Food Help > Basic Food
Immigration Status
Most immigrants in Washington are eligible for food benefits, either through SNAP or the state-funded Food Assistance Program (FAP). Legal residents who are not eligible for SNAP due to their immigration status are eligible to receive FAP benefits. Learn more below.
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Starting September 18th, 2026, receiving federal benefits like SNAP will be countable towards public charge. If your household has immigration concerns, we encourage you to consult an immigration attorney before applying for SNAP.
U.S. Citizens
Cuban or Haitian entrants
Amerasian immigrants
Hmong or Highland Lao tribal member
Those granted withholding of removal
Special immigrants from Iraq & Afghanistan
Non-citizen American Indian
Eligible for SNAP Immediately
Eligible for SNAP After Five Years
Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders)
Conditional entrants
Paroled for one year or more
Individuals from Ukraine granted humanitarian parole
Victims of spousal or child abuse
Ineligible for SNAP
Undocumented immigrants
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients
Refugees
Asylees
Those on student, work, or diplomatic visas
The State Food Assistance Program
If you are a legal resident who meets all SNAP eligibility criteria except the immigration requirements, you are likely eligible for the State Food Assistance Program (FAP).
Through this program, you will receive the same amount of money for groceries each month, as if you were enrolled in SNAP. Households can receive both SNAP and FAP depending on the status of each individual family member.
Is it safe to receive Basic Food as an immigrant?
If you are not eligible for Basic Food (SNAP or FAP) because of your immigration status, you can apply and receive benefits on behalf of household members who are eligible. For example, if you are undocumented but have children who are U.S. citizens, your family can receive Basic Food.
Starting September 18, 2026, participation in federal nutrition programs like SNAP will be countable towards public charge. This only applies to benefits received on or after this date. We encourage households with immigration concerns to consult an immigration attorney before applying for Basic Food.
Have Questions About Your Eligibility?
The Basic Food (SNAP) guidelines around immigration can be confusing! If you have questions about how your status affects your Basic Food eligibility, call the Help Me Grow Hotline today. You will be connected to a trained specialist who can answer your questions and help you through the application process.
Available Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm and Fridays 8:00am - 5:00pm