When a major emergency strikes—whether it’s a wildfire, flood, or severe storm—the impact on families can be immediate and devastating. In Washington State, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) administers a specialized safety net known as the Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) to help residents meet their basic needs during these critical times
Unlike ongoing support programs, DCAP is a temporary emergency measure. Here is what you need to know about how it works, who qualifies, and when it becomes available.
What is the Disaster Cash Assistance Program?
DCAP is a state-funded emergency program designed to provide cash assistance to individuals and families who are facing extreme financial hardship due to a declared disaster. For example, it was open temporarily during the pandemic to help people meet their basic needs.
Important: This program is not always open. It is only activated when the Governor of Washington declares a state of emergency for a specific disaster and area. Once activated, it serves as a stopgap for people who are not eligible for other state cash programs.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for DCAP, you generally must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be a resident of Washington State.
- Location: You must have been living in the declared disaster county or area at the time the disaster occurred.
- Impact: You must have suffered a loss of income or property, or be unable to return to your home due to the disaster (e.g., evacuation orders or damage).
- Financial Need: Your household’s available income must be below the program limits (see below).
- No Other Aid: You are not eligible if you already qualify for other ongoing cash assistance programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash, or Pregnant Women Assistance.
Note: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social Security number to apply for DCAP.
Income Limits and Benefit Amounts
The amount of assistance you can receive depends on your household size, income, and actual need. The state sets specific “net income limits”—meaning your income after certain allowable deductions must be below a set cap to qualify.
These amounts are usually based on the CEAP rules and are adjusted every year. Since the Disaster Cash Assistance Program is not always active, we do not always have up-to-date information on the income limits or benefit amounts. We will update this post with the newest figures if/when the program is activated again in the future.
How to Apply
When the program is active, you can apply in three ways:
- Online: Visit WashingtonConnection.org to submit an application.
- By Phone: Call the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233.
- In-Person: Visit your local Community Services Office (CSO).
What You Will Need
Be prepared to provide details about your disaster-related losses (such as lost wages or damage to your home) and your current income. An interview is typically required to determine eligibility.
When the program was activated in 2020, applicants were required to provide information about their income, assets and resources, housing costs, childcare costs, utilities, and other relevant household expenses. They also encouraged you to share information about your unique circumstances as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a monthly payment? No. DCAP is typically a one-time payment available once within a 12-month period. However, in prolonged emergencies, the Governor may authorize additional months of assistance.
Can I get DCAP if I have insurance? Yes, but you must declare your resources. If you have immediate access to insurance payouts that cover your basic needs, that may affect your eligibility. DCAP is intended for those who do not have the money to meet immediate needs like food, shelter, and clothing.
Where can I find out if DCAP is currently active? Check the DSHS Emergency Assistance Programs page or official state news releases to see if the Governor has activated the program for a recent event in your county.
Relief Recap
Recovering from a disaster is a difficult journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. If you are facing immediate hardship, we encourage you to contact DSHS today to see if this safety net can help you get back on your feet.
This article was produced with help from AI, but it was fact-checked by Nicole Thelin prior to publication.
