Government Help

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Get money for food from Washington state government programs. While eligibility is not guaranteed for any of these programs, applying is highly recommended.

Tip: Apply for Basic Food first, as many Afghan newcomers are more likely to qualify for Basic Food than the other programs.
Basic Food – EBT Money for FoodGet money for food every month from Washington State. (The U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, called Basic Food in Washington, helps people with low incomes make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food.)

There are 3 ways you can apply for Basic Food. There are 3 ways you can apply for Basic Food.

1. You can apply online here

2. By phone (877-501-2233)

3. In-person at your local Community Services Office. Find a Community Services Office location here


If you apply online, you may have to do an interview. More information about filling out the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) application for Basic Food and other services can be found on the Government Assistance page.


If your application for Basic Food is accepted, you will receive a card with funds transferred electronically each month (i.e., “EBT card”) that you can use to buy groceries. The amount of money your EBT card will have each month will depend on the size of your family.

Basic Food participants must comply with work requirements to receive benefits. This may include participating in employment training, and becoming employed. Please note that you may risk losing Basic Food benefits if you quit your job while receiving Basic Food.


Make sure you maintain eligibility for Basic Food by completing all required interviews and forms by the due date. This may include the mid-certification review and the eligibility review.


MORE BENEFITS


If you qualify for Basic Food, you may also qualify for other benefit programs.

  • Free or reduced cost school lunch for children in school – apply separately here
  • WIC (food assistance for Women, Infants, and Children) – apply separately see below
  • Additional job training and employment assistance 
  • English language education services through the Basic Food Employment and Training program for refugees. You can find more information about that program on the Government Assistance page

Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Plan (WIC)

Food and supplies for pregnant women and young children up to 5 years old. To apply, first find your nearest WIC clinic here by searching WIC and your zip code, then make an appointment by calling 1-800-322-2588.

 

Tip: If you have a pregnant person or young children in your family, apply for WIC along with Basic Food. Your family may be eligible for WIC if you are eligible for Basic Food, TANF, or Medicaid. The phone number listed above is available from Monday through Thursday.
Food Assistance Program (FAP)
If you are not eligible for Basic Food, try getting help with food every month through FAP. Apply online here. This program has the same requirements as Basic Food, besides the citizenship and alien status requirements. Tip: you cannot get both Basic Food and FAP – Basic Food gives you more money for food
State Food Assistance Program
One of the services offered by DSHS. Helps low-income immigrant families who do not qualify for Basic Food afford food every month.
Tip: This program has fewer requirements than Basic Food. It does not have citizenship and alien status requirements.