EFC Extension Payments

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) applauds legislators for funding $10.6 million in stipends for youth aging out of the agency’s Extended Foster Care (EFC) program. This funding was secured thanks to the incredible advocacy of foster care allies, alumni of care, and legislative champions. This funding has allowed DCYF to partner with Treehouse in providing direct cash payments to young people aging out of EFC through June 2023.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive this funding?

Young people who age out of Extended Foster Care (EFC) through DCYF between March 1st, 2020 and June 30th, 2023 will become eligible for funding the month following their exit from EFC.

How do youth sign up to receive funds?

DCYF will provide Treehouse with complete lists of all eligible youth, meaning there is not an application process for funds. All participants must confirm their contact information and preferred payment method at https://forms.office.com/r/iSHsqhtVvy before the first payment can be made.

Are any DCYF caseworkers still working with youth?

Unfortunately, DCYF caseworkers are no longer able to support young adults who have had their dependency dismissed. Questions and concerns can be directed to EFC Program Manager Chris McLaughlin by calling 509.731.9946 or emailing christopher.mclaughlin@dcyf.wa.gov.

Are young people who are in foster care through the Office of Refugee Resettlement eligible to receive this funding?

Only youth who were in dependency through DCYF are eligible for the funding through Treehouse.

How will this transition funding impact youth’s SSI benefits?

This funding may impact SSI benefits. Please contact the EFC Program Manager, Christopher McLaughlin, at christopher.mclaughlin@dcyf.wa.gov with specific questions.

When will young people who age out become eligible for funding?

The funds will be available to youth beginning the month after their 21st birthday.

What is the exact amount of funding youth will receive?

Each eligible youth will receive at least $850 per month. For youth who aged out before April 2022, additional funds will be added to compensate for the gap in services from October 2021 through March 2022. To find out exactly how much you will receive, please contact us at 206.267.5158 or EFCpayments@treehouseforkids.org.

When will funds be distributed?

Funds will be distributed monthly beginning in April 2022. Our goal is to have payments delivered by the end of every month until June 2023.

What payment types are available?

There are two payment options: PayPal and paper check. Paper checks will be mailed to the address provided. Make sure to select the preferred payment option when completing the contact form: https://forms.office.com/r/iSHsqhtVvy.

The Treehouse team continues to assess other electronic payment options and will notify participants if another option becomes available.

Do youth need to send invoices or any documents to Treehouse per payment received?

There is no need to send any documents to Treehouse.

If a youth moves, who do they contact to update their mailing information?

If any personal information changes (address, phone number, email address, etc.), please make sure to fill out the information form to update us: https://forms.office.com/r/iSHsqhtVvy.