Housing (9)
WA State Housing Finance Commission
Programs to help with rent and mortgage payments during medical hardship.
Bridgeways — Affordable Housing
Bridgeways provides safe, affordable housing to better assist those with mental health issues. This program promotes independence and self-sufficiency and help clients maintain precious housing...
HASCO — Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) helps people afford rentals offered by private landowners. HASCO shares the cost of renting a home with the Voucher Holder. This includes apartments, townhomes and...
YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish — Shelter Plus Care
Shelter Plus Care responds to the need of a hard to reach population - homeless adults and families with disabilities - with permanent housing and long-term support services. This program offers...
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) — Rapid Rehousing (RRH)
VOAWW provides short-term rental assistance to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and stay housed. Resources and services provided are typically tailored to the needs...
Snohomish County Human Services Department — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance one-time per season to help pay for heating (all fuel types) and has a maximum benefit of $2,500. This program provides:-...
Snohomish County Human Services Department — Puget Sound Energy HELP Program
The Puget Sound Energy (PSE) HELP program provides assistance for residential customers to help pay electric or natural gas bills and provides a maximum benefit of $1,000. This program provides:-...
Parkview Services — Affordable Housing Program
Parkview Services’ Affordable Housing Program creates safe, stable affordable rental housing for low-income people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs). Parkview owns single...
Snohomish County Human Services Department — Cascade Natural Gas Washington Energy Assistance Fund (WEAF)
The Cascade Natural Gas Washington Energy Assistance Fund (WEAF) provides help with paying gas utilities for a maximum benefit of $500.This program provides:- Help paying utilitiesTo apply, call,...
Food (21)
Northwest Harvest
Statewide food bank network providing free groceries to patients and families.
Cancer Nutrition Consortium — WA
Free nutrition counseling and meal planning for patients undergoing treatment.
Food Lifeline — Western WA
Supplies food to 350+ food banks across Western Washington helping families facing hunger.
Everett United Church Of Christ — Food Pantry
Everett United Church Of Christ addresses the needs of low-income individuals and households that lack a reliable access to affordable, nutritious food and may experience hunger on a regular...
Salvation Army of Everett — Food Pantry
The Salvation Army of Everett addresses the needs of low-income individuals and households that lack a reliable access to affordable, nutritious food and may experience hunger on a regular...
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW)
Volunteers of America provides food services to local residents in need. The food banks and food pantries exist to tackle hunger in the community and also serve as touchpoints to connect neighbors...
Salt of the Earth Food Blessing
Salt of the Earth Food Blessing operates the food bank with 5 weekly food distributions throughout Snohomish County. This program provides:- Food to meet basic nutritional needs Individuals can...
Lutheran Community Services Northwest — Community Resource Centers
LCS Northwest’s Community Resource Centers make a powerful impact on people and communities by working to eliminate barriers and provide hope.This program provides:- Finding a place to live-...
Edmonds United Methodist Church — Edmonds Food Bank
Edmonds Food Bank provides free of charge, fresh and nutritious food to families needing help who are located in Edmonds and in the surrounding communities of South Snohomish County.Services...
Maltby Food Bank
The Maltby Food Bank provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program provides:-...
Granite Falls Community Coalition
The Granite Falls Community Coalition provides a Food Bank, offering free access to food and basic necessities, with no income, identity, or residency verification required. Guests can choose...
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) — Sky Valley Senior and Community Center
The mission of the Sky Valley Senior and Community Center is to provide a safe, stable, and healthy place for people to engage. The center offers an array of fun activities and services to both...
Arlington Community Food Bank — Meals 'til Monday
In partnership with the Arlington School District, FREE supplemental meals are available for any student at Arlington School District. Meal Packs may be picked up at any Arlington Public School...
Marysville Community Food Bank — Food Pantry
The food pantry provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program provides:- Food to...
Snohomish Community Food Bank (SCFB) — Food Distribution
The Snohomish Community Food Bank provides weekly groceries to residents living within the Snohomish School District boundaries. Clients are welcome to visit the Food Bank once each week.Services:...
Snohomish SDA Church — Food Pantry
The Snohomish food pantry provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program...
Lake Stevens Community Food Bank
Lake Stevens Community Food Bank partners with volunteers to serve families in need each week who wait outside in line, sometimes for upward of three hours.Volunteers and staff procure, sort,...
Arlington Community Food Bank
Arlington Community Food Pantry is committed to ensuring no one goes hungry in North Snohomish County. We offer convenient, drive-through grocery service in a safe and accessible environment. We...
Sky Valley Food Bank — Food Pantry
Sky Valley Food Bank provides groceries to families, needy children, seniors and adults in the Monroe area. We serve all residents who live within the Monroe School District. We distribute a wide...
Mukilteo Food Bank — Food Pantry
The Mukilteo Food Bank’s purpose is to feed and assist those in need within the Mukilteo School District by supplying food to anyone in time of need, regardless of race, sex, age, national origin,...
Concern For Neighbors Food Bank
Concern For Neighbors Food Bank provides food to low income families living in Brier, Mountlake Terrace and parts of Lynnwood.We provide:-healthy, nutritious foodThe only qualification for getting...
