Where to start your application

In Washington State, you apply for food stamps — officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). You have three ways to start: online through the Washington Connection portal, by phone, or in person at your local DSHS office.

The online route is fastest. Go to washingtonconnection.org, create an account, and begin your SNAP application there. You can save your progress and come back to it. If you apply online, you will still need to verify your identity and income documents later, but you can upload those through the same portal.

If you prefer to apply by phone, call 1-877-501-2233. A DSHS worker will walk you through the questions and tell you what documents to send in. If you want to apply in person, find your local DSHS Community Services Office on the DSHS website and bring your documents with you — this can speed up the process if you have everything ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at washingtonconnection.org, by phone at 1-877-501-2233, or in person at your local DSHS office.
  • You will need proof of identity, income, expenses, and residency — the exact documents depend on your situation.
  • DSHS typically makes a decision within 30 days, and you can receive benefits within 7 days if you are found to meet the income limit.
  • Your household income must fall below the monthly limit for your household size; in 2024, a single person's limit is around $1,550 per month.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, and most adults must work or participate in a work program to keep benefits.

Documents you need to gather before you apply

DSHS will ask for proof of several things. Have these ready before you start your application, whether online or by phone: a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

You will also need to show your income. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, or a letter from your employer stating your wages. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring those statements. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and records of recent income.

DSHS also asks about expenses. If you pay rent or a mortgage, bring a lease or mortgage statement. If you pay utilities separately, bring recent bills. If you have childcare costs or medical expenses, bring receipts or statements. If you are elderly or disabled, medical documentation helps establish that status.

Income and household size limits

Your household's total monthly income must be at or below the SNAP income limit for your household size. These limits change yearly. For 2024, a household of one can earn no more than approximately $1,550 per month; a household of two, roughly $2,100; a household of three, roughly $2,650; and a household of four, roughly $3,200. The limit increases by about $550 for each additional person.

Your household includes everyone living with you who buys and cooks food together — this usually means family members, but can include roommates if you share meals. DSHS counts income from all household members, even if they do not apply for SNAP themselves.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support, and most other regular money coming in. Some income does not count: student financial aid, certain scholarships, and some tribal payments are excluded. If you are unsure whether something counts, ask DSHS when you apply.

Citizenship and work requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to receive SNAP. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories. If you are not sure whether you may have access to, bring your immigration documents when you apply and DSHS will review them.

Most adults between 18 and 65 must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program to keep SNAP benefits. This is called the work requirement. Parents caring for a child under 6 are usually exempt. People who are disabled or elderly may also be exempt. If you think an exemption applies to you, tell DSHS during your application.

If you cannot meet the work requirement, you may be able to join a work program instead. Washington offers programs like WorkFirst that combine job training with SNAP benefits. DSHS can refer you to these programs.

What happens after you submit your application

Once DSHS receives your application, they will contact you to ask follow-up questions or request more documents. They may call, email, or mail you. Respond quickly — if you miss a deadline or do not send requested documents, your application may be denied.

DSHS has 30 days to make a decision on your application. If you meet the income and other requirements, you will be approved. If you are approved, benefits usually start within 7 days and are loaded onto an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card), which works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets.

If DSHS denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision. The appeal letter will explain how to request a hearing and the deadline to do so — usually you have 10 days.

Using your EBT card and what you can buy

Once approved, your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an EBT card each month. The amount depends on your household size and income. A single person with no income might receive around $280 per month; a family of four with no income might receive around $1,000 per month. The exact amount is calculated based on your specific situation.

You can use your EBT card to buy food at any store that accepts SNAP, including most grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. You cannot buy hot or prepared food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, or household items like soap or paper towels.

Your benefits do not roll over month to month — if you do not use them by the end of the month, they are gone. Plan your shopping accordingly. You can check your balance online through the Washington Connection portal or by calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card.

Recertification and keeping your benefits

Your SNAP benefits are not permanent. You must recertify — prove again that you still meet the requirements — every 12 months. DSHS will send you a notice telling you when to recertify. You can recertify online, by phone, or in person using the same process as your original application.

If you do not recertify by the deadline, your benefits will stop. If you miss the deadline but recertify later, your benefits can restart, but you may lose the months in between. Mark your recertification date on a calendar or set a phone reminder.

You must also report changes to DSHS within 10 days: if your income changes, if someone moves into or out of your household, if your address changes, or if you start or stop working. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which DSHS may ask you to repay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

DSHS has 30 days to make a decision. If you are approved, benefits usually start within 7 days. If you need food urgently, you can ask for expedited processing — in some cases, benefits can start within 7 days of application if you meet certain conditions.

Can I apply if I am not a citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant. may have access to immigrants include green card holders, refugees, and asylees. Bring your immigration documents when you apply and DSHS will determine whether you may have access to. Some immigrants are not may be able to access; DSHS can tell you for certain based on your status.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your gross income is above the limit but your expenses are high (rent, childcare, medical costs), you may still may have access to. DSHS deducts certain expenses from your income before comparing it to the limit. Tell DSHS about all your expenses when you apply.

Do I have to work to get food stamps?

Most adults aged 18 to 65 must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program. Parents caring for a child under 6, elderly people, and people with disabilities may be exempt. If you think an exemption applies, tell DSHS during your application.

What if I was denied and want to appeal?

You have the right to request a hearing. The denial letter will explain how to request one and the deadline — usually 10 days. You can request a hearing online, by phone, or in writing. At the hearing, you can explain your situation and provide new information.