The U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP and called Basic Food in Washington, helps people with low incomes make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food.
The Food Assistance Program, called FAP, is a state-funded program that provides food assistance to legal immigrants who aren't eligible for federal Basic Food benefits solely because of their immigration status.
What is Basic Food?
Basic Food is Washington’s name for our food assistance program, which includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Food Assistance Program. This program provides food benefits to low-income households to supplement their grocery budget.
Who is eligible:
People who:
- Live in Washington state.
- Meet income requirements based on your household size.
- Meet citizenship or immigration status requirements.
Who can’t get Basic Food?
- A fugitive felon.
- An undocumented immigrant.
Basic Food may have other requirements based on your family’s situation.
Approval for Basic Food is based on several factors. We encourage everyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply and complete an interview to know for sure.
Benefits:
Your Basic Food benefits are based on your family size, allowable deductions, and income.
Learn More About Basic Food Benefits:
Check out this guide for more information about how to apply for and use Basic Food benefits (English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, Korean, Laotian, Chinese, Cambodian)
How to Apply For Basic Food Benefits:
You can apply for Basic Food:
- Online at www.washingtonconnection.org.
- By phone by calling 877-501-2233.
- In person at your local DSHS Community Services Office. Find a CSO near you at www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations.
- By mail:
DSHS Customer Service Center
P.O. Box 11699
Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
For more information, call 877-501-2233.
This guide has more information about how to apply for and use Basic Food benefits:
English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, Korean, Laotian, Chinese, Cambodian
Do I need to have an interview for Basic Food?
Yes. You must have an interview for Basic Food. You can do your interview at your local Community Services Office or over the phone at: 877-501-2233
How much is my household eligible for?
Your Basic Food benefit amount depends on your household size, income and allowable deductions and expenses.
Approval for Basic Food is based on several factors. Please apply and complete an interview to see if you are eligible.
What expenses and deductions do you use when you calculate my benefits amount?
Basic Food has several allowable deductions depending on your household circumstances, including:
- A standard deduction based on the number of eligible people in your household:
|
Eligible AU members |
Standard deduction |
|---|---|
|
3 or fewer |
$204 |
|
4 |
$217 |
|
5 |
$254 |
|
6 or more |
$291 |
- 20% of your household’s gross earned income.
- Your household’s expected monthly dependent care expense.
- Child support you are legally required to pay to someone outside of your household.
- Medical expenses over $35 a month owed or anticipated by an elderly or disabled person in your AU as allowed under WAC 388-450-0200.
- A portion of your shelter costs.
After I’m approved, when do I get my benefits?
Once approved, benefits are typically available the following morning.
Your approval letter will have the date each month your Basic Food benefits will be deposited to your EBT card.
Benefits are issued by the day after you are determined eligible.
After the initial deposit, you’ll receive your benefits on the date listed on your approval letter. Food benefits will be deposited into your EBT account on the same day each month, even if it falls on a weekend or holiday. Benefits are available by 6 a.m. Pacific time. Benefits you have left over at the end of the month will be carried over to the next month.
Can I get Basic Food benefits the same day I’m approved?
Yes! If you meet certain requirements to receive “expedited service,” you’ll be eligible to receive same-day benefits. Follow this link for the expedited service rules.
How do I access my Basic Food benefits?
Basic Food benefits are loaded onto a Washington Quest EBT card.
The EBT card works similar to a debit card but the food benefits on it can only be used to buy food approved by the USDA.
You can have your EBT card mailed to you or you can pick it up in your local Community Services Office. You can also add an Alternate Card Holder, someone you choose who can help buy groceries for you if you are unable.
How long will I get Basic Food benefits?
- Basic Food benefits are generally approved for 12 months.
- Most households have a review due six months into your certification period to check for changes. We call this a mid-certification review or MCR.
- When your certification period is ending, we’ll send you a letter and a form to complete to apply for recertification. We call this an eligibility review or ER.
What changes do I have to report and when do I need to report them?
You’ll need to report a change when:
- Your total monthly income is more than the maximum gross monthly income as listed on your approval letter.
- You or a member of your household receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings in a single game that is equal to or over $4,500.
- Someone in your assistance unit who must meet work requirements has their hours at work go below 20 hours per week.
Your reporting requirements are listed in your approval letter. If you have misplaced your approval letter, the income limits can be found on the reporting requirements page on WashingtonConnection.org.
When will reported changes take affect?
Changes to Basic Food benefits take effect the month after the change was reported.
Other Basic Food Frequently Asked Questions.
Can Basic Food help me find a job or get job training?
Yes! If you receive SNAP Benefits, you can volunteer for the Basic Food Employment and Training Program, known as BFET.
BFET provides job search, job search training, educational services, skills training and other employment opportunities to people who receive Basic Food.
Many organizations may provide help with transportation, child care or other resources that can help you work toward your career goals. Services are provided through community-based organizations and cover a wide variety of job sectors and career fields.
The BFET page has more information.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get Basic Food benefits?
No. Legally admitted immigrants with specific verified immigration statuses may be eligible for food assistance. Good news! Applying for or receiving Basic Food benefits does not make you a public charge.
Undocumented immigrants in your household, tourists and other non-immigrants are not eligible for Basic Food benefits.
Why were cash benefits deposited to my EBT card when I only receive food benefits?
You may have received a one-time cash payment from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This program helps low-income families with their heating and cooling bills.
Why didn’t I get my benefits this month?
Basic Food benefits can end for many reasons. When your benefits end, we will mail you a letter and include the reason why. For more information on why your benefits ended, please call us at 877-501-2233 or visit your nearest Community Services Office.
What can I purchase with my food benefits?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has specific rules about what foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits. A detailed list is on the USDA’s website.
Households can use SNAP benefits to buy:
Foods for the household to eat, like:
- Breads and cereals.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meats, fish and poultry.
- Dairy products.
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.
Households cannot use SNAP benefits to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco.
- Food that will be eaten in the store.
- Hot foods.
- Any nonfood items, such as:
- Pet foods.
- Soaps and paper products.
- Household supplies.
- Vitamins and medicines.
Can a college student get Basic Food benefits?
Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled at least half-time in college or other institution of higher education are not eligible for SNAP benefits. However, students may be able to get SNAP, if otherwise eligible, if they:
- Receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families .
- Take part in a state- or federally financed work study program.
- Work an average 20 hours per week.
- Are a single parent enrolled full time and taking care of a dependent household member underage 12.
If they meet other eligibility requirements, students also may be able to get SNAP if they are taking care of a dependent household member under age 6, or if they are taking care of a dependent household member age 6-11 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, or take part in a state- or federally financed work study program while attending school.
Approval for Basic Food is based on several factors. Please complete an application and interview to see if you are eligible.
Are there work requirements if I get Basic Food benefits?
if you are:
- Already working at least 30 hours a week (or earning wages at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours).
- Meeting work requirements for another benefits program (TANF or unemployment compensation).
- Taking care of a child under age 6 or an incapacitated person.
- Unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation.
- Participating regularly in an alcohol or drug treatment program.
- Studying in school or a training program at least half-time (note: college students are subject to other eligibility rules).
For more information, please see the SNAP Work Requirements from the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
What is an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents?
People who are age 18-54, able to work and don’t have minor children in their households are in a Basic Food eligibility category known as able bodied adults without dependents or ABAWDs.
You can find more information about work requirements and exemptions here.