Basic Food: SNAP in Washington
In Washington SNAP is called Basic Food, which is why searching for "food stamps" can leave you on the wrong page. Here is where to apply, what the income limits actually are, and the number to call.
- How to apply
- Online · Paper · Phone · In person
- Income limit
- $1,696
- first figure the state publishes
- Decision
- 30 days
- federal rule; 7 if expedited
- Program name
- Basic Food
How do I apply for SNAP in Washington?
Online at https://www.washingtonconnection.org (English and Spanish). By phone 877-501-2233. In person at a DSHS Community Services Office (locator: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations). By mail: DSHS Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699. An interview is required and can be done at the CSO or by phone at 877-501-2233.
Who qualifies for SNAP in Washington?
People who live in Washington, meet the income limits for their household size, and meet citizenship or immigration status rules. DSHS states a fugitive felon and an undocumented immigrant cannot get Basic Food - but legal immigrants excluded only by immigration status can get the state-funded Food Assistance Program (FAP). Households with a member 60+ or with a disability only need to meet the net income limit; categorically eligible households do not have to meet either income test.
What is the income limit for SNAP in Washington?
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 |
| 2 | $2,292 |
| 3 | $2,888 |
| 4 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $4,675 |
| 7 | $5,271 |
| 8 | $5,867 |
| Each extra person | +$596 |
The first table the state publishes; the full wording, with net limits and maximum benefits where Washington prints them, is below.
Published in WAC 388-478-0060, effective 10/1/2025 (maximum gross monthly income 130% FPL / maximum net 100% FPL / maximum allotment / 165% FPL): 1 $1,696 / $1,305 / $298 / $2,152; 2 $2,292 / $1,763 / $546 / $2,909; 3 $2,888 / $2,221 / $785 / $3,665; 4 $3,483 / $2,680 / $994 / $4,421; 5 $4,079 / $3,138 / $1,183 / $5,177; 6 $4,675 / $3,596 / $1,421 / $5,934; 7 $5,271 / $4,055 / $1,571 / $6,690; 8 $5,867 / $4,513 / $1,789 / $7,446; each additional member +$596 / +$459 / +$218 / +$757. These are the figures Washington publishes itself — we do not copy them from the federal table, because several states set a higher limit than the federal one and Alaska and Hawaii have their own entirely.
What do I need to bring?
Not itemized on the Washington page we read. Expect proof of identity, address, income and expenses; the caseworker tells you exactly what is missing.
How long does SNAP take in Washington?
Federal law gives states 30 days, and 7 days if you qualify as an emergency (expedited). This state does not confirm those figures on its own page. If you need food this week, a food pantry does not make you wait.
Worth knowing in Washington
Name matters: Washington calls SNAP 'Basic Food'; 'Food Assistance Program (FAP)' is a separate state-funded program for legal immigrants. Standard deduction on the page (3 or fewer $209, 4 $223, 5 $261, 6+ $299) matches FY2026. The DSHS Basic Food standards page in the EA-Z manual is stamped 'Revised September 24, 2020' and does not itself show the table, so the figures above come from the WAC, which is dated effective 10/1/2025. Reporting threshold for lottery/gambling winnings is $4,500. A Disaster Cash Assistance Program banner was active.
While you wait for a decision
SNAP takes up to 30 days. A food pantry takes an afternoon, and most do not ask for proof of income at all. These serve Washington:
All food banksSame office, second bill
In most states the office that runs SNAP also runs energy assistance, and having one makes the other faster. Help with your electric bill in Washington →
Read on dshs.wa.gov on Sep 10, 2026. Income limits are the ones Washington publishes itself — never copied from the federal table or another state, because several states set a higher limit and Alaska and Hawaii have their own. Federal rules changed in 2025, so figures move: last review Sep 10, 2026, and we re-check monthly. If a number here does not match what the state tells you, the state is right.
Checked by the PocketBoosters team against the official source. How we check this →
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