Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
LightNews LightNews
banner
wadshs.bsky.social
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
@wadshs.bsky.social
1.2K followers 130 following 160 posts
Supporting Washingtonians with autonomy and independence in their health, finances, care services and social supports.
linktr.ee/wa_dshs
Posts Replies Media Videos
wadshs.bsky.social
Congress passed and the president signed spending legislation to reopen the government on Nov. 12, 2025. DSHS is issuing full November food and cash benefits to people in Washington state on their usual dates. Food benefits for Nov. 1-13 have been issued.
DSHS logo, illustration of a bag of groceries and a Washington EBT card. Text: Update on November SNAP benefits in Washington state. See caption for more details.
November 14, 2025 at 1:44 AM
wadshs.bsky.social
Are you wondering how the federal government shutdown will impact benefits? Here's what we know: DSHS has funding to send out October 2025 food and cash benefits as usual.
We'll keep sharing updates as we learn more. Visit our website for the latest news: dshs.wa.gov
Blue background with white text that matches post. DSHS logo. More info at dshs.wa.gov.
October 2, 2025 at 12:24 AM
wadshs.bsky.social
Sept. 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we celebrate and honor the history, culture and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across our country. Learn more about events and ways to commemorate on the WA Commission on Hispanic Affairs website: www.cha.wa.gov/lhhm
Dark purple background with floral pattern, brightly colored blue, pink, teal and yellow flowers in corners. Text: We join the nationwide celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2025. This month honors the history, culture and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across our country.
September 15, 2025 at 11:30 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
DSHS just launched a new texting campaign to make it easier to share feedback. If you recently visited an office or called our Customer Service Contact Center, and have a number we can text on file, you might receive a link to our customer feedback survey. Your response helps us better serve you.
Illustration of cell phone held by two hands. Phone has pictures of DSHS logo and three faces - sad, neutral and happy. Text matches post.
September 10, 2025 at 8:35 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
In observance of #LaborDay, DSHS offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1. We will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. We are thankful for all our dedicated DSHS employees throughout Washington state and laborers everywhere. Thank you for everything you do! #PartneringWithPeople #BuildingAccessForAll
Collage of six photos of DSHS employees smiling as they work. Text: DSHS offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
September 1, 2025 at 1:57 AM
wadshs.bsky.social
When someone survives an opioid overdose, it’s because someone else stepped up to help. When we see each other as friends to keep safe, we have the power to change what happens next. Overdose is preventable when we act together.

#OneWAfamily #IOAD2025 @doh.wa.gov @wa-health-care.bsky.social
Illustration of four friends sitting on the floor socializing and smiling. Text: International Overdose Awareness Day August 31
August 31, 2025 at 7:15 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
#SUNBucks has already provided $120 in summer food benefits to more than 533,000 kids across WA. Think you might be eligible? There's still time to apply! The due date for 2025 summer food benefits is Friday, Aug. 29. Learn more: sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov/en/

#SupportCareResources
Photo of six smiling school-aged kids outside standing in a row. Text: There's still time. Sunburst graphic with yellow rays. SUN Bucks logo.
August 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
New Document Upload portal is now available!
Do you need to send us paperwork for your food, cash, DSHS medical or child care benefits? You can now easily send paperwork online using Document Upload.
DSHS logo. Illustration of a cell phone with the DSHS Document Upload website portal on the screen. Text matches post.
August 15, 2025 at 11:11 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
Exciting news! We will welcome our new DSHS secretary, Angela Ramirez, on Sept. 22. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced her appointment today. You can read more about her and her appointment on our Medium site: medium.com/@dshswa/gov-... #DSHS #SupportCareResources #PartneringWithPeople
Gov. Ferguson appoints Angela Ramirez secretary of DSHS
On Thursday, Aug. 14, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his appointment of Angela Ramirez as Washington’s new secretary of the Department of…
medium.com
August 15, 2025 at 12:55 AM
wadshs.bsky.social
Have you lost food bought with food benefits due to recent wildfires? DSHS might be able to replace some or all of its value. If you lost food purchased with Basic Food benefits, please call 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office within 10 days of the loss.
DSHS logo. Illustration of groceries in a paper bag. Photo of wildfire. Text: Did you lose food during a wildfire? You might be able to replace your EBT purchases within 10 days of loss. Details in caption.
