Other Benefits and Resources

Outside of WA, or want a big list of resources to check? Check out Need Help Paying Bills for financial assistance, filtered by state.

Other Benefits and Resources

A quick easy way to get guidance on which public benefits would help you is Washington Connection’s “See if I Qualify” flow. (https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/) It will take about 15 minutes, and can provide information of all kinds of specific programs that you are eligible for based on income, disability, etc, and then help you apply online. It’s not totally comprehensive, but can be a great place to start. You can also browse by category by clicking “Find Services”. https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/exploreoptions.go .

While it can be a bit harder to browse, a more comprehensive database is available at 211 via https://search.wa211.org/. This source also includes non-public benefits, like a great map of food banks, and other non-profit charities. Reviewing the categories on the home page and seeing if you could benefit from any of them is a great idea, but also won’t get you everything – some things like sliding scale bicycle repair need to be searched for, so it’s useful to have an idea what you’re looking for.

You can also call 2-1-1 via phone from inside Washington, or reach them via text or email, if you’d like to talk with someone there directly who can help. More info at https://wa211.org/.

For those without regular tech access, the Emerald City Resource Guide is a print resource, available via Real Change in Pioneer Square. They also have an online database. This also includes some niche resources not findable on 211: if you need services, I’d search both 211 and the ECRG! https://www.realchangenews.org/emerald-city-resource-guide.

Statewide Programs

Free Phone Plans

Free cell phone service is available through Lifeline phone services! The program is available to anyone on Medicaid or SNAP food benefits, as well as anyone making below 135% of the federal poverty level. (~$20.5k for 1 person in 2024).
There are 5 providers: Assurance (4.5 GB high-speed, T-Mobile network), Life Wireless (AT&T), SafeLink (10GB data, Verizon/T-Mobile), enTouch (seems bad?), and Access Wireless (provides zero info). They offer different amounts of data, and typically have free or cheap phones if you need them, though what they have varies, so I’d consider shopping around to see what they’ve got. Would likely recommend SafeLink, Assurance, or Life Wireless, though I don’t know much! If bringing your own phone, check compatibility with AT&T (Life) / T-Mobile (Assurance, SafeLink) / Verizon (SafeLink) networks, as these providers use those networks and you’ll want to select one your phone is compatible with. Have heard positive anecdotes about Safelink. Can also check this Plan data thread for more discussion, though offerings change so it may be out of date.

Internet

Comcast Xfinity offers a discount program called Internet Essentials for $14.99/mo (75mbps) internet services, or $29.99/mo for 100mbps. (I don’t think it’s personally worth double the cost for 1/4th or less speed improvement, at that point just pay $15 more for 500mbps without any discount)

Prescriptions

Discounts on prescriptions without insurance, available regardless of income:
https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/get-help-paying-prescriptions
(Also available in Oregon, Connecticut, and Nevada)

Other Programs

For anything on this list, we’ve got info for mostly Seattle-area, but your town may have them as well – if you’re elsewhere but see a program on this list or the Seattle city programs list that would be useful to you, try searching for comparable ones online, like “discounted utilities {Olympia}” – your city may have them!

Seattle City Programs List

There’s a clear overview of a lot of city-offered programs at https://www.seattle.gov/assistance-and-discounts.

If you live in Seattle, I heartily recommend scrolling that list and seeing what’s relevant to you. We didn’t bother copy-pasting a lot of items on that list into this one!

Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, etc): Transportation Resources, Food + Shelter Resources

Transportation

King County / ORCA provides lower public transportation fares for a variety of demographics (discount rate ORCA card).
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/fares-and-payment/reduced-fares
You can apply online, by phone, or in-person.
*Note: I believe this program is administered by King County, but ORCA operates outside of the county area; you should be able to apply from other counties in the area.

Lime (rental e-bikes and scooters) has discounted fares if you’re on Apple Health, food stamps, or other services, and makes it pretty cheap and can be a good way to get around when buses aren’t convenient. https://www.li.me/why/community/lime-access

If you’re going to bike or scooter around, please wear a helmet. People die in preventable accidents every day without helmets, including trans folks building a new life in Seattle who we wish were alive today. Free helmets available at all Seattle Customer Service centers (other than the downtown one). https://www.seattle.gov/customer-service-centers. Central is at 12th and Jefferson, I was in and out in 2 minutes no questions asked. These save lives, be careful all. 💜

Solid Ground provides a free bus service around downtown Seattle and door-to-door transportation to those who qualify.
https://www.solid-ground.org/get-help/transportation/

Hopelink also provides a variety of transportation services and resources in the Seattle area, transporting those with disabilities or anyone in need to medical appointments.
https://www.hopelink.org/programs/transportation/

Downtown Bellevue also has a free taxi service M-F morning to evening. You can order a Bellhop via an app for trips within the downtown Bellevue area, including to and from the Downtown Bellevue light rail station; full service map here.

