Colleagues,

DSHS has updates on its website - DSHS staff will doubtless have advance information but here's what is currently on the site - you can also follow their FB and Twitter accounts:


DSHS is keeping its website along with its Facebook and Twitter accounts updated as it receives guidance from the federal government. At this time, if the shutdown does not end by March, it is unclear of the impacts, but DSHS does acknowledge there could be some disruption to programs and services.

For more information, please keep visiting the agency’s Economic Services Administration’s website.

Economic Services Administration

Latest News

Partial Government Shutdown 

UPDATE 01/16/2019:

Today (Wednesday, 1/16/2019) the Community Services Division will have limited services beginning at 1 pm. Due to the federal government shutdown, some of our computer systems will be down in order to issue February food benefits early. This impacts Community Services Offices and our call center.

Between 1-5 pm today, we are not able to process Applications, Eligibility Reviews, Change Reporting and Verification.

During this time, people can still submit information online, in-person or at the CSO drop box. WorkFirst and Aged/Blind/Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs case management services, as well as applications for Childcare programs are not impacted.

UPDATE 01/15/2019:

What are the impacts to Basic Food assistance?
On January 8, 2019, we were directed by USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to issue February benefits by January 20th. We are working with the vendor to put February SNAP benefits on EBT cards by the 20th. You can learn more from the news release here: https://bit.ly/2Fvkjme

What are the impacts to cash benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
At this time, we do not anticipate any immediate impacts to cash benefits or services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Family Assistance (SFA) and the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program (ABD).

What would happen with Work training programs?
If you are participating in Workforce training programs funded through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) there are no anticipated impacts to services, at this time.

What would happen with disability benefits (SSDI)?
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) is contracted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules and regulations. Currently, there are no anticipated impacts to benefits due to the federal government shutdown.

If you have questions regarding child care payment, please contact the Department of Children, Youth, and Families at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/contact-us - option 2 should get you in touch with someone within the child care team.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.

UPDATE 01/10/2019:
 
What are the impacts to cash benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
At this time, we do not anticipate any immediate impacts to cash benefits or services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Family Assistance (SFA) and the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program (ABD).
 
What are the impacts to Basic Food assistance?
On January 8, 2019, we were directed by USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to issue February benefits by January 20th.  We are working quickly to understand and implement the guidance we received, and further details will be coming.
 
What would happen with Work training programs?
If you are participating in Workforce training programs funded through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) there are no anticipated impacts to services, at this time.
 
What would happen with disability benefits (SSDI)?
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) is contracted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules and regulations. Currently, there are no anticipated impacts to benefits due to the federal government shutdown.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as we learn more. 

 


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MaureenHowardConsulting
maureenhowardconsulting@gmail.com

Tel:  253-756-8146

3320 S. 8th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405