SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Washington

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Washington)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Washington with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Washington. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Washington, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Washington includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Washington, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Washington, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Washington includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Washington include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Washington to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Washington. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Washington. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Washington, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Washington if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Washington. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Washington, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

Is SNAP called Basic Food in Washington State?

Yes. Washington calls SNAP “Basic Food” — it is the same program but Washington uses a different name for it.

What are the SNAP income limits in Washington?

Washington uses federal SNAP income limits, and the calculator applies both gross and net income tests based on household size.

How much can 1 person get for Basic Food in Washington?

The maximum for a 1-person household is around $291/month in FY2025. Your specific amount depends on net income after deductions.

Does Washington have extra deductions for high rent & utilities?

Yes — Washington uses Standard Utility Allowances. High rent + bills increase deductions and may result in a higher benefit estimate.

Does Social Security count as income for SNAP in Washington State?

Yes — Social Security, SSDI and SSI count as unearned income and must be entered in the calculator.

Can college students get Basic Food benefits in Washington?

Yes — but they must meet student exemptions such as work hours, work-study, disability, or childcare responsibility.

Do immigrants qualify for Basic Food in Washington State?

Some immigrants qualify. Eligible status is required — but mixed households can still apply if some members are eligible.

Does WIC affect SNAP eligibility in Washington?

No — WIC is not counted as income. WIC and SNAP can be used together for the same household.

Do medical bills help increase Basic Food benefits in Washington?

Yes — if someone is 60+ or disabled, medical deductions can lower net income and increase SNAP benefit estimates.

Do gig app earnings like Uber or DoorDash count for Basic Food in Washington?

Yes — gig income is counted as earned income and must be reported in the calculator.

Do assets like bank accounts count for SNAP in Washington?

Most households in Washington do not have an asset limit. Only a few federally defined cases still have resource limits.

Can I qualify for Basic Food if I share housing but buy my own groceries?

Yes — separate households are allowed if food purchasing and preparation is separate.

Do SNAP benefit amounts change every year in Washington?

Yes — SNAP/Basic Food standards change every October 1. The calculator uses current fiscal year values.

Can seniors with just Social Security qualify for Basic Food in WA?

Yes — many seniors qualify because medical + shelter deductions reduce their net income significantly.

Where do I apply after checking eligibility in the calculator for Washington?

You apply through Washington DSHS — online, in office, mail, or fax — after applying, DSHS will schedule an interview.