Washington's SNAP program, called Basic Food, provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores. For 2026, Washington sets its gross income limit at 200% of the federal poverty level, which is more generous than the federal standard of 130%. A single person can earn up to $2,608 per month and still qualify. A family of four can earn up to $5,358 per month. If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can use our free eligibility screener to check in under two minutes.
What Is Washington Basic Food?
Basic Food is Washington State's name for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and funded by the USDA. Benefits are loaded monthly onto an EBT card, which you can use to buy groceries at authorized retailers including most supermarkets, Walmart, Costco, and many farmers markets.
Basic Food does not cover alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, pet food, household supplies, or hot prepared foods. It covers bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and seeds or plants that produce food.
Washington SNAP Income Limits 2026
Washington uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level. Most households must meet both a gross income test and a net income test.
Gross income means total household income before any deductions.
Net income means income after allowed deductions such as housing costs, dependent care, and earned income.
Monthly Gross and Net Income Limits
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit (200% FPL) | Net Income Limit (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,608/month | $1,304/month |
| 2 people | $3,526/month | $1,763/month |
| 3 people | $4,442/month | $2,221/month |
| 4 people | $5,358/month | $2,679/month |
| 5 people | $6,276/month | $3,138/month |
| 6 people | $7,192/month | $3,596/month |
| 7 people | $8,108/month | $4,054/month |
| Each additional person | +$916/month | +$458/month |
These limits apply to the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Annual Gross Income Limits
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $31,296 |
| 2 people | $42,312 |
| 3 people | $53,304 |
| 4 people | $64,296 |
| 5 people | $75,312 |
| 6 people | $86,304 |
How Much Can You Receive?
Your actual benefit amount depends on your net income after deductions. The table below shows the maximum monthly benefit if you have little to no income.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| Each additional person | +$218 |
Most households receive less than the maximum because SNAP calculates benefits as 30% of net income subtracted from the maximum allotment. If your net income is zero, you receive the full maximum.
Allowed Deductions
Deductions reduce your countable net income, which increases your benefit amount. Washington allows the following deductions:
Standard deduction: Ranges from $209 to $299 depending on household size.
Earned income deduction: 20% of gross earnings from a job or self-employment.
Dependent care deduction: Childcare or other dependent care costs paid so you can work or attend training.
Child support deduction: Legally obligated child support payments you make to someone outside your household.
Medical deduction: Out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 per month for elderly (60+) or disabled household members.
Excess shelter deduction: Housing costs (rent, mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance) plus utilities that exceed 50% of net income after other deductions. Washington offers standard utility allowances:
- Heating or cooling costs: $515/month
- Basic utility costs (no heating or cooling): $406/month
- Phone-only allowance: $58/month
Asset Limits in Washington
For most households, Washington has eliminated the asset test due to BBCE rules. You do not need to worry about the value of bank accounts, vehicles, or other property if your gross income is below 200% FPL.
One exception applies. If your household includes an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member and your gross income exceeds 200% FPL, a resource limit of $4,500 applies.
Washington excludes one vehicle per licensed driver from countable assets. Additional vehicles may count toward the asset limit based on fair market value.
Who Counts as a Household Member?
Your SNAP household includes everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together. Spouses always count as one household. Children under 22 who live with parents generally count in the same household.
Some people can be excluded from your household even if they live with you. People who purchase and prepare food separately may be their own household. Roommates with no family relationship who shop separately can apply individually.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal SNAP. However, their income may still count when calculating benefits for eligible household members such as U.S. citizen children.
Work Requirements in 2026
Most able-bodied adults ages 18 to 54 without dependents at home must meet work requirements to receive Basic Food. As of May 1, 2026, federal rules require these individuals to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month.
You are exempt from work requirements if you are:
- Under 18 or 55 or older
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Pregnant
- Caring for a child under 6
- Caring for a dependent who is incapacitated
- Already meeting work requirements for another program (TANF, for example)
- A student enrolled at least half-time in an approved program
If you lose SNAP benefits because of the work requirement, you may reapply once you meet the 80-hour monthly threshold.
How to Apply for Washington Basic Food
You can apply for Basic Food online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, collect the following:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) for each adult
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying for benefits
- Proof of income: pay stubs, employer letter, Social Security award letter, unemployment determination, or self-employment records
- Proof of housing costs: rent receipt, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
- Utility bills if you want to claim the utility deduction
- Proof of other expenses: childcare bills, medical receipts for elderly or disabled members, child support orders
You do not need to delay applying while gathering documents. You can submit an application first and provide verification during the interview.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Online: Go to washingtonconnection.org and create an account. The online application takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can save your progress and return later.
