The Supplemental Nutrition Aid Program in Washington, sometimes called Basic Food in Washington, offers low-income families food assistance to help them purchase groceries.
Depending on the date you applied for benefits, and when your benefits were approved, Basic Food benefits are distributed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) on a staggered schedule over the first 20 days of the month.
Washington Food Stamps
Benefits for the Basic Food Program in Washington are disbursed via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which function exactly like debit cards. Most grocery stores and some participating farmers’ markets accept the Basic Food EBT card for payment. Also available online are your advantages. The following items can be bought with your SNAP EBT card:
- Veggies and fruits
- Fish, poultry, and meat
- Dairy products
- Cereals and bread
- Snacks and alcohol-free beverages
- plants and seeds that yield food for the household to eat
However, there are limitations on how you can utilize your SNAP benefits set forth by the US Department of Agriculture.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medications, dietary supplements, live animals, pet meals, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and cosmetics are some things you can’t purchase with SNAP benefits. Additionally, you are unable to purchase hot or ready-to-eat meals.
For legal immigrants in Washington who do not qualify for Basic Food owing to their immigration status, there is another program called the Food Assistance Program (FAP). Depending on each person’s citizenship or immigration status, households may be eligible for both FAP and Basic Food payments, according to the Washington DSHS.
READ MORE: Texas SNAP Benefits: Will Payments for Texans Continue? Until When?
SNAP Benefits Discounts in Washington
Other advantages are included with the benefits of Basic Food. With your Washington EBT card, you can save money on the following extra items:
- Discount on Amazon Prime: People who receive Medicaid benefits or Washington Basic Food and EBT Cash benefits are eligible for a 50% discount on their Prime membership. Check your eligibility at amazon.com/prime/qualify.
- Discounted admission to museums is available to those receiving Basic Food assistance, including through the Museums for All program, at hundreds of cultural institutions around the US.
- Farmers’ markets: You can buy fresh produce at farmers’ markets that accept your Washington EBT card. The names and locations of markets nationwide that are now permitted to collect Basic Food benefits are listed every month by the USDA’s Food Nutrition Service (FNS).
- Internet and phone: Eligible Basic Food recipients may be eligible for discounts of up to $30 per month on internet access and up to $75 per month for homes on eligible Tribal territories through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Additionally, Basic Food households can be eligible for free or inexpensive landline or mobile phone service under the Federal Lifeline Program. Get additional information by speaking with your service provider.
- Basic Food recipients may be eligible for home energy assistance under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Check out the Reduced Cost Services Guide, which lists a variety of goods and services offered at reduced prices for low-income households in or near Washington State, for more information on financial support for Basic Food households.
Applying for the Basic Food program in Washington is possible online, over the phone (877-501-2233), or in person at a Community Services Office near you.
READ MORE: December SNAP Benefits: Where Will Food Assistance Be Provided?
