Bellingham
Ask about Bellingham
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Bellingham and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Bellingham
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office
Bellingham Community Services Office
4101 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Help here
- Food and cash benefitsApply for food or cash benefits, complete an interview, or submit benefit documents at the office.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dshs.wa.gov
Housing help · Regional office
Bellingham Housing Authority
333 N. Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Affordable housing and rental assistanceFind information about affordable housing, public housing, and rental assistance programs.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bellinghamhousing.org
Utilities · City office
Utility Billing, Finance Department
Help here
- Reduced utility ratesApply for reduced water, sewer, and stormwater rates if your household meets the income rules.Apply onlineRead more
- Utility bill questions and paymentsGet help with your City water, sewer, or stormwater bill.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cob.org
Local office · City office
City Hall Customer Service
210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- City information and helpCall the City to ask questions or find the right city department.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cob.org
Older adults · Nonprofit
Bellingham Senior Activity Center
315 Halleck Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Activities and wellness programs for older adultsPeople age 50 and older can find classes, activities, and wellness programs at the center.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on whatcomcoa.org
State office
Bellingham Driver Licensing Office
4180 Cordata Parkway, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98229-2877
Help here
- Driver licenses and permitsApply for or renew a Washington driver license or permit and complete other driver licensing services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dol.wa.gov
Library · City office
Bellingham Public Library
210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Library cards, materials, and programsGet a library card, borrow books and other materials, or find library programs and services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bellinghampubliclibrary.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks and Recreation Department
Help here
- Classes and recreation programsFind and register for recreation programs, classes, sports, and activities for all ages.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cob.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Bellingham
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Food Lifeline
815 South 96th Street, Seattle, WA 98108
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Northwest Justice Project
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
The Opportunity Council
1419 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225-5039
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Whatcom County
Bellingham is in Whatcom County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Child support · State office
Bellingham Child Support Outstation Office
4101 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Help here
- Child support servicesGet information and help with a child support case.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dshs.wa.gov
Human services · County office
Whatcom County Health and Community Services
509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Public health servicesGet information and help with public health programs, disease prevention, and health services.
- Behavioral health resourcesFind local behavioral health care and support, including help for people without insurance.Read more
- Childhood and adult vaccinesSchedule no-cost vaccine appointments for children and uninsured adults.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on whatcomcounty.us
Courts and legal help · County office
Whatcom County Law Library
311 Grand Avenue, Courthouse Suite B-06, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Legal research resourcesUse legal research materials and get referrals to other legal resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on whatcomcounty.us
Older adults · Regional office
Northwest Regional Council
600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Aging and disability resourcesGet information and help finding in-home care, long-term care coverage, and caregiver support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on nwrcwa.org
Veterans · County office
Whatcom County Veterans Services
509 Girard Street, Lower Level, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Veterans benefits and assistanceGet help with veterans benefit claims, referrals, and emergency financial assistance.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on whatcomcounty.us
Jobs and training · Regional office
WorkSource Whatcom
101 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Help here
- Job search and career helpGet help searching for jobs, preparing a resume, and exploring training options.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on worksourcewa.com
Washington programs by kind of help
These are run by Washington and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. 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.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Washington 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 877-211-9274 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988