July 22, 2025 at 7:32 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
We’ve loved connecting with you here, but due to budget cuts and fewer team members, we need to simplify where we share updates. Starting July 1, we’ll focus on just a few platforms
• Facebook: @WaStateDSHS
• LinkedIn: @washingtondepartmentofsocialandhealthservices
• YouTube: @WashingtonStateDSHS
A light blue graphic with a dark blue banner at the top displays the following text in black: "We’re moving to fewer platforms" Below, it reads: "Due to budget cuts and fewer team members, we’re focusing on just a few social media platforms. Starting July 1, we’ll share updates and resources primarily on: Facebook, Nextdoor, and YouTube." A dividing line separates this from the next section, which states: "We’re still here to keep you informed and connected—just in a simpler way." At the bottom, the DSHS logo is displayed with the text: "Washington State Department of Social and Health Services." Underneath, it reads: "See caption for full details."
June 27, 2025 at 3:27 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
#SUNBucks update: Is your child eligible for SUN Bucks?

The program has some changes this year. If you got a letter from DSHS about possible eligibility, we encourage you to apply for SUN Bucks if you did not already receive benefits this year.
Find out more: dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks
A smiling man in a white shirt carries a young girl on his back in the produce section of a grocery store. The girl is reaching for a package of mushrooms on a refrigerated shelf. Bright yellow rays frame the image on the sides, resembling a sunburst. Below the image, text reads: "Find out if your children are eligible for SUN Bucks grocery benefits." The SUN Bucks logo is prominently displayed, featuring a sun and a plate with utensils.
June 25, 2025 at 10:11 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
The last week of June is Deafblind Awareness Week, celebrated in honor of Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, showed the world what is possible with determination and hard work.
Let’s work together to build understanding and support for the deafblind community.
A horizontal banner with a blue and white theme celebrates DeafBlind Awareness Week. At the top, photos show three individuals engaged in daily activities: a man listening attentively to a woman signing and a man with a guide stick smiling. The title "DeafBlind Awareness Week" is in large white text, followed by "June 22-28." A tagline at the bottom states, "We honor and celebrate the DeafBlind community, and its leadership and advocacy!" The banner ends with a DSHS logo.
June 24, 2025 at 7:42 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration wants you to know how to protect your brain health. Healthy habits include:
• Not using tobacco
• Eating healthy
• Exercising your body & mind
• Maintaining healthy weight
• Practicing good sleep habits
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month - Protect Your Brain Health A vertical banner with a light purple background highlights Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The main message, "Protect Your Brain Health," is written in bold purple text. Three sections feature illustrated icons: a rolled yoga mat with "Mind and body exercises," a crescent moon with stars labeled "Good sleep habits," and a bike helmet for "Head injury protection." At the bottom, text reads, "Learn more about brain health on our DSHS Dementia Action Collaborative webpage," accompanied by a DSHS logo.
June 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
Still an opportunity for this NOTIS webinar June 28.
June 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
Are you a caregiver? We’ve got some exciting news just for you! DSHS is excited to introduce our brand-new HCLA Caregiver Newsletter. ! It’s the perfect place to find support and celebrate the amazing work that you do every day. Visit linktr.ee/wa_dshs to subscribe and download the first edition!
A promotional image for the "Caregiving in Action" newsletter by DSHS. The headline reads, "Are you a caregiver?" followed by the text: "Check out our brand-new newsletter featuring topics, skills, and stories of Washington’s caregivers." Below the headline, a preview of the newsletter is shown, including sections with titles such as "Welcome," "Fun Facts," and "Secrets that Make Caregiving Easier." At the bottom, there's a blue banner with the DSHS logo and text encouraging viewers to get the first edition and sign up for the email newsletter series. It also invites users to share their caregiving tips and stories for future newsletters. The overall tone is warm and inviting, with an emphasis on caregiving as a valuable and heroic effort.
June 18, 2025 at 11:17 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
As we approach June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest national holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S. This day in 1865 represented the arrival of freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, TX, over 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Let’s use this day to reflect and remember.
A graphic announcing office closures in observance of Juneteenth. The text reads: "Our offices will be closed in observance and celebration of Juneteenth." The word "Juneteenth" is displayed prominently in bold, stylized text with colorful accents of green, orange, and red. Below, it states: "Thursday, June 19." At the bottom, the DSHS logo is displayed with the text: "Washington State Department of Social and Health Services." The background is dark green with confetti patterns in red, orange, and green, creating a celebratory feel.
