Washington Basic Food

Basic Food, Washington’s name for SNAP, helps low-income individuals and families in Washington afford a more nutritious diet by providing monthly food assistance benefits.

The program serves low-income families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.

Able-bodied adults, ages 18 through 64 without dependents, ~~who live in a non-waived area~~, ¹ are required to participate in specific activities to retain eligibility for SNAP benefits beyond the three-month time limit.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in Washington State?

In order to qualify for Basic Food, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a resident of Washington State
Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Show proof of identity
Meet income limits and other financial eligibility rules

Legal immigrants who meet all the Basic Food requirements except citizenship or alien status may apply for Food Assistance Program (FAP) instead.

What is the income limit for food stamps in WA?

Most families in Washington State with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 a month for a family of three, may qualify for food stamps. There is no asset test for Basic Food.

Household Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$2,608
2	$1,763	$3,525
3	$2,221	$4,442
4	$2,679	$5,358
5	$3,138	$6,275
6	$3,596	$7,192
7	$4,054	$8,108
8	$4,513	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

Washingtonians, are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How much food stamps will I get in Washington?

For the period through September 30, 2026, a family of three may receive up to $785 per month with no income or about $485 per month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Household Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

Funds are loaded onto a Washington Quest EBT card, which functions like a debit card at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.

How do I apply for SNAP in Washington?

Submit an application at a local DSHS Community Services Office (CSO) in person,² or apply online through the Washington Connection or offline when the Mobile Community Services Office is in town.

If applicable, an interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility. Once your application is verified, a determination will be made no later than 30 days.

Department of Social and Health Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 501-2233

What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in Washington?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

A valid photo ID
A valid Social Security Number
Proof of residency (where you live)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of earned and unearned income
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Can I use Washington EBT out of state?

Yes. SNAP benefits are interoperable through the EBT system, meaning your Washington EBT card can be used wherever EBT is accepted nationwide.

As of November 2025, no areas are exempt . ↩
Click on the Office Locator to locate the Community Services Office nearest you. ↩