Free Food Resources

Free Groceries

This interactive map from 211 allows you to search by area and days of the week. It also provides brief descriptions of each food bank, the populations they serve (ex. kosher, zip code specific etc.), and if the service has frequency restrictions.
https://search.wa211.org/en/search?query=BD-1800.2000&query_label=Food+Pantries%2FBanks&query_type=taxonomy&location=Seattle%2C+Washington%2C+United+States&coords=-122.330284%2C47.603245

Additionally, here is a link to the Emerald City Resource Guide. You can search “food banks” for an overall list, or search by your neighborhood. There is a large amount of overlap but some resources listed that are lacking from the 211 map.
https://www.emeraldcityresourceguide.org/results

Northwest Harvest provides a map of food resources throughout the entire state of Washington, Seattle included.
https://www.northwestharvest.org/our-work/food-access-network/

A number of food banks and programs offer delivery to those who are unable to physically come to the location to pick up groceries. Here is a 211 list of food banks and programs that provide this service. It also specifies zip code or other requirements and frequency restrictions for each program. https://search.wa211.org/en/search?query=BD-2400.2590&query_label=Grocery+Delivery&query_type=taxonomy&location=Seattle%2C+Washington%2C+United+States&coords=-122.330284%2C47.603245

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (400 E Pine St) has a Mutual Aid Closet and Pantry. Includes food, hygiene products, and clothing.

Seattle Fresh Bucks (Fruits & Vegetables only) is a low-income program that offers a free $60 discount via a “Fresh Bucks Card” on fruits & vegetables only (must also live within Seattle city limits). They can be used at Farmers Markets, or reportedly at Safeway. Trader Joe’s does not accept them. (Will continue to update this list as I try more groceries.)

Free Meals

United Way of King Country offers free summer meals for school age children and teens when school is out. There are no ID or legal status requirements. Linked is the food assistance section of the website, the information about the summer meal program is below the section about accessing SNAP benefits
https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/food-resources/

This list from 211 has locations to get free hot meals around the city. It specifies days of the week and food that caters to certain dietary restrictions, as well as communities served.
https://search.wa211.org/en/search?query=BD-5000.8300&query_label=Free+Meals&query_type=taxonomy&location=King+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States&coords=-122.297622%2C47.59526

Weekly free meals from mutual aid orgs in Seattle:

Monday-Friday:
Edible Hope 8AM-10AM (6512 12th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, United States–Next to Ballard High School) put on by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, but it’s been running for 30+ years and is strictly a community breakfast, not a church service/outreach

Saturdays:
Seattle Food Not Bombs—5:00 @ Occidental Square
Seattle DSA Solidarity Dinners (intro)–5:00 @ Cafe Red (by Othello light rail stop)

Sundays:
People’s Breakfast—10:00 until food runs out @ University Heights Building
Subvert U District (meal + hygiene and harm reduction supplies)—12:00 until food runs out (usually around 1:00-1:20) @ University Heights Building
Food Not Bombs Free Market – 1:30 (come early) Cascade Playground (SLU)
Seattle Food Not Bombs—4:30 @ Occidental Square
Mask Bloc (Masks, COVID tests—not food)—11:00-2:00 @ Cap Hill Farmer’s Market

Wednesdays:

Free Groceries in Cal Anderson 5-7, courtesy of Wednesday Fregan Grocery
Free Cookout @ Cal Anderson in the evening https://www.thestonesoupcrew.com/

Free Groceries:
Food Not Bombs Free Market—1:30-2:30 on Sundays @ Cascade Playground
Freegan Grocery—5:00-7:00 @ Cal Anderson by the basketball courts

Community Fridges [Unsure how up-to-date this info is]:
Woodland Park Presbyterian
48th Ave S & S Thistle St
1307 13th Ave S
745 19th Ave E
LGBTQ+ Center

Free Food Resources, from Seattle Mutual Aid Coalition

Free Clothing (Gender-Affirming)

In Seattle, the Seattle T4T Clothing Swap runs events every few months where trans folks can come and get as many clothes as they like! Check their instagram or Bluesky for information on the next swap!

In Puyallup (near Tacoma), check Transparent Closet!

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (400 East Pine St) has a Mutual Aid Closet and Pantry

The Seattle Goodwill Outlet AKA “The Bins” has very very cheap clothes if you are game to sort through a bunch of items!

