care assistance. For suspected welfare fraud, use the official hotline or online reporting route.
1-800-562-6906
Use the Washington State Welfare Fraud Hotline to report suspected public benefits fraud.
DSHS Welfare Fraud
Mail: P.O. Box 45817, Olympia, Washington 98504-5817. Include clear facts, not assumptions.
| Prepare if known | Examples | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Person or household information | Name, address, phone, employer or benefit type if known | Investigators need enough information to identify the case. |
| Type of suspected fraud | Income not reported, household member not reported, EBT misuse, false documents | A specific allegation is easier to review than a vague concern. |
| Dates and evidence | Dates, employer, social media post, address, vehicle, documents or witness facts | Dates and evidence help determine whether an investigation is possible. |
Washington DSHS forms, publications and document submission
Searchers often look for “DSHS forms,” “DSHS application PDF,” “DSHS verification form,” “DSHS authorization form,” “DSHS public records form,” or “DSHS food benefits application.” Use the official forms library and the specific program page that asked for the form.
Electronic DSHS forms
Use for downloadable forms that DSHS programs make available for electronic completion or printing.
Open formsWashington Connection or printable forms
Use official benefit application routes and multilingual application links when applying.
Apply routeRequest for Records
Use the public records page for the records request form and authorization guidance.
Records routeDo not use old PDFs from random websites. Download forms from DSHS.wa.gov, WashingtonConnection.org or the specific official program page that told you to use the form.
Washington DSHS Olympia map and before-you-visit warning
The central DSHS office area includes Olympia state office locations such as Office Building Two at 1115 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98504. This is not automatically the correct place for benefits, EBT, child support, APS, DDA, DVR or records help. Use the office locator or specific program page first.
Olympia — DSHS Office Building Two
Use office locator for local service
Do not drive to Olympia just because it is a central office address. For benefits, use the local Community Services Office or 877-501-2233. For child support, use the DCS route. For DDA, use DDA offices. For public records, use the Public Records Officer route.
Official Washington DSHS links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final phone numbers, application routes, forms, public records, office locations, child support, Adult Protective Services, DDA, fraud reporting and program changes. This independent guide does not process benefits, issue EBT cards, access DSHS cases, collect documents or represent DSHS.
People also search for Washington Department of Social and Health Services
These Google and Bing style search intents are included so users can quickly understand the right DSHS route instead of opening the wrong agency or a third-party page.
Washington DSHS phone number
Use 877-501-2233 for cash, food and medical benefits; use 800-737-0617 for all-other-inquiries contact routing.
Phone routeWashington DSHS benefits login
Use Washington Connection for online benefits actions like application, eligibility review and reporting changes.
Login routeDSHS food stamps Washington
Basic Food / SNAP-related help routes through Washington Connection, 877-501-2233 or a local CSO.
Food routeDSHS office locator
Use the official Office Locator to find a DSHS office or resource by ZIP code, city or county.
Office routeDSHS EBT card Washington
Use the EBT / EFT page and Customer Service Contact Center for card and benefit questions.
EBT routeWashington DSHS report abuse
Use Adult Protective Services at 1-877-734-6277 for vulnerable adult abuse, neglect or exploitation concerns.
APS routeWashington DSHS child support
Use the Division of Child Support and KIDS line at 1-800-442-KIDS for case and payment information.
Child support routeWashington DSHS public records
Use the Public Records Officer route for DSHS agency records and records from different DSHS areas.
Records routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, not WashingtonConnection.org, not DSHS, not a benefits office, not a child support office and not an emergency service.
For immediate danger, violence, severe medical symptoms, unsafe living conditions requiring urgent response, or a life-threatening situation, call 911 or local emergency services. Do not wait for an email, webform or office callback.
Do not send Social Security numbers, EBT card numbers, DSHS notices, medical records, child support documents, public assistance records, income proof, identity documents or bank details to an independent guide page. Use official DSHS, Washington Connection or WA.gov secure routes.
Phone numbers, office hours, document requirements, mailing addresses, program names and service availability can change. Confirm final details on the official DSHS page before visiting, mailing documents, uploading files or making case decisions.
Washington Department of Social and Health Services FAQs
What is the Washington Department of Social and Health Services phone number?
For cash, food and medical benefits, call the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233. For all other DSHS inquiries, the official DSHS contact page lists 800-737-0617. For child support, call 1-800-442-KIDS. For Adult Protective Services, call 1-877-734-6277.
How do I apply for Washington DSHS benefits?
You can apply online at WashingtonConnection.org, by phone at 877-501-2233, in person at a local Community Services Office, by fax at 888-338-7410 or by mail to DSHS CSD Customer Service Center, PO Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699.
What is Washington Connection?
Washington Connection is the official online portal used to start benefits applications, report changes, submit eligibility reviews and check whether you may qualify for services.
How do I find a DSHS office near me?
Use the official DSHS Office Locator and search by ZIP code, city or county. Confirm the service type before visiting because Community Services Offices, DDA offices and child support offices handle different tasks.
What is the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center number?
The DSHS Customer Service Contact Center number for cash, food, medical, interviews, reviews, changes and many case questions is 877-501-2233. TTY/TDD users connected to CSO phone service can use 1-800-833-6384 for Washington Relay Service.
How do I report a change for DSHS benefits?
You can report a change through Washington Connection or by calling 877-501-2233. Prepare the change type, date it happened, proof if available, case information and your safe callback number.
How do I report adult abuse or neglect in Washington?
Call Adult Protective Services at 1-877-734-6277 to report suspected abuse, abandonment, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
What is the Washington DSHS child support phone number?
For Division of Child Support general information, call 1-800-442-KIDS, also written as 1-800-442-5437. For questions about enrolling for child support services, DSHS lists 1-800-457-6202.
Does DSHS issue Washington birth certificates or death certificates?
No. Washington birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records and divorce records generally route through the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records, not DSHS.
How do I make a Washington DSHS public records request?
Use the official DSHS public records page. The DSHS Public Records Officer can be reached at DSHSPublicDisclosure@dshs.wa.gov or 360-902-8484. Include the program, date range, record type and subject to make the request easier to process.
How do I report DSHS welfare fraud?
Use the DSHS Office of Fraud and Accountability. The Washington State Welfare Fraud Hotline is 1-800-562-6906. Prepare the person or household information, suspected fraud type, dates and facts if known.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official Washington DSHS website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not process benefits, access DSHS cases, issue EBT cards, file child support cases, submit APS reports, collect documents or represent the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.