Lifeline phone and internet benefit

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound benefits are monthly payments added to a qualifying veteran's or survivor's VA pension. You cannot get both at the same time. Aid and Attendance is for those who need another person's help with daily activities, are bedridden, are in a nursing home because of a disability, or have severely limited eyesight. Housebound is for those who spend most of their time at home because of a permanent disability.

Last checked Jun 1, 2026

VA Survivors Pension offers monthly tax-free payments to qualified unmarried surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans, subject to income and net worth limits set by Congress. May be supplemented by Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits if the survivor needs help with daily activities or is housebound.

Last checked Jun 1, 2026

ESAP is a simpler way to get Basic Food for households where every member is 60 or older or an adult with a disability and no one has earned income. It is not a separate benefit. Your Basic Food amount is the same, but two things change. First, you are approved for 36 months instead of 12. Second, you do not have to do a renewal interview or the usual mid-period check-ins during that time. ESAP is decided only when you first apply and when you renew. A household already on Basic Food cannot switch into ESAP in the middle of a certification period. Reporting is lighter too: you only have to report if your household income goes over 130% of the federal poverty level or if you have large gambling or lottery winnings. If your household stops qualifying for ESAP during the period, for example a member who is not elderly or disabled moves in, or someone starts earning wages, you keep Basic Food for the rest of the 36 months but go back to the regular check-ins. The state's benefit system sets the ESAP status automatically.

Last checked Oct 15, 2026

Basic Food combines two food programs run by the state in Washington: the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the state-funded Food Assistance Program, which serves legal immigrants who meet all the SNAP rules except the federal ones about immigration status. Approved households get monthly benefits on a Washington Quest EBT card to buy approved groceries. The benefit amount depends on household size, income, and allowable deductions, including a standard deduction, a 20% deduction on earned income, dependent care, child support you are legally required to pay, medical expenses over $35 a month for elderly or disabled members, and part of your housing costs. You must complete an interview, in person or by phone. Most households are approved for 12 months with a check-in at month 6. Households that qualify for expedited service can receive benefits within 7 days. People on SNAP can also volunteer for Basic Food Employment and Training for help with job search, training, and education. Getting Basic Food does not count against a non-citizen under the public charge rule. Undocumented immigrants and people fleeing felony charges are not eligible.

Last checked Oct 15, 2026