Step 1 (optional): Take the pre-screening test here.
Step 2: Apply in one of the following ways:
- Apply online here.
- Print out an application here.
- Go to your local DSHS office to pick up an application in person. Local offices can be found by going here and entering your zip code into the box on the right corner of the page where it says “Find an Office.”
Step 3: Mail, fax or deliver you completed application to your community service office found here. All documents can be mailed to:
DSHS
CSD – Customer Service Center
PO BOX 11699
Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
Note: For assistance, please call: 877-514-Food (3663)
Applying For Washington Food Stamps
Food stamps, or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) as it is currently technically called, was established to assist persons located in the U.S. who’re undergoing difficulties getting food because they’re generating a low income. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called food stamps) aids millions of persons. In fact, it assisted over 40 million folks in the year 2010.
Lower income families located in the U.S. can apply for food stamps benefits regardless of what their ethnic background, gender, religious beliefs, or even background is. Precisely how much a person receives in assistance from SNAP depends on a few factors, but in the year 2008, the average person received $101 a month.
Food Stamp Application Requirements
There are particular requirements someone must fulfill to be eligible to collect help from the food stamp program. Throughout the application process, and interview, you will need to have specific documents with you.
For many people below the age of 60, you cannot possess greater than $2,000 in assets. Nonetheless, if you or another individual in your home is 60 or over, that limit increases to $3,000. Assistance from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), will not count as assets when applying for food stamps. What is counted as assets is any cash you possess, money that you have saved in a bank account, or your vehicle (in some instances).
One other requirement is an income limit, which is influenced by how many people you’ve got residing in your household while you are applying for food stamps.
An individual’s expenses are also taken into consideration when you apply for food stamps. If you’re paying for child or elderly care, rent, mortgage, or utilities; all of those expenses will be taken into consideration. Certain medical expenses may also be considered under certain circumstances.
The Washington QUEST EBT Card
Persons who pass the requirements and have their application approved to start receiving SNAP benefits, will be given an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The EBT card is used like a debit card to purchase food at certain grocery stores, convenience stores, or possibly farmer markets.
The Washington EBT card is called the Washington QUEST EBT card. The Washington EBT card can be used by any retailer that accepts EBT cards in all 50 states. In Washington, if you do not use all of your EBT benefits the month they are dispersed, they will roll over into the next month for you to use as you need. This is an excellent option that not all states offer. For instance, If you know that you will need a little extra next month for your child’s birthday party, you can save it from this month to use when you need it. In some states this would not be possible and your benefits would expire on the last day of the month.
Before you can use your Washington QUEST card for the first time, you must create a pin number. To do this you must either set the pin number when you pick it up at your Department of Social and Health Services, or if your received your card by mail, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Once you have set your pin number, make sure that you keep it private to keep your benefits safe.