LiveWell Student Needs Navigation
LiveWell provides low-income UW students with resources and information about local services and programs that address basic needs.
The LiveWell Student Needs Navigator can assist with connections to programs like food banks, information about King County Housing Authority and other low-cost and local shelter resources, how to apply for state funded health insurance, Husky Health medical care options, and more. The Student Needs Navigator is unable to provide direct funding for students.
Appointments
Currently registered students at the University of Washington in Seattle can schedule a free appointment or attend drop-in hours to meet with our Student Needs Navigator to discuss questions or concerns around basic needs. Appointments are offered via Zoom or in-person at the LiveWell office (Elm Hall 109).
Drop-in hours are available from October 7 to December 14 and are offered at the following times:
- Tuesdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
You will need your Husky ID for building access.
Attending an appointment does not ensure eligibility for programs to which you may be referred.
In order to schedule an appointment with the student needs navigator, please send an email to lwnav@uw.edu.
Schedule Student Needs Navigation Appointment
Cost
The Student Needs Navigator provides free appointments to all currently registered undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Student feedback
“I really liked that you had already prepared lots of resources even before I came and I felt like ‘seen’ for the first time after I came to the UW.”
“The Navigator addressed all topics well and made sure to provide me with all the information I needed.”
Other University of Washington services and programs
Financial aid
Office of Student Financial Aid: applications and qualifications for financial aid
Anticipated student budgets: student budgets and expenses for the University of Washington in Seattle
Health insurance
Health insurance programs: health insurance options for UW students, including the International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP), the Professional Student Health Insurance Plan (PSHIP), the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP), and Apple Health/Medicaid
Washington State Medicaid (Apple Health): Medicaid is the federally matched medical aid program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (and Title XXI of the Social Security Act for the Children’s Health Insurance Plan) that covers the Categorically Needy (CN) and Medically Needy (MN) programs
Food pantry
The UW Food Pantry (Any Hungry Husky): short term food assistance
Short-term loans
Short-term loan program: program for students who are experiencing temporary cash flow problems (undergraduates may receive up to $2500 and graduate students up to $3200)
Transportation
U-PASS: students, staff, and faculty have free public transportation access through their Husky Card
Additional resources
Benefits Hub workshops
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.
Working Connections Child Care
Application and eligibility for childcare subsidy program.
University District Food Bank
A local food bank offering weekly groceries, off-site pantries, plus home delivery and connections to other community resources.
Consumer Financial Protection 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.
DSHS publishes a guide every year that outlines resources and programs that low-income individuals/families and recipients of public benefits are eligible to partake in.
TANF
Application and eligibility for temporary cash assistance for families in need program.
Basic Food
Application and eligibility for Basic Food program. You can apply for Basic Food:
Hunger Free WA
Funded 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.
Help Me Grow Washington
A program of WithinReach, a non-profit organization that focuses on connecting families to health and food programs, resources, and information in WA state. Find local resources or connect with a benefits access specialist over the phone.
Prosperity Now
A national non-profit focused on racial economic equity with tools, guides, and research that can be used to inform the design of your basic needs model.
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.
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.
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.
2-1-1
A free confidential community service and a one-stop connection to local services and resources that help to address basic needs (including emergency housing and low-income housing resources in the larger Seattle/WA area). Can also be reached by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state.