DSHS benefits and H.R. 1

Food assistance by the numbers, including various demographic details and photo of fruits, vegetables and nuts

What to know about DSHS benefits and federal legislation (H.R. 1)

February 2026
 
This page shares information on recent federal changes (known as H.R. 1) that deeply impact public benefits, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits and Medicaid, which Washington state calls Apple Health.
 
Nearly 1 million people across our state receive SNAP food benefits. That includes children, adults, people age 65 and older, immigrants, and people with disabilities, among others.
 
Timeline of important changes to public benefitsSince the bill was first proposed, DSHS and other state agencies have been analyzing and sharing the effects on SNAP and other programs. We are keeping state and federal lawmakers and other impacted groups informed. As we analyze the impacts of these changes, we are partnering with people, agencies and organizations to ensure we implement these new federal requirements while we provide support, care and resources in ways that prioritize the people we serve. [Select timeline image to see full-resolution version.]

 

Do the new federal food assistance changes affect you?

Changes in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility based on immigration status

If you are any of the following, you are still eligible for federal SNAP benefits:

  • A U.S. citizen and U.S. national 
  • A lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) 
  • A COFA* migrant 
  • A Cuban Haitian entrant

* Compact of Free Association, or COFA, migrants are people from the Freely Associated States — Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau — who have special permission to live, work and study in the U.S. under the Compact of Free Association.

Photo of woman and child accompanied by demographic data

If you are any of the following, you will be eligible for state-funded food benefits instead of federal SNAP benefits:

  • A refugee 
  • An asylee
  • An immigrant with humanitarian protections

In May 2026, DSHS will shift you automatically to state-funded benefits. Your benefit amount will remain the same. 

You won’t have to reapply because of this change.

Changes in federal SNAP work requirements

People who receive food assistance and who are able to work and do not meet an exemption must meet work requirements under federal law. If they do not, they are only eligible for food benefits for three months in a 36-month time period.  

 

Photo of man working in rural area holding a tablet computerIf you are any of the following, you do not have to meet the new work requirements:

  • Younger than age 18 or older than age 65 
  • An American Indian or Alaska Native 
  • Pregnant 
  • Disabled 
  • Have a child in your home who is younger than age 14  

Your food benefits will continue as usual.

 

If you are any of the following, you will need to meet work requirements to stay eligible for your food benefits: 

  • A veteran 
  • A person experiencing homelessness 
  • Younger than age 24 and aged out of foster care 
  • Age 18 to age 64 without a dependent younger than age 14 
  • Not disabled 
  • Not pregnant    

At your next eligibility review, you will receive a screening to see if you meet an exemption category. If you do not, DSHS will provide verbal and written notice of those work requirements and review them with you.

You won’t lose your food benefits because of work requirements before your eligibility review and screening. 

IMPORTANT: If one person in a food assistance household becomes ineligible, others in the household may continue receiving food benefits.   

Changes for households who are receiving Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The recent federal law change removes the state’s ability to use receiving LIHEAP to give households the highest utility deduction for households without an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member. This means: 

  • Your benefits might go down.
  • Any impact to your benefits could start in May 2026.

Will the SNAP Education program continue?

No, the federal legislation eliminated funding for this program. After 30 years of helping people, the program officially ended Jan. 31, 2026. The program leaves behind a long legacy of providing nutrition education and supporting changes that helped make it easier for more than 1 million Washingtonians to eat healthy food and be physically active. We continue to encourage families to use available information to make healthy choices and stretch their SNAP dollars.

What can you do if you think these changes apply to you?

  • Complete your eligibility review on time.  
  • At that time, ensure that your information is correct.
  • Ask questions: You can call the DSHS Contact Center at 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office. 

Need help finding more resources?

To find local food banks and other resources call 211 or visit wa211.org to learn more.
This DSHS reduced-cost services guide has many more local services and resources that might be helpful to your household. 
 

We will continue to communicate with you

We will communicate any changes to eligibility and other benefits impacts as soon and as often as possible. Meantime, you can:

Links