What Are My Rights? Dealing with DSHS
by: Northwest Justice Project
What services does the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offer?
Financial Assistance
Medical Coverage
Child Care
In-Home Care, Personal Care, Nursing Home, and other Long-Term Care Services
Food Stamps
Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Emergency Financial Help for Families
Child Support Enforcement Services
What important rights do I have when dealing with DSHS:
The Right to apply and get a written decision on your application.
The Right to promptly see and get copies of anything in your file.
The Right to talk to the supervisor of any DSHS employee.
The Right to ask for a fair hearing whenever DSHS denies, reduces, or terminates benefits. In the case of a reduction or termination of benefits, you may also have a right to receive continued assistance pending the hearing if you ask for the hearing within ten days of the notice.
The Right not to be retaliated against for exercising these rights.
What if I can’t speak English?
You have a right to an interpreter. You also have the right to receive DSHS’s notices and letters in your own language if you don’t speak English, or have limited ability to speak English. DSHS must provide you with an interpreter without delay to assist you at interviews and in filling out forms in English and answering DSHS’ letters.
What if I need help in dealing with DSHS?
If you feel you need help in filling out forms or in understanding what DSHS wants you to do to qualify for benefits, tell your worker. You can get special help called “necessary supplemental accommodations” (NSA) in obtaining and keeping benefits if you have a physical or mental health problem, or for other reasons, such as difficulties with reading or communicating.
If you need more information about your public assistance rights or DSHS’s programs, call the number below to find out if Northwest Justice Project has informational materials on the subject you’re interested in.
7900EN
This publication provides general information concerning your rights and responsibilities. It is not intended as a substitute for specific legal advice. This information is current as of the date of its printing, June 2011.
(Permission for copying and distribution granted to the Alliance for Equal Justice and to individuals for non-commercial use only.)
Last Reviewed On: 06/23/11
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