Pet Care Resources

Search for resources by state: Banfield Foundation

Free Pet Food/supplies

Seattle Veterinary Outreach has a list of free pet food banks that includes location and hours. Some of the locations listed are regular food banks that also supply pet food. This list also includes resources outside of Seattle. Food - Seattle Veterinary Outreach

Low-cost Vet Clinics

Seattle Humane Society offers reduced cost vet services if your income is below a certain threshold. For one individual, you qualify if you make less than $77,000/year. They offer most services you can access at a standard vet’s office at a reduced price. If you make significantly less than the listed income amounts you may qualify for a variety of financial assistance options they have available which you can find through the Community Clinic homepage labeled “Pets for Life” They’re open seven days a week, and the Community Clinic page is linked. Community Clinic - Seattle Humane

Here is a list from Washington Health outreach of financial assistance options and low cost vet clinics in Seattle and the surrounding area. These clinics span from Edmonds to Auburn and each is listed with its location and what pets they offer care for. Also listed is if the clinic is free or low cost. Veterinary Care Resources — Washington Health Outreach

This is another list of financial assistance resources from Emerald City Pet rescue. It contains a list of grants and other funding you can apply for and describes what populations the grants serve. There are organized by emergency and non-emergency and lists resources within Seattle as well as some surrounding areas.
https://www.emeraldcitypetrescue.org/financial-resources

Here’s another list of both Washington and national programs that provide funds for pet medical care. It’s from 2020 – some are outdated, but most orgs on the list still function and provide support.

Household Resources

Energy Assistance

Here is a list of city programs that can provide you with discounted utilities or private organizations that offer utility financial assistance based on your income.

Discounts

Seattle has a Utility Discount Program for anyone making less than ~$48k (more for families). You can apply online. Other programs are also available, including assistance with overdue bills (but change often); search 211.
Puget Sound Energy: https://www.pse.com/en/account-and-billing/assistance-programs/bill-discount-rate

Assistance

https://byrdbarrplace.org/programs-services/energy-assistance/
- This specific org also offers financial help with furnace repair or cleaning
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/community-opportunities/liheap/
https://www.pse.com/en/account-and-billing/assistance-programs/HELP
https://www.hopelink.org/programs/energy/
https://svdpseattle.org/ – can help with donations of items, and sometimes funds toward housing (usually a resource for unhoused/formerly unhoused folks)

Home goods

NW Furniture Bank is based in Tacoma. To access their services, you make an appointment and select whatever furniture and household items they have available for a $100 flat fee and if delivery is required another $150 delivery fee as well. A referral is required in order to access services, but TRACTION as an organization is able to place these referrals, and can sometimes help with fees, so if you’re working with them talk to your peer navigator about this! https://www.nwfurniturebank.org/

Bikeworks in South Seattle provides free or low cost bikes and services to those who need them living in King county.
https://bikeworks.org/free-low-cost-services-2/

Tool Libraries provide a wide variety of tools available to borrow at no cost, and some like the Capitol Hill location offer free workshop space and classes. The tools include home improvement, kitchen, gardening, etc.
List of Seattle tool libraries at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/garbage-recycling-compost/solid-waste-programs/ecoconsumer/tool-libraries

Northwest Free Repairs https://nwfreerepairs.wordpress.com/ can do free or reduced electronics, and even car breakdown repairs.

Cheap furniture and appliances: The UW Surplus Store is often offloading a lot of items for quite-cheap prices. If you can’t find it at a thrift store, check here – they often have monitors, fans, filing cabinets, chairs, couches, keyboards, lamps, furniture, you name it, at cheap prices. Can call 206-685-1573 or email surplus@uw.edu to ask about stock + pricing for items.

Private Health Resources

The People’s Harm Reduction Alliance (PHRA) is a safe drug use supply distributor. They also assist with suboxone access, and provide free Hep C and HIV testing. Their main location is in the University District but they also have mobile services that regularly distribute in different locations.
https://phra.org/university-district-exchange
https://phra.org/king-county-mobile-outreach-delivery

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center provides free STI and HIV testing, hormone replacement therapy, and PREP. They are located in Capitol Hill.
https://www.gaycity.org/wellness/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA5eC9BhAuEiwA3CKwQoggdaWUaTZ0O792stI3DOjKVcGWLIEycs163lmXNO0N761Jo2k6UxoCSicQAvD_BwE

Crisis Connections connects adults and youth in crisis or needing assistance with a peer or volunteer to speak with. There are a number of different centers to call depending on what you are experiencing.
https://www.crisisconnections.org/get-help/

Disability Resources

Disability Empowerment Center provides free, individualized services for people with disabilities: one-to-one skills training, peer-to-peer support groups, and resources and referrals.

Resource list here including housing, employment, and disability-serving local organizations

ABD Cash Assistance (DSHS) - A state-based program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled individuals. Provides up to $450/mo via EBT card (same card as food stamps, but balance is usable for non-food items), assistance applying for SSI (federal disability), AND a referral to the HEN program for rental assistance.

Hate Crime Support

If you’ve been a victim of or witnessed a hate crime, WA has a dedicated hotline / reporting line. You can provide the info by leaving a voicemail at 1-855-225-1010, 9-5 M-F, or filling out a report online. If you request, they’ll contact you back with resources and information. They are not the police and do not file a police report, though they can assist with that if you ask them to, but can mostly provide referrals to other resources and support, as well as keeping these logs with the state government to monitor common locations. https://www.atg.wa.gov/report-hate