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7 Essential Services And Latest Updates From DSHS Bellingham WA You Need To Know In 2025

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Navigating the comprehensive network of social and health services in Whatcom County requires up-to-date information, and as of today, December 22, 2025, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Bellingham is actively managing critical updates, including recently announced disaster aid. The DSHS Bellingham offices serve as the primary gateway for residents seeking essential support, from food and medical assistance to long-term care planning. Understanding the specific services offered by the two main offices—the Community Services Office (CSO) and the Home and Community Services (HCS) office—is the first step toward accessing the benefits you or your family need.

The DSHS is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Washington residents, and the Bellingham branch is a crucial local hub for the Economic Services Administration (ESA) and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). With changing eligibility requirements and new programs, knowing the current contact information and operational hours is key to a smooth application process for programs like Basic Food (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Apple Health (Medicaid).

DSHS Bellingham WA Office Directory and Contact Information (2025)

The Department of Social and Health Services operates multiple specialized offices in Bellingham to serve the diverse needs of Whatcom County residents. It is important to know which office handles your specific need, as they often have different addresses and primary phone numbers.

Bellingham Community Services Office (CSO)

  • Primary Function: Handles applications, eligibility reviews, and case management for cash, food, and medical assistance programs. This is the main point of contact for the Economic Services Administration (ESA).
  • Address: 4101 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 98226
  • Primary Phone: (877) 501-2233
  • TTY: (800) 833-6384
  • Fax: (888) 338-7410
  • General Office Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Monday–Friday)
  • Application/Interview Service Hours: Office and phone services for completing interviews for cash or food benefits (application, eligibility review, mid-certification review) are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Home and Community Services (HCS) Office

  • Primary Function: Manages long-term care and support services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This office falls under the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA).
  • Address: 2219 Rimland Dr Suite 419, Bellingham, WA 98226
  • Primary Phone: (360) 812-4940
  • Alternate Phone: (800) 239-8292
  • General Office Hours: Varies; many HCS offices are reopening to the public, but it is best to call ahead for an appointment.

Critical DSHS Service Updates and Disaster Aid for Whatcom County

Staying current on DSHS news is vital, especially when it comes to time-sensitive emergency assistance. The most significant recent update for Whatcom County residents revolves around disaster relief.

2025/2026 Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP)

Following recent severe weather events, DSHS has made the Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) available to eligible households in Whatcom and Skagit counties. This emergency cash assistance is a critical resource for families who have experienced financial hardship due to flooding, power outages, or other natural disasters.

  • Eligibility Window: Cash assistance is being offered through January 15, 2026.
  • How to Apply: Households should contact DSHS directly by phone or apply at the Community Services Office (CSO).
  • Food Replacement: Residents who lost food purchased with Basic Food (SNAP) benefits due to a power outage or flooding can file a claim to replace those benefits. Call the general DSHS line for assistance with replacement food benefits.

This type of emergency aid underscores the importance of regularly checking the official Washington State DSHS news releases for time-limited programs that can provide immediate financial relief.

Understanding the 5 Core DSHS Economic Services in Bellingham

The Bellingham Community Services Office (CSO) is the hub for five core Economic Services Administration (ESA) programs. These programs are designed to provide a safety net for individuals and families based on various eligibility factors, including income, family size, resources, and deductions.

1. Basic Food Program (SNAP/EBT)

The Basic Food Program, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help low-income households purchase food. Eligibility is determined by a household’s net income and resources. Students may also be eligible if they meet specific requirements, such as being a single parent enrolled full-time and caring for a dependent under age 12.

2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is a program that provides temporary cash assistance and employment services (WorkFirst) to families with children. The goal is to help families become self-sufficient. In some cases, additional funds are provided to help support a child in a caregiver’s care, and the caregiver's own income may not be used to determine the child's TANF eligibility.

3. Apple Health (Medicaid)

Apple Health is Washington's name for Medicaid. It provides free or low-cost health care coverage to eligible adults, children, and families. The Bellingham CSO assists with applications for various Apple Health programs, including standard Medicaid and specialized programs like Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities, which is also supported through the Home and Community Services office.

4. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral

The HEN program provides essential needs items (like hygiene products and cleaning supplies) and can offer a referral for potential housing assistance to disabled adults who are unable to work and do not receive federal disability benefits. The Bellingham CSO is the starting point for determining eligibility for this vital support.

5. Child Care Subsidy (Working Connections Child Care)

While not directly managed at the CSO, DSHS determines eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy, which helps low-income families pay for child care. This program is crucial for parents participating in WorkFirst or those working to maintain employment.

Specialized Support: Long-Term Care and Disability Services

The Bellingham Home and Community Services (HCS) office, part of the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), focuses on non-economic, specialized support for vulnerable populations. This is a key resource for long-term care planning.

  • Long-Term Care Services: HCS assesses the need for in-home care, assisted living, and nursing facility placement. Services are designed to help seniors and people with disabilities remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
  • Disability Support: The office manages various disability support services and programs, helping individuals navigate the complex system of care.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Although often handled through a separate division, DSHS broadly oversees services like Vocational Rehabilitation, which helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
  • Mental Health Services: DSHS is a major administrator of public mental health services in Washington State, coordinating resources and referrals for individuals in Whatcom County.

For residents who face barriers to visiting the physical offices, the DSHS also operates a Mobile Community Services Office in Whatcom County, which is a valuable outreach effort that provides on-site assistance for applications, reviews, and ID vouchers at various community locations.

How to Apply for DSHS Benefits in Bellingham

The application process for all DSHS benefits in Bellingham, whether for food, cash, or medical assistance, is centralized for efficiency. You have several options:

  1. Online: The fastest and most common method is applying online through the Washington State DSHS portal.
  2. Phone: Call the general DSHS line at (877) 501-2233. This is essential for scheduling interviews, which are required for cash and food benefits and must be completed by 2:00 PM.
  3. In-Person: Visit the Bellingham Community Services Office at 4101 Meridian St. Be aware that interviews and eligibility determinations stop at 2:00 PM.

When applying, be prepared to provide documentation regarding your income, resources, family size, and any applicable deductions. Regular eligibility reviews and mid-certification reviews are mandatory to ensure you continue to meet program requirements.

7 Essential Services and Latest Updates from DSHS Bellingham WA You Need to Know in 2025
department of social and health services bellingham wa
department of social and health services bellingham wa

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