Washington Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Washington offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers the state-run workers' compensation system (monopoly state fund, with self-insurance option).
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer immediately.
- Seek medical treatment from any provider.
- File a claim with L&I (your doctor can help with this).
- Report the injury as soon as possible.
- File a formal claim within 1 year.
- Washington is a state-fund state -- most employers obtain coverage through L&I.
- Benefits include medical treatment, time-loss compensation, disability awards, and vocational rehabilitation.
- Time-loss compensation pays 60-75% of wages (depending on marital status and dependents).
- Employee chooses the treating physician.
- Phone: 360-902-5800 / 1-800-547-8367
- Web: lni.wa.gov/claims
State Disability Programs
Washington has Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), providing paid leave for serious health conditions.
- Up to 12 weeks for personal medical leave, 12 weeks for family leave (up to 16-18 weeks combined).
- Pays up to 90% of wages (with sliding scale).
- Most employers and employees contribute.
- Online at paidleave.wa.gov
Medicaid
Washington Medicaid is called Apple Health.
How to apply:- Online at wahealthplanfinder.org
- By phone: 1-855-923-4633
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find employment.
Contact:- Phone: 1-800-637-5627
- Web: dshs.wa.gov/dvr
Disability Rights
Disability Rights Washington is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 206-324-1521 / 1-800-562-2702
- Web: disabilityrightswa.org
Veterans Services
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 360-725-2200 / 1-800-562-2308
- Web: dva.wa.gov
State Employment Protections
Washington has the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 8 or more employees.
Where to file a complaint:- Washington State Human Rights Commission: 360-753-6770 / 1-800-233-3247
- Web: hum.wa.gov
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | L&I Workers' Compensation | 1-800-547-8367 | lni.wa.gov | | Paid Family & Medical Leave | See website | paidleave.wa.gov | | Apple Health (Medicaid) | 1-855-923-4633 | wahealthplanfinder.org | | Division of Vocational Rehab | 1-800-637-5627 | dshs.wa.gov/dvr | | Disability Rights Washington | 1-800-562-2702 | disabilityrightswa.org | | Human Rights Commission | 1-800-233-3247 | hum.wa.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |