Washington state's food assistance program is officially called the "Basic Food" program, though it is part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

To qualify for Basic Food benefits, Washington state residents must have a current combined bank balance (savings and checking) of under $2,001.

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The Basic Food program's income limits and maximum monthly benefit amounts are set by the federal government, not the state.

While the Basic Food program is primarily for U.S.

citizens, legal immigrants who do not qualify for the federal SNAP program can receive state-funded Basic Food benefits at 75% of the federal level.

Households with an elderly or disabled member are exempt from the $2,001 asset limit and have higher income limits.

In addition to providing monthly food benefits, the Basic Food program automatically qualifies eligible households for free or reduced-price school meals for their children.

Washington residents can apply for Basic Food benefits online, over the phone, or by visiting their local Community Services Office.

After submitting an application, an in-person interview is required to determine final eligibility and benefit amount.

The average monthly Basic Food caseload in Washington state decreased by 6.8% in the 2022 fiscal year compared to the previous year.

Of the 2022 fiscal year's Basic Food caseload, 73.6% did not receive any cash assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The percentage of Basic Food cases that received cash assistance averaged 8.3% per month in the 2022 fiscal year.

Washington state's Basic Food program is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services, while the federal SNAP program is overseen by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture.

The Basic Food program's income guidelines are adjusted annually, with the latest update taking effect on October 1, 2022.

Applicants can check their potential eligibility for Basic Food benefits using the online Washington Connection portal.

For further assistance with the Basic Food program, Washington residents can call the toll-free Help Me Grow Washington hotline at 1-800-322-2588.