Spokane County residents displaced by this year’s wildfires still have time to seek state Disaster Cash Assistance. Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services lists October 30, 2026, as the application deadline, unless the program’s funding runs out sooner. The department listed that deadline in its October 20 update. [1]
The program, known as DCAP, has its own eligibility rules. DSHS includes Spokane among the designated counties and says applicants must have suffered losses, live in the disaster area as their primary residence and be unable to live in or return to their home because of the disaster. Income, resource and other eligibility limits also apply. [2]
People without children can qualify. The program is for households that do not qualify for other assistance that could meet their needs; DSHS says it cannot be received alongside its other cash-assistance programs. The benefit depends on household size, income and need. [1][2]
An application and an interview are required. Residents can begin online at WashingtonConnection.org, apply by calling 877-501-2233, or visit a DSHS Community Services Office. Starting online does not replace the interview, which must be completed by phone or in person. [1][2]
DSHS’s program FAQ says callers and office visitors must join the interview queue by 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, for an interview that afternoon. Applicants should have information about expected monthly income, available resources and the expenses they need help covering. [2]
These are the rules for DSHS cash assistance. The Washington Military Department also offers a separate Household Needs Grant for qualifying homes with major damage or destruction; its application and eligibility requirements are different. [3]