Mental Health (6)
Cancer Lifeline — Emotional Support
Free professional counseling and support groups for patients and caregivers.
Gilda's Club Seattle
Free support groups, workshops, and social activities for anyone affected by cancer.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA — WA
Free 12-week wellness program for cancer survivors focusing on recovery.
Cancer Pathways
Free support groups, lectures, workshops, and social events for people living with cancer and families.
Team Survivor Northwest
Free fitness and health programs for women cancer survivors including yoga, aquatics, and hiking.
Harmony Hill Cancer Retreats
Free 3-day residential cancer healing retreats at a Hood Canal retreat center with peer support.
Money (22)
PAN Foundation — Cancer Programs
Financial help with copays and insurance premiums for specific cancer diagnoses.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
Coalition connecting patients to organizations offering financial help for treatment.
WA Apple Health (Medicaid)
State Medicaid program providing coverage for qualifying cancer patients and families.
HealthPoint Community Health — WA
Sliding-scale medical services for uninsured and underinsured patients.
Northwest Hope & Healing
Immediate financial grants for breast and gynecologic cancer patients in the Puget Sound region.
HealthWell Foundation
Manages 40+ cancer assistance funds covering copays, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Cancer Lifeline — Financial Aid
One-time grants up to $450 for rent, utilities, food, and copays for low-income cancer patients.
Providence Health And Services — Providence Infusion and Pharmacy
Providence Infusion and Pharmacy Services provides home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical services to patients throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana. At Providence, our priority is...
Clothes For Kids
Clothes For Kids provides free, high-quality clothing to children in Snohomish County who come from low-income families.We provide:- Kids clothingAny child who attends Head Start or public school...
The AIDS Outreach Project — Syringe Exchange
The AIDS Outreach Project provides syringe exchanges throughout Snohomish County. Additionally, we offer overdose prevention and naloxone use instruction, as well as referrals to additional harm...
Apria Healthcare - Washington — Durable Medical Equipment
Apria Healthcare provides a wide range of home medical equipment to help improve the quality of life for patients with special needs.This program provides:- Hospital beds- Ambulatory aids- Patient...
Assistance League of Everett — Operation School Bell
Assistance League of Everett's Operation School Bell program provides school clothes to children and teens, one child at a time. Most of these receive clothing through a personal shopping...
Providence Health & Services - Washington — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Providence's PACE program in Washington provides comprehensive health care and social services to help seniors remain independent and live in their community. In addition, their adult day programs...
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) — Arlington Community Resource Center
The ACRC is a one-stop hub of services for people in need. From help with basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, to assistance with other kinds of resources and programs, VOAWW make sure...
Alderwood Water and Wastewater District — Utilities Discount Program
The Alderwood Water & Wastewater District offers two low income discount programs to individuals who are low income, elderly or permanently disabled individuals.Services include:- Discounted...
Alderwood Water and Wastewater District — Utilities Discount Program for Seniors
The Alderwood Water & Wastewater District offers Utilities Discount Program to low income senior citizens who are 62 years and older. Services include:- Discounted UtilitiesLow-income senior...
Washington Department of Social and Health Services — Basic Plus Waiver
The Basic Plus waiver supports individuals who require waiver services to meet their assessed health and safety needs in the community. Services are provided in their own home, family home, in an...
Washington Department of Social and Health Services — Individual and Family Services (IFS) Waiver
The IFS Waiver partners with families for children and adults with developmental disabilities who live in the family home and provides a choice of services and control over the resources available...
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - Everett — Thrift Shop
Our thrift store offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase brand name clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics and much more at bargain prices. Our store is...
United Ostomy Association of America Affiliated Local Support Group — North Sound Ostomy Support Group
The North Sound Ostomy Support Group is a local non-profit, volunteer-based support group dedicated to promoting quality of life for people with ostomies or continent diversions and their...
Community Resource Center of Stanwood Camano — Emergency Funds
At Community Resources Foundation, our Emergency Funds program provides aid to individuals and families in need of assistance to prevent discontinuation of necessary services, eviction, and other...
Trinity Lutheran Church — Endowment
Endowment program is designed to support students through scholarships and grants, respond to the immediate financial needs of the community and give permanent gifts.
Legal (7)
Northwest Justice Project
Free legal services for low-income cancer patients across Washington State.
Cancer Legal Resource Center
Free information and referrals on cancer-related legal issues.
Disability Rights Washington
Help with disability rights, ADA protections, and SSDI applications.
Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA)
Health equity organization helping with insurance disputes, Medicaid access, and health coverage barriers.
Columbia Legal Services
Free civil legal aid advancing racial and economic justice for low-income Washingtonians.
Snohomish County Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income Snohomish County residents regardless of documentation status.
End of Life Washington
Free support and advance directive forms for people facing terminal or serious illness in WA.
Care (5)
WA Family Caregiver Support Program
Respite care, training, and support for family members caring for cancer patients.
Aging & Long-Term Support — WA DSHS
State-funded in-home services for patients who need help with daily activities.
Full Life Care
Home care, adult day health, and caregiver respite for patients with chronic illness in Puget Sound.