By phone: Call the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233. Representatives are available Monday through Friday.
In person: Visit your local DSHS Community Services Office. Washington has offices in every county. Find your nearest office at dshs.wa.gov.
By mail or fax: Download Form DSHS 14-001 from the DSHS website, complete it, and mail or fax it to your local office.
Step 3: Complete the Interview
After submitting your application, DSHS will schedule a phone or in-person interview. During the interview, a caseworker will verify your information and ask about your household, income, and expenses. Most interviews last 20 to 30 minutes. You can request an interpreter at no cost.
Step 4: Receive a Decision
DSHS must process standard applications within 30 days. Most households hear back sooner.
If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited SNAP. Expedited processing takes 7 calendar days or less. You qualify for expedited SNAP if your household meets one of these conditions:
- Monthly gross income is under $150 and liquid resources are $100 or less
- Monthly gross income plus liquid resources combined are less than monthly rent and utilities
- You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with little or no income
Step 5: Receive Your EBT Card
If approved, DSHS mails your EBT card within a few days. Your monthly benefit loads automatically on a schedule based on your case number. You can check your balance at any ATM, at the checkout counter, or by calling 888-328-9271.
Renewing Your Benefits
Basic Food benefits must be renewed every 6 or 12 months depending on your household circumstances. DSHS will mail you a renewal notice before your benefits expire. You can renew online at Washington Connection, by phone, or in person.
If you miss the renewal deadline, your benefits will end. You can reapply, but there may be a gap in benefits.
Other Food Assistance Programs in Washington
If you do not qualify for Basic Food or need additional help, consider these programs:
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Provides food vouchers, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Income limit is 185% FPL.
School Meals: Children from households at or below 185% FPL qualify for reduced-price meals. Children at or below 130% FPL qualify for free meals. Apply through your child's school.
Food banks and pantries: Washington has food banks in every county through the Northwest Harvest network and local organizations. These are available regardless of immigration status or income.
TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program): Provides USDA commodity foods through food banks for low-income households.
To check eligibility for multiple programs at once, use our free benefits screener. You can see which programs you likely qualify for in about two minutes.
Washington State Resources
For more information about benefits available to Washington residents, visit our Washington state benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for SNAP in Washington in 2026?
Washington's gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that is $2,608 per month. For a family of four, the limit is $5,358 per month. There is also a net income limit at 100% FPL: $1,304 for one person and $2,679 for a family of four.
Does Washington have an asset limit for SNAP?
Most Washington households do not face an asset test. Washington's Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility rules eliminate the asset limit for households with gross income below 200% FPL. The only exception is households with an elderly or disabled member whose gross income exceeds 200% FPL, which face a $4,500 resource limit.
How do I apply for Basic Food in Washington?
You can apply online at washingtonconnection.org, by phone at 877-501-2233, in person at any DSHS Community Services Office, or by mailing Form DSHS 14-001 to your local office.
How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Washington?
Standard applications are processed within 30 days. If your household qualifies for expedited SNAP (very low income and limited resources), you can receive benefits within 7 calendar days.
What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in Washington?
You need photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (pay stubs, award letters), proof of housing costs, and utility bills if you want to claim utility deductions. You can apply first and provide documents later during the interview process.
Can undocumented immigrants get SNAP in Washington?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal SNAP benefits. However, U.S. citizen children in mixed-status households can still receive benefits. The income of ineligible household members may be counted when calculating benefit amounts for eligible members.
What are the new SNAP work requirements in 2026?
As of May 1, 2026, able-bodied adults ages 18 to 54 without dependents must work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP. Exemptions apply for people who are pregnant, have a disability, care for young children or a disabled dependent, or are already meeting work requirements through another program.
What can I buy with SNAP EBT in Washington?
You can use Basic Food EBT to buy most grocery items including bread, cereals, produce, meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. You cannot use EBT to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, household supplies, pet food, or hot prepared foods.
How much SNAP will I receive in Washington?
Benefit amounts depend on your net income after deductions. The maximum for a single person is $298 per month. The maximum for a family of four is $994 per month. Most households receive less than the maximum because benefits decrease by 30 cents for each dollar of net income.
Can I use Washington SNAP at farmers markets?
Yes. Many Washington farmers markets accept EBT. Some markets also offer matching programs where your EBT dollars stretch further when buying fresh produce. Check with your local market for details.
