LiveWell Student Needs Navigation
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
Office of Student Financial Aid: learn about applying for financial aid and to see if you qualify for aid
Student budgets: learn about planning and budgeting for college
Health insurance
Husky Health: learn about health insurance and which options are available depending on your student status
Food pantry
The UW Food Pantry (Any Hungry Husky): learn how to access short term food assistance
Short-term loans
Short-term loan program: learn about this 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: learn how all students, staff, and faculty have free public transportation access through their Husky Card
Additional resources
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.
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.
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.
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
Application and eligibility for Basic Food program. You can apply for Basic Food:
TANF
Application and eligibility for temporary cash assistance for families in need program.
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.
Working Connections Child Care
Application and eligibility for childcare subsidy program.
Medicaid
Application and eligibility for Medicaid/Apple Health.
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.
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.
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.
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.