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Basic Food (SNAP / Food Assistance Program)
WA DSHS Economic Services Administration (Community Services Division)
Basic Food combines two food-benefit programs administered by DSHS in Washington: (1) the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and (2) the state-funded Food Assistance Program (FAP), which serves legal immigrants who meet all SNAP rules except for federal immigration-status requirements. Approved households receive monthly benefits on a Washington Quest EBT card to purchase USDA-approved groceries. Benefit amounts depend on household size, income, and allowable deductions (standard deduction, 20% earned-income deduction, dependent care, legally required child support paid out, medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members, and a portion of shelter costs). Applicants must complete an interview (in person or by phone). Households generally certify for 12 months with a mid-certification review at month 6. Households meeting expedited-service rules can receive same-day benefits. SNAP recipients can also volunteer for Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) for job search, training, and education support. Receiving Basic Food does not make a non-citizen a public charge. Undocumented immigrants and fugitive felons are not eligible.
Who qualifies
Must live in Washington State, meet income requirements based on household size, and meet citizenship or immigration-status requirements (citizens or legally admitted immigrants with specific verified statuses). Undocumented immigrants and fugitive felons are not eligible. An interview is required for approval. Reporting threshold for changes during certification is when monthly income exceeds the maximum gross monthly limit, when work hours for an able-bodied member fall below 20/week, or upon substantial gambling or lottery winnings of $4,500+ in a single game.
What it covers
Monthly food benefits on a Washington Quest EBT card. Benefits load on the same calendar day each month and roll over if unused. Benefits cover USDA-approved foods (breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and seeds/plants for household-eaten food); excluded: alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, foods eaten in store, and non-food items. An Alternate Card Holder can be designated to shop on behalf of a participant. SNAP recipients can also volunteer for Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET).
Cost
Benefit amount depends on household size, gross/net income, and allowable deductions. Standard deductions for FY: $209 (3 or fewer eligible AU members), $223 (4), $261 (5), $299 (6 or more). Other deductions: 20% of household gross earned income; expected monthly dependent care expenses; legally required child support paid out of household; medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members (per WAC 388-450-0200); a portion of shelter costs.
How to apply
Apply online at WashingtonConnection.org, by phone at 877-501-2233, in person at a DSHS Community Services Office, or by mail to DSHS Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699. An interview (in-person at a CSO or by phone) is required.
Where to get this in Washington
One organization delivers this program.
Snohomish County nonprofit (formerly Senior Services of Snohomish County) providing Meals on Wheels, senior dining, transportation, minor home repair, mental health services, dementia support, and Senior Companion / Foster Grandparent volunteer programs. Call 800-422-2024 or 425-513-1900.
Source www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/basic-food