Food Stamps (SNAP) in Washington (2026)
Washington administers SNAP through the agency listed below. Use this page for the state application route, income-table starting points and questions to resolve with the agency. A record or income figure alone does not determine your household's eligibility.
Last updated:
Quick Answer
Start with Washington's official SNAP agency and application route below. Ask for screening of all household members, any applicable deductions or exceptions, and expedited service if you need food urgently. The record survey below is dated research, not an approval or denial.
Washington SNAP Agency
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Website: dshs.wa.gov/office-locations/basic-food
Phone: 1-877-501-2233
Apply online: washingtonconnection.org
Eligibility & Income Limits
Income limit (1 person): $2,610/month gross
Income limit (4 person): $5,360/month gross
Washington uses broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) with gross income limits at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026) and no asset test for most households.
Asset limit: No asset test(broad-based categorical eligibility -- asset test effectively eliminated)
Income limits shown are this state's USDA FY 2026 limit (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026) — the federal 130% standard, or a higher percentage of the poverty guideline where the state uses broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Limits change every October.
Benefit Amounts
Max benefit (1 person): $298/month
Max benefit (4 person): $994/month
Maximum allotments are the USDA federal FY 2026 tables, effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 — they change every October. The base formula subtracts 30% of SNAP net income from the maximum; rounding, minimum benefits, proration and household-member exclusions can affect the agency’s actual award.
Drug Felony Rule — Historical Research Starting Point
2023 survey: opted out
The December 2023 CCRC survey classified this jurisdiction as having opted out of the federal drug-felony ban. This is a dated research lead, not a determination of current law or your eligibility. A criminal-record answer alone does not determine SNAP eligibility. Ask the state agency to identify the rule, offense and relevant dates, whether any state exception applies, and how each household member is treated. The federal drug-felony provision in 21 U.S.C. 862a does not apply to convictions for conduct on or before August 22, 1996; other restrictions can have different rules. One excluded member does not automatically make everyone ineligible, and the agency must determine the treatment of that person's income. Do not assume a pardon or expungement automatically removes a restriction. Request the written decision and its review deadline.
Statute cited in survey: Wash. Rev. Code § 74.08.025 — read the statute
ABAWD Policy (Work Requirements)
Current local implementation: Check your agency notice and applicable exceptions
The federal ABAWD time limit can apply to adults ages 18–64 who do not meet an exception: generally no more than three countable months in a 36-month period without qualifying work or program activity. The 2025 law changed the child-related exception to a child under 14 and removed the separate exceptions based only on homelessness, veteran status or aging out of foster care. Other exceptions can apply, including pregnancy, inability to work and specified Indigenous status. Ask your SNAP office to screen for all applicable exceptions, explain qualifying activities and hours, and identify any currently approved geographic waiver. A statewide Yes/No label cannot determine your case or countable months. Follow your agency notice and report changes; the income calculator does not evaluate these rules.
How to Apply
Online: Yes
Phone: Yes
In person: Yes
Processing time: 30 days standard; 7 days for expedited service if eligible
More Food & Benefits Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for Basic Food (SNAP) in Washington?
- You can apply online through Washington Connection (washingtonconnection.org), call 1-877-501-2233, or visit your local DSHS Community Services Office. An eligibility interview will be scheduled after your application is submitted.
- Can I get SNAP benefits in Washington with a felony conviction?
- A criminal-record answer alone does not determine SNAP eligibility. Ask the state agency to identify the rule, offense and relevant dates, whether any state exception applies, and how each household member is treated. The federal drug-felony provision in 21 U.S.C. 862a does not apply to convictions for conduct on or before August 22, 1996; other restrictions can have different rules. One excluded member does not automatically make everyone ineligible, and the agency must determine the treatment of that person's income. Do not assume a pardon or expungement automatically removes a restriction. Request the written decision and its review deadline.
- What is Basic Food?
- Basic Food is Washington state's name for the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It provides the same benefits — monthly food assistance loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at authorized retailers.
- What documents do I need to apply for Basic Food in Washington?
- You will need proof of identity, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, proof of Washington residency, and information about your monthly expenses including rent, utilities, and child care.
- How long does it take to get Basic Food in Washington?
- Standard processing takes up to 30 days. If you qualify for expedited service due to very low income or resources, you may receive benefits within 7 days.
- Does Washington offer programs that stretch SNAP benefits?
- Yes. Washington participates in SNAP Market Match and Fresh Bucks programs at many farmers markets, which provide bonus dollars when you use your EBT card to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Washington Basic Food Program Information
Official DSHS page with Basic Food eligibility, benefits, and program information.
- Washington Connection — Apply Online
Washington's online portal for applying for Basic Food and other public assistance programs.
- Find Your Local Community Services Office
Locate your nearest DSHS Community Services Office for in-person application help.
- USDA SNAP State Directory — Washington
Federal USDA directory with Washington SNAP contact information.
Related Resources on This Site
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- Food & BenefitsWIC in Washington
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- ExpungementWashington expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Washington
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- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Washington
Helpful guides
All states
Sources
- Washington DSHS — Basic Food
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration — SNAP
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities — SNAP State Options
- USDA FNA — SNAP Cost of Living Adjustment (FY 2026 regional tables)
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — 50-state SNAP/TANF drug felony study (December 2023)
- State statute — Wash. Rev. Code § 74.08.025
- USDA FNA — SNAP State Activity Data
- USDA September 2025 work-requirement changes (official memorandum)
- 21 U.S.C. 862a — individual scope, dates and state exceptions