SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Washington

SNAP Eligibility Calculator — Washington

Find out if you may be eligible for SNAP and estimate your monthly benefits in Washington.

Data: FY2026 USDA official figures (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026). Estimate only — contact your state SNAP agency to apply.

Work Requirements (ABAWD): Able-bodied adults ages 18–64 without dependents under 14 must work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours/month. Veterans, pregnant individuals, those experiencing homelessness, and people with physical or mental health barriers may be exempt. Learn more
1Location
2Household
3Income
4Expenses
5Assets
6Results
Location
State: Washington
Household

Count everyone who lives and eats together, including children.

Usually counted:
  • You, your spouse/partner, and children under 22
  • Parents living with you who share meals
  • Anyone you buy and prepare food with regularly
Usually NOT counted:
  • Roommates who buy and cook their own food separately
  • Live-in hired caregivers who pay for their own food
  • College students ages 18-49 enrolled at least half-time (special rules apply)
  • People in a nursing home or institution
Students: College students ages 18-49 have special eligibility rules. Learn about student rules
Income
Important: Enter your gross (pre-tax) income, not your take-home pay. SNAP uses gross income before taxes or deductions.
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Gross limit: $1,696/mo  |  Net limit: $1,305/mo  for 1 person

Enter gross wages before taxes. Self-employed: Enter net profit (revenue minus business expenses).

Counts:
  • Wages and salary (gross, before tax withholding)
  • Tips and commissions
  • Self-employment net profit (after business expenses)
  • Seasonal, part-time, and farm income
Does NOT count:
  • Social Security, SSI, pension → enter in Unearned Income
  • Unemployment compensation → enter in Unearned Income
  • Child support received → enter in Unearned Income
  • SNAP benefits, LIHEAP, tax refunds (EITC), student loans/grants
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Social Security, SSI, unemployment, pension, child support received, alimony, veterans benefits, rental income, etc.

Variable income? If your income changes month to month, use your average monthly income over the past 3 months.
Deductible Expenses
These deductions lower your net income, which increases your SNAP benefit. Fill in everything that applies to you.
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Daycare, babysitter, or special needs care costs — only if required so you can work, go to school, or attend job training.

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Child support you are legally required to pay under a court or administrative order only.

Housing & Utilities
Shelter costs are deducted from your net income. The more you pay in rent/mortgage and utilities, the higher your potential SNAP benefit.
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Enter monthly rent or mortgage. Homeowners: include mortgage + property taxes + insurance. Include HOA or condo fees.

If you do not pay for heating/cooling separately, select any other utilities you pay for:

Phone/Internet: Only a basic monthly service fee qualifies, not cable TV or premium packages.

Select utilities above to see your allowance.
Assets / Resources
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Most families count only bank account balances and cash. Your home, car, and retirement accounts usually do NOT count.

Countable (include these):
  • Cash and money in checking or savings accounts
  • Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs
  • A second vehicle (if you own more than one car)
Excluded (do NOT count these):
  • Your primary home and the land it sits on
  • Retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, pension
  • Your main vehicle
  • Personal belongings and household furniture
  • Prepaid burial or funeral plans
Limit: $3,000 standard | $4,500 if household includes someone 60+ or disabled
Work Requirements (ABAWD)

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.