Basic Food & SNAP

Basic Food (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps) is the Washington State equivalent of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program serves low income households with a monthly food allowance.

Eligibility for Basic Food is based on your monthly income (before taxes) and your household size. Your rent and childcare, as well as any other regular expenses are also used to determine your benefits. When you apply for SNAP, you can also apply for other benefits such as cash assistance, child care subsidy, Medicare (age 65+), and long-term care.

*NOTE: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-49 will be required to meet a work requirements in the near future. As of March 16, 2020, this requirement has been delayed by the federal court until further notice.

Household Size	Monthly Gross Income Limit (200% FPL)
1	$2,608
2	$3,525
3	$4,441
4	$5,358
5	$6,275
6	$7,191
7	$8,108
8	$9,025
9+	$917 each

*guidelines effective 4/1/2025 – 3/31/2026

Apply for Benefits

You can apply for benefits online through Washington Connection. To apply over the phone, call (360)734-5121 option 3.

For additional information on how to apply in person or via the telephone, consult the Basic Food Brochure by clicking the top right button on this page.

Next Steps After Applying

After completing a Basic Food application, you have 30 days to complete next steps, including an interview and document submission. View the guide on how to navigate the DSHS customer service line here.