A new diagnosis or disability
What to do first
- Make sure you have health coverage. Apply for Medicaid if money is tight.
- If you cannot work, apply for Social Security disability benefits soon. A decision can take months.
- Ask your job about leave and changes that help you keep working.
- Ask your state's vocational rehabilitation office about help getting back to work.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
5 full months
Social Security disability (SSDI)
SSDI payments start after you have been disabled for five full months, so apply as soon as you can. People with ALS do not have to wait.
Source: SSA.gov24 months
Medicare with SSDI
People who get SSDI get Medicare on their own after 24 months of disability benefits. People with ALS get it as soon as their benefits start.
Source: SSA.gov
Help from Washington
Washington programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Washington State Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.
Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Washington residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Vocational Rehabilitation
DVR helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Developmental Disabilities Administration services
DDA provides services and support to eligible people with developmental disabilities.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Washington State Health Care Authority
Behavioral health services
DSHS connects residents with behavioral health treatment and recovery services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Washington State Employment Security Department
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Paid Leave provides partial wage replacement for eligible workers taking time away for qualifying family or medical reasons.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Basic Food
In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food.
Basic Food helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
DOL.gov
Unpaid leave that protects your job
The Family and Medical Leave Act lets many workers take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year and keep their job. Reasons include a new baby, your own serious health condition, and caring for a spouse, child or parent who is seriously ill.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.
Social Security Administration
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Food banks, shelters, clinics and more near you are in Help nearby. Open Help nearby
Talk to a person
- Washington 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988