Food Help > Basic Food
Basic Food
More food, less worry. Basic Food helps Washingtonians by providing monthly cash benefits to buy groceries.
Who is Eligible for Basic Food?
Known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), eligibility for Basic Food 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 Basic Food. 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 people, there are additional eligibility requirements when applying for Basic Food. If you are an adult without children under 14, a college student, or an immigrant, learn more about your eligibility below.
Basic Food Facts: Things You Might Not Know
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Receiving Basic Food (SNAP) for your family does not mean less money for anyone else! Basic Food 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 Basic Food dollar you spend helps grow the economy!
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Most people receiving Basic Food are employed. Your eligibility is based on your overall income and expenses, including housing, utilities, and medical care. With that said, being unemployed does not disqualify you from receiving Basic Food. In fact, participating in the program 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 Basic Food (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 Basic Food, 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 Basic Food dollars roll over from month to month. This means you can save them up for emergencies or holidays when your bills may be higher.
Basic Food 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 and legal immigrants are eligible for Basic Food benefits, either through the federal SNAP program or the state-funded Food Assistance Program, which serves immigrants who are not eligible for SNAP. Both programs offer the same food benefits.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Basic Food. However, they can apply for benefits on behalf of an eligible family member. For example, an undocumented mother could receive Basic Food benefits for her US citizen child.
Starting September 18, 2026, use of federal nutrition programs like SNAP will be countable towards public charge. We encourage households with immigration concerns to consult an immigration attorney before applying for Basic Food.
Learn more about food resources for immigrants.
Share Your SNAP Story.
Your voice matters! Help us advocate for Basic Food in Washington by sharing what this program means to you and your family.
How To Apply for Basic Food
Step 1: Collect the information you’ll need.
The Basic Food 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 Basic Food application can be confusing! Call the Help Me Grow Hotline to reach a specialist who can 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 Basic Food application, you can apply online through the Washington Connections site. The application is available in 26 languages.
Option 3: Apply In Person
You can visit your local Community Service Office (CSO) and apply for Basic Food in person. To find an office near you, click the link below.
Step 3: Call DSHS for an interview.
After you apply for Basic Food, you will need to complete an interview with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). During this interview, DSHS will explain the purpose and rules of Basic Food, 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 Basic Food 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.
Did you know? You can also use your Basic Food (SNAP) dollars to purchase groceries online and at farmers’ markets. Basic Food 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.
Partner Resources
Promote Basic Food. Help families in your community get money for food. Download digital outreach materials or order free physical materials.
Get additional help. Visit our webpage for Basic Food resources for partners.