Special SNAP Services in Washington

Washington residents may qualify for special SNAP services in certain situations. These programs offer faster benefits in emergencies, aid after disasters, and support for families transitioning off other assistance programs.

Expedited Service for Basic Food (Expedited SNAP)

This service provides food benefits within seven days to households with very little money. It is designed to offer immediate nutritional support to those in urgent need, bypassing the standard application timeline.

You may qualify if your household has a gross monthly income under $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less. You might also be eligible if your monthly shelter costs exceed your combined income and resources, or if you are a destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker.

DSHS automatically screens every Basic Food application for expedited criteria. You can apply online, by phone, or at a DSHS office. If you qualify, the agency conducts a brief interview and issues benefits within the seven-day window.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP offers temporary food aid to households after a presidential disaster declaration. This program helps people who lived or worked in the affected area and suffered disaster-related losses, such as loss of income, home damage, or spoiled food.

Eligibility for D-SNAP is broader than for regular SNAP. Standard rules regarding assets, work requirements, immigration status, or student status do not apply. The focus is solely on providing relief to those impacted by the disaster.

When a disaster is declared, DSHS announces a brief application period and locations. You must apply as directed, providing proof of identity and residence in the disaster zone. Approved benefits are typically issued on an EBT card within three days. Program details are posted online.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Household Disaster or Food Loss

Current SNAP recipients can get replacement benefits if food purchased with Basic Food is destroyed. This applies to household misfortunes like fires, floods, or prolonged power outages, such as those caused by the Nov 2024 blackouts.

To receive aid, you must report the loss to DSHS, typically within 10 days. This can be done by phone, online message, or at a Community Services Office. You will need to sign a short affidavit confirming the loss, though this may be waived during large-scale events.

After you report the loss and your situation is verified, DSHS will issue the replacement benefits directly to your EBT account. The amount can be up to one month's worth of your regular benefit allotment. More information on emergency resources is available online.

Transitional Food Assistance (TFA)

Transitional Food Assistance provides five months of stable food benefits. It is for families who were receiving Basic Food and are now leaving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), helping them adjust to changes like higher earnings.

Eligibility is automatic for households transitioning off TANF or Tribal TANF. During the five-month period, most changes to your income will not affect your benefit amount, providing a stable source of food support as your financial situation changes.

No separate application is needed. DSHS automatically converts your case to TFA and mails a notice explaining the new benefit amount. If you believe you qualify but did not receive TFA, you should contact the Customer Service Center or re-apply. The program outline is available online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Washington

After approval for SNAP benefits, the next step is learning how to use them effectively for groceries at participating stores.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It functions much like a debit card. The card is loaded with your monthly food assistance funds, which you can then use to purchase eligible groceries at authorized stores.

To use it, you simply swipe or insert your card at the checkout counter and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple foods for your household. You can buy most grocery items that help you prepare meals at home. Eligible items include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

However, some items are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. These restrictions generally apply to non-food goods, alcoholic beverages, and foods sold hot at the point of sale. Ineligible items include:

