Washington Basic Food Program
Food Assistance Program for Legal Immigrants

What is it:

A state-funded food assistance program to provide benefits to legal immigrants who are no longer eligible for federal benefits solely due to the new alien requirements passed under the Personal Welfare and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.

Who is eligible:

Legal immigrants who were eligible for food stamps before August 22, 1996, but are not eligible now due to the provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.

Income and resource requirements:

Your Basic Food benefits are based on your family size and your family income. A family of three could have gross earnings of up to $1,744 per month before they would no longer be eligible for these benefits.

Who is not eligible:

• Fugitive felons
• Ineligible aliens

If you receive Basic Food benefits you must:

• Participate in the Food Stamp Employment and Training Program, if required in your area
• Complete requested eligibility review
• Cooperate with Quality Assurance, if you are contacted by them