June 17, 2025 at 6:25 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
Focused on healthy futures for children and teens in foster care. DSHS Fostering Well-Being staff include pediatricians, nurses, and program specialists working together to make sure their clients’ medical, behavioral, mental health, & school needs are met. www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/fostering-well-being
FWB brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and advocacy, regarding all domains for children who experience trauma/foster care. We know we are not able to have experts in each office, but the FWB team is just a phone call or email away and a vital resource during times of limited or no resources for children and families. - Denise McJohnson, DCYF
June 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
#ALERT Our EBT team is anticipating an increase in EBT theft this summer.

You may receive this message from DSHS:
"EBT cardholder, your benefits are in danger of theft. Act immediately. Change the PIN or replace your card by calling the phone number on the back of your card or the DSHS office."
ALT TEXT Illustration of a hand holding a smartphone displaying a red alert icon, next to a Washington Quest EBT card. The text reads, 'Did you get our EBT alert text?' Above the website link 'dshs.wa.gov/text' for more details on DSHS texts.
June 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
As Father’s Day approaches, we honor all the amazing dads in Washington — those who see their kids regularly and especially those who are working hard to be in their children’s lives. The Fatherhood Council State of Father asked dads, What are your strengths? Read: dshswa.medium.com/every-day-is...
A digital graphic highlights A Father’s Day story. The top half features a torn-paper effect with the headline: ‘Every day if Father’s Day’ followed by the publication date, '06/12/2025.' Below, two photos. One of a son and dad standing together at a highschool graduation. One of a dad and small son holding his hand at a beach. The bottom section has a blue background with the DSHS (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services) logo on the left and the text 'DSHS stories on Medium' with the Medium logo on the right.
June 13, 2025 at 4:48 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
DSHS is thrilled to announce that the Fircrest Nursing Facility earned a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, placing it among the top 10% of nursing homes in Washington state. Read the full story here: dshswa.medium.com/fircrest-nur...
A digital graphic highlights A BHHA success story. The top half features a torn-paper effect with the headline: ‘Fircrest Nursing Facility earns Five-Star Rating followed by the publication date, '06/09/2025.' Below, a photo of Fircrest RHC staff celebrate their Five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The bottom section has a blue background with the DSHS (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services) logo on the left and the text 'DSHS stories on Medium' with the Medium logo on the right.
June 10, 2025 at 6:29 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
We're making it easier for you to get help when you call us!
Last month, we introduced a new Virtual Agent to improve our call center. In just one week, it saved each caller more than two minutes of waiting time.
Exciting news! We're in the first stages of rolling out a new feature!
Graphic promoting the DSHS Virtual Agent for food benefits mid-certification reviews. The top section features an image of a Washington Quest card with a green checkmark. The text reads: 'Do you have an upcoming mid-certification review for your food benefits?' Below, an illustration shows hands holding a smartphone displaying the DSHS logo. A speech bubble says: 'If you have no changes to report, cut your wait time using the DSHS Virtual Agent. Available 24/7 by phone!' Additional text at the bottom right reads: 'See captions for details.’
June 5, 2025 at 11:40 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
It's Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.
Tools in our Dementia Road Map to support each other. www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/stakeh...
Graphic for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month by DSHS, June 2025. The background is light purple featuring a purple ribbon. Text beneath the ribbon: “Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect thousands of Washingtonians and their family caregivers. Learn about resources and tools in our Dementia Road Map.” The DSHS logo appears at the bottom.
June 5, 2025 at 11:29 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
#TemporaryClosureAlert
The Auburn Community Services Office is temporarily closed June 5, 2025 for a power outage.
Where to go:
--King South Community Services Office, 1313 W Meeker St Suite 100, Kent
--Federal Way Community Services Office, 616 S 348th St, Federal Way
-- washingtonconnection.org
The Auburn Community Services Office is temporarily closed June 5, 2025 for a power outage. Where to go: --King South Community Services Office,1313 W Meeker St Suite 100, Kent --Federal Way Community Services Office, 616 S 348th St, Federal Way Or visit online at washingtonconnection.org
June 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
wadshs.bsky.social
Exciting News! #MyWABenefits is LIVE! A mobile-friendly website to easily access your benefits information! Check the status of your benefits, including food, cash and Apple Health Classic Medicaid, anytime, anywhere, right from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit mywabenefits.wa.gov/login
A cellphone in a person's hand. The screen has an image of MyWAbenefits page.
June 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM