DSHS offers Disaster Cash Assistance Program to affected individuals

COLFAX — Residents affected by recent wildfires in Eastern Washington can apply for emergency cash assistance through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

In an emergency proclamation on Aug. 19, effective through Friday, Sept. 29, Governor Jay Inslee released funding to activate the Disaster Cash Assistance Program to help residents of Whitman, Spokane, and Pend Oreille counties.

Department spokesperson Norah West said that the proclamation enables DSHS to offer Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) benefits to some people who are not eligible for other programs that may meet their needs.

Disaster assistance is available only to families and people without children who meet the program’s location, income, and resource limits.

Applicants must not already receive other benefits like Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The department said that the monthly benefit amount is determined by household size, income, and need, and ranges from a maximum of $417 for a single person to $1,539 for a household of 10 or more people.

“We know people are grappling with significant loss and also struggling to meet their immediate needs in the aftermath of these devastating wildfires,” DSHS Secretary Jilma Meneses said, adding that DCAP is one step toward helping people recover during this incredibly challenging time.

DCAP is available regardless of citizenship status and does not require applicants to provide a social security number.

West said the proclamation runs through Sept. 29. “People have 30 days from the impact to make the application,” she said.

People affected by the wildfires can apply for DCAP online at WashingtonConnection.org, West said, and then call the Customer Service Contact Center at (877)-501-2233 to complete a required interview.

West added that people can apply in person at their local Community Services Office. Those in Whitman County can visit the office at 418 South Main Street, Suite 1, in Colfax, or call to complete the application process over the phone.

The Customer Service Contact Center is open for interviews Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Department asks people to call before 11 a.m., considering the busiest call times are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Not many people will be eligible, but there is no way to know if they don’t apply,” West said, adding that DSHS encourages people affected to apply.