Online Community Services Office (CSO)

NEW (6/17/2024): 

Starting July 1, 2024, customers whose cash benefits were stolen through EBT card skimming or other similar, fraudulent activity can submit a claim to the Department of Social and Health Services to have some of those benefits replaced. Washington state passed a law that allows DSHS to replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, State Family Assistance, Refugee Cash Assistance, Aged, Blind or Disabled cash assistance and Pregnant Women Assistance benefits stolen July 1, 2024, or later. 

Customers who are the head of household and believe they are victims of cash-benefit theft, despite having their EBT card in their possession, may request to have these benefits replaced within 30 days of discovering the loss by:

• Submitting a claim in person in a Community Services Office during business hours. 
• Calling the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233.
• Completing a signed “DSHS Claim of Stolen EBT Benefits” form (DSHS 27-221) and submitting it:
  • By mail to P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411.
  • By fax to 888-338-7140.
  • By drop box at a local DSHS office.
  • Through MyDocs email.

Home and Community Services customers who believe they might be victims of cash-benefit theft should contact their assigned public benefits specialist. Developmental Disabilities Administration customers should call 855–873–0642.

No retroactive replacements:
DSHS did not receive authorization or funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1, 2024. If customers already reported stolen cash benefits prior to July 1, 2024, no further action is needed. There will be no retroactive cash replacements.

August 2023: Congress passed a law that enables DSHS to replace some food benefits stolen through skimming, cloning or similar fraudulent activity. Customers who believe they are victims of food benefits theft should submit a claim to have some food benefits replaced. Claims for food benefits replacement can be submitted in the same manner as cash benefits replacement claims.

Customers who had benefits stolen must submit the claim within 30 days of discovering the loss. 

Customers are encouraged to continue to report benefits theft so DSHS can track these losses, and to continue to be diligent in protecting their personal information and preventing fraud by using the helpful tips included in this brochure.

For more information on how to prevent EBT fraud, visit the Economic Services Administration news page.
 

Save time and skip waiting on hold.

Did you know you have several options to avoid long wait times in offices and on phones with our self-service options, online Client Benefit Account and other resources? Watch a short video about how to:

• Use the self-service options on our toll-free number (no waiting on hold!).
• Apply for services online using Washington Connection.
• Create a Client Benefit Account.
• Complete your medical-only eligibility review (no need for a phone or in-person interview!).

COVID-19 Policy and Program Changes

• The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Pandemic Time Limit Extension has ended. Learn more.
• Your food benefits changed. Here's what you need to know.