Food Help
SNAP (Basic Food)
If you or your family needs support buying groceries, SNAP is for you. Known in Washington as Basic Food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Washingtonians by providing monthly cash benefits to buy groceries.
More Food, Less Worry.
Who is Eligible for SNAP?
Eligibility for SNAP is primarily determined by income. This includes earned income from work, as well as other forms of income like social security, disability, child support, and more. Resources such as a house, car, or money in the bank do NOT count against eligibility.
Starting in July 2025, those aged 18 to 64 must also be working at least 80 hours per month in order to qualify for SNAP. There are certain exceptions to this rule, such as if you have a child under the age of 14. Learn more about SNAP work requirements here.
Curious how much your monthly SNAP benefit will be? Use this Benefits Estimator Tool to find out:
Income Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,608 |
| 2 people | $3,525 |
| 3 people | $4,442 |
| 4 people | $5,358 |
| 5 people | $6,275 |
| 6 people | $7,192 |
| Each additional person | add $917 |
| 200% of the Federal Poverty Line | |
Additional Eligibility Considerations
For some groups of people, there are extra eligibility requirements when applying for SNAP. If you are an adult without children under 14, a college student, or an immigrant, learn more about your eligibility by clicking on the buttons.
SNAP Facts: Things You Might Not Know
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Receiving SNAP for your family does not mean less money for anyone else! SNAP is not a fixed pot of funding that can run out. As a taxpayer, you have already contributed to this program and are therefore entitled to its benefits. The U.S. government is required to provide SNAP benefits to any household that is eligible, and there is no cap on the number of people who can participate. Better yet, every SNAP dollar you spend helps grow the economy!
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Most people receiving SNAP are employed. Your eligibility is based on your overall income and expenses, including housing, utilities, and medical care. That said, being unemployed does not disqualify you from receiving SNAP. In fact, participating in SNAP can help you get back in the workforce through the Basic Food Education and Training Program (BFET).
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If you are hesitant to apply for SNAP because you expect your benefit amount will be low, consider the following:
You may become eligible for a higher benefit amount in the future if you have a change in circumstances, like losing a job or a new addition to the family. If you’re already enrolled in SNAP, you can report this change more easily, without having to complete a full application or interview again. This can make it a lot easier to get the help you need without having to put together an application during already tough or busy times of life.
Unused SNAP dollars roll over from month to month. This means you can save them up for emergencies or holidays when your bills may be higher.
SNAP participation qualifies you for many additional programs. These include low-cost internet, free school meals, and SNAP Market Match, which doubles your money when you shop at farmer's markets. Learn more about additional SNAP resources.
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is called Basic Food in Washington. You may also hear about this program referred to as EBT or food stamps. These names all refer to the same program!
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US citizens, refugees, and asylees are eligible for SNAP benefits immediately. Legal permanent residents are eligible after 5 years.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP. However, they can apply for benefits on behalf of an eligible family member. For example, an undocumented mother could receive SNAP benefits for her US citizen child.
In May 2025, the federal government requested the personal information of individuals receiving SNAP benefits in Washington state, including immigration status and social security numbers. Washington state intends to deny this request, though we encourage households with immigration concerns to consult an immigration attorney before applying for SNAP.
Learn more about food resources for immigrants.
How To Apply for SNAP
Step 1: Collect the information you’ll need.
The SNAP application will ask for information about the people in your household, which includes everyone with whom you buy, prepare, and share food. Before starting the application, be sure you have the following:
Proof of any household income from the last 30 days. This includes income earned from work, as well as other income sources like unemployment, social security, and child support.
Your household’s monthly expenses. This includes rent or mortgage payments, utilities, child support, and medical bills.
Names and demographic information for the people in your household. If your household has mixed immigration status, you can omit information for the family members who are not eligible for SNAP.
Step 2: Complete the application.
Option 1: Call the Help Me Grow Hotline
The SNAP application can be confusing! By calling the Help Me Grow Hotline, you will be connected to a specialist who is trained to help you through the application process. The hotline is open on Monday-Thursday from 8:00am-5:30pm, and Fridays from 8:00am-5:00pm
Option 2: Apply Online
If you do not need assistance with your SNAP application, you can apply online through the Washington Connections site. The application is available in several languages.
Option 3: Apply In-Person
You can visit your local Community Service Office and apply for SNAP in person. To find a CSO office near you, click the link below.
Step 3: Call DSHS for an interview.
After you apply for SNAP, you will complete a Basic Food interview with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). During this interview, DSHS will explain the purpose and rules of SNAP, clarify the information on your application, and ask for proof of your household’s information.
You can complete this interview in person at a CSO office, or you can call DSHS at 877-501-2233, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. When calling, select your language, then press 1 to indicate you have applied for public assistance.
You must do this within 30 days of your application.
Please note: DSHS will not call you.
Step 4: Use your benefits!
Once your application for SNAP is approved, you will receive an EBT card that can be used like a debit card to purchase groceries at approved stores and markets. Each month, your benefits will be automatically loaded into your account. Any unused benefits roll over to the next month. For more details about how your card works, see the DSHS page on EBT cards.
Nearly all grocery stores in Washington accept SNAP benefits as a form of payment. You can also use your SNAP dollars to purchase groceries online and at farmer’s markets, where your money can also be doubled to help you buy more fruits and vegetables!
Did you know? SNAP can qualify you for many additional programs that can help you save, including additional food resources, discounted or free museum tickets, and low-cost internet.
Promote SNAP. Help families in your community get money for food. Download digital outreach materials or order free physical materials.
Partner Resources
Get additional help. Find all of our SNAP resources for partners here.