Immigrants and Refugees

Accessing public benefits can be very complicated and confusing for immigrant survivors.  If you are an immigrant who is thinking about applying for pubic benefits, you may want to talk to an advocate.  Advocates can help explain the process and connect you with a lawyer before you fill out any forms for Department of Social Health Services.

What Benefits Can I Get?

This chart shows what public benefits an immigrant may be eligible to receive.  There are several public benefits that anyone, regardless of immigration status, can access.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

Documented or undocumented, it is important that immigrants accessing services are informed of their options. The issues can be complex and may have safety or "status" considerations that need to be addressed. In 2005, the Violence Against Women Act passed new provisions that aid the safety of survivors and victims of trafficking. Click the above external link to access help on immigrant issues.

Know Your Rights

External link to the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project that address your rights when you encounter law enforcement and workplace raids.