Help aging out of foster care in Washington
We've found 7 places in Washington for people aging out of foster care, and 7 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), health & medication (3) and id & documents (3).
What's different in Washington
From $25. Free for people who are homeless and were born and live in Washington, through an agency or homeless service provider.
Passport to College helps youth who were in foster care after age 13 and enroll at least half time by 21. It covers tuition, books, housing and transportation, up to $2,000 for 2026 to 2027, with campus support staff.
Extended foster care is open until 21 if you were a dependent on your 18th birthday and agree to take part. You can leave and come back before 21. Call 1-866-363-4276 to join.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in Washington
Washington 211
Free, confidential, multilingual helpline that connects Washington residents to housing, food, utility help, health care and other local services from a directory of more than 17,000 listings. Dial 211, call the toll-free number, text, or search online.
Northwest Justice Project (CLEAR)
Washington's statewide civil legal aid program for low-income people, covering housing, benefits, family safety, debt and other non-criminal problems. Start by applying online or by phone through the CLEAR intake line.
Extended Foster Care Program
Lets young adults who were dependent on their 18th birthday stay in care to age 21 with a foster or supervised independent living placement (shared living, apartment or dorm), medical, dental and mental health coverage, transitional living services and a DCYF caseworker.
Washington Connection
The state's online portal for applying for food assistance (Basic Food), cash assistance, child care, long-term care, Medicare Savings Programs and medical coverage for people 65+, blind or disabled. Managed by DSHS; applications can also be renewed and updated here.
Center for Health Statistics (Vital Records)
Issues certified Washington birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Order online through VitalChek, by phone, by mail, or in person in Tumwater by appointment only.
Get an ID Card
Explains how to get a Washington state identification card: book an appointment at a driver licensing office, bring proof of identity, pay the fee and have a photo taken. A temporary ID is issued on the spot and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7–10 days.
Treehouse
Statewide nonprofit for young people in Washington foster care offering Graduation Success coaching, educational advocacy, Just-in-Time Funding for urgent expenses, Driver's Assistance to help youth get licensed and insured, and a free clothing and essentials store in Seattle.
National lines that work in Washington
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.