How to Apply for Washington State Food Stamps

If you need to apply for Washington State food stamps, you should know that it's a simple process that can be completed online or by mailing in a paper application. While many people think that only the unemployed or those on welfare qualify for food stamps, this simply isn't true. Income limits are generous and are geared toward working families who are trying to make ends meet. Here are step by step instructions on how to apply for Washington State food stamps.

Instructions

1. Review eligibility guidelines to determine whether you might qualify for Washington State food stamps. In most cases, your countable income can be up to 200% of the federal poverty level. This is $3,675 per month for a family of four. If you make more than this, you may still qualify, since child support you pay, daycare costs, and other expenses are deducted from your countable income.

2. Decide whether you want to complete an application online, or whether you prefer to complete a paper application for Washington State food stamps. If you want to submit the paper version, you can print the application from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) website, or you can pick one up at your local DSHS Community Service Office (CSO).

3. Gather up the appropriate documentation. The information you will need in order to apply for Washington State food stamps includes: your name, address and contact information; household income; the amount you pay for your rent or mortgage and utilities; child support and child care expenses paid by your household; the name, birth date, and social security numbers of all family members; and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. Immigrants who are unlawfully present in the U.S. do not qualify for food stamps; though some legal immigrants do. If you're not sure whether your immigration status permits you to receive food stamps, check with your CSO.

4. Complete and submit the application for Washington State food stamps. If you need assistance, you can contact your local CSO. Once you submit the application, you should receive notification within a week or two from the DSHS Community Service Office that you have been assigned to; this is usually close to where you live and is based on your zip code. The notice will either state that you are ineligible, and will explain why; or it will be an appointment notice to finalize your Washington State food stamp application at the CSO.

5. At the CSO appointment to make a final determination about your eligibility for Washington State food stamps, bring all of the documentation that you gathered in Step 3, in case your worker asks you for it. If you are eligible, your application will usually receive final approval at the time of the appointment.

6. After final approval, you must pick up your food stamp debit card. This usually happens on the same day as your appointment, but if for some reason your application cannot be completed on the same day, or if the customer service counter where the cards are distributed is closed, you may have to come back another day to pick it up. When you pick up the card, you will choose a 4 digit pin, and you can use the card just like any other debit card to buy non-taxable food items (deli items, prepared foods, and restaurant food cannot be purchased with food stamps in Washington State). If you aren't sure how to use the card, ask the worker at the CSO for an explanatory brochure.

Resources

• Washington State Food Stamp Eligibility Guidelines
• Directory of Washington State Community Service Offices