A Caring Closet — Vancouver
Free durable medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds in SW Washington.
Community Home Health & Hospice — Longview
Community-based hospice and home health services for terminally ill patients in SW Washington.
Your Rights (10)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Protects cancer patients from workplace discrimination. Employers with 15+ employees must provide reasonable accommodations like flexible schedules, modified duties, and leave for treatment.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions including cancer treatment. Your employer must maintain your health insurance during leave.
WA Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Washington State provides up to 12 weeks of PAID leave for cancer treatment, with benefits up to 90% of weekly wages. Can be used as little as one hour per week for ongoing treatments.
WA Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)
Broader than federal ADA — protects cancer patients at employers with just 8+ employees. Prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable workplace accommodations for cancer patients and survivors.
Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)
Requires health plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction, prostheses, and treatment of physical complications at all stages of mastectomy.
ACA Pre-Existing Conditions Protection
The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more due to a cancer diagnosis. Marketplace plans must cover essential benefits including cancer treatment.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
Allows you to keep your employer health insurance for up to 18-36 months after losing your job or reducing hours due to cancer. You pay the full premium but maintain your coverage and doctors.
WA Clinical Trial Coverage Mandate
Washington law requires insurers to cover routine patient costs when participating in approved clinical trials for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Research costs are covered by the trial sponsor.
WA Oral Chemotherapy Parity Law
Washington requires insurance plans to cover oral anti-cancer drugs on the same terms as IV chemotherapy — same copays and coverage levels, so patients don't pay more for oral treatment.
How to Appeal an Insurance Denial
If your insurer denies a cancer treatment claim, you have the right to appeal. WA provides a free independent external review process — impartial doctors review your case.
Programs (10)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Monthly income for cancer patients too sick to work. Many cancers qualify for Compassionate Allowances for faster processing. Average monthly benefit is ~$1,500.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly payments for cancer patients with limited income and resources, even without work history. 2026 maximum federal benefit is $967/month for individuals.
Medicare for Cancer Patients
Federal health insurance covering chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and prescription drugs. Part A covers inpatient treatment; Part B covers outpatient chemo and radiation (20% coinsurance after deductible).
WA Apple Health (Medicaid)
Washington's Medicaid program providing comprehensive cancer coverage — screening, treatment, prescriptions, and mental health — for low-income residents. Enrollment open year-round.
WA Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program (BCCHP)
Free cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured Washington residents ages 40-64, including mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies. Follow-up care for abnormal results included.
SNAP / Food Assistance
Monthly food benefits for low-income households. Cancer patients unable to work may qualify under disability rules. Benefits loaded onto an EBT card for groceries.
LIHEAP — Utility Assistance
Grants up to $1,000 to help low-income households pay heating and utility bills. Essential for cancer patients who need to maintain home temperature during recovery.
WA Prescription Drug Assistance (PDAF)
Helps Washington residents access cancer medications at reduced or no cost, regardless of insurance status. Assists with navigating patient assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies.
Hill-Burton Free/Reduced Care
Certain hospitals and health facilities must provide free or reduced-cost care to patients who cannot pay. Income eligibility varies by facility. Covers cancer treatment services.
WA Property Tax Exemption for Disabled
Partial or full property tax exemption for homeowners who are disabled due to cancer and meet income requirements. Can save thousands per year on property taxes.
Education (10)
Getting a Second Opinion
A second opinion confirms your diagnosis and treatment plan. You have the right to seek one, and it should not delay treatment. Ask your doctor to send medical records to another oncologist.
Understanding Cancer Staging
Cancer stages (I-IV) indicate how far cancer has spread. The TNM system measures Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis. Understanding your stage helps guide treatment decisions.
Questions to Ask Your Oncologist
Essential questions: What are my treatment options? What is the goal — cure, control, or comfort? What are the side effects? Should I consider a clinical trial? Bring a support person to take notes.
Finding Clinical Trials
Clinical trials test new treatments and may offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Search by cancer type, location, and trial phase at cancer.gov. Ask your oncologist if a trial is right for you.
Understanding Your Medical Bills (EOB)
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is not a bill — it shows what your insurer paid and what you owe. Review EOBs for errors, which are common in cancer treatment billing. Request itemized bills from providers.
Hospital Financial Assistance (Charity Care)
Under the ACA, nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance programs. You can apply for reduced or free care even after receiving bills. Always ask the billing department about assistance before paying.
Caregiver Burnout: Signs and Prevention
Caregiver burnout is real — watch for exhaustion, withdrawal, irritability, and neglecting your own health. Take breaks, accept help, join a support group, and remember: you can't pour from an empty cup.
Survivorship Care Plans
After treatment ends, a survivorship care plan outlines your follow-up schedule, potential late effects to watch for, and health recommendations. Ask your oncologist for a written plan before transitioning to primary care.
Advance Directives & Healthcare Power of Attorney
Advance directives let you document your healthcare wishes in case you can't communicate them later. A healthcare power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Returning to Work After Cancer
You have legal rights when returning to work after cancer treatment. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, and you don't have to disclose your diagnosis to coworkers. Start with reduced hours if needed.