LiveWell provides UW students with resources and information about local services and programs that address basic needs insecurities impacting low-income students. The University has a variety of programs and supports available.
UW Programs:
Financial Aid: To learn more about applying for financial aid and to see if you qualify for aid, visit the Financial Aid Office. To learn about planning and budgeting for college please visit UW Financial Aid Student Budget page for more information.
Health Insurance: If you would like to learn more about Health Insurance please visit our Husky Health page where you can review which options are available depending on your student status.
Food Pantry: To learn more about UW’s Food Pantry and to access short term food assistance please visit Every the Any Hungry Husky resource page and information on hours and location.
Short Term Loans
The Office of Student Financial Aid has short term loan funds available to students who are experiencing temporary cash flow issues. You may receive up to $2500 or $3200 for undergraduates and graduate students, respectively.
Transportation: All university staff, faulty, and students have free public transportation access through their U-PASS on their Husky ID.
Additional Resources
Community Food Bank: University District Food Bank
Washington Basic Need and Resource Navigation 2-1-1 A free confidential community service and a one-stop connection to local services and resources that help to address basic needs. Can also be reached by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state.
Parent Resources: Parent Help 123 A program of WithinReach, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on connecting families to health and food programs, resources, and information in WA state. Can find local resources or connect with a benefits access specialist over the phone.
King County Child Hunger Intervention: Hunger Free WAFunded by United Way of King County and No Kid Hungry to provide information and materials on local food resources for the community and especially children.
Resources and support for our local Immigrant Communities: Immigrant Legal Resource Center: An agency focused on improving immigration law and policy by training attorneys and community-based advocates who work with immigrants. They provide tools and resources on public charge and how that affects one’s ability to access public benefits.
Basic Food Benefits: Basic Food Application and eligibility for basic food program. You can apply for Basic Food:
- Online at www.washingtonconnection.org.
- By phone by calling 877-501-2233.
- In person at your local DSHS Community Services Office. Find a CSO near you at www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations.
Family Needs Program: TANF Application and eligibility for temporary cash assistance for families in need program.
Utility Bill Assistance: LIHEAP The Federal Commerce’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) aims to help low-income households in Washington state receive affordable, dependable utility services and avoid disconnection.
- Application and eligibility for childcare subsidy program.
- Application and eligibility for Medicaid/Apple Health.
DSHS Annual Reduced Cost Services Guide
- DSHS published a guide every year that outlines resources and programs that low income individuals/families and recipients of public benefits are eligible to partake in.
- English – https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/22-1841.pdf
- Spanish – https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/22-1841SP.pdf
- Workshops hosted by United Way of King County Benefits Hub that provides information and resources on basic needs resources in the community including financial topics. The target audience is students, but workshops are free and available to anyone.
Consumer Financial Bureau
- A U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat consumers fairly and provides financial resources and tools that you can download or order for free.
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/
Prosperity Now A national non-profit focused on racial economic equity and has tools, guides, and research that can be used to inform the design of your basic needs model.
WA Commerce State agency focused on enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. They fund local non-profits and local governments to provide assistance locally and thereby provide information about regional programs like rent assistance and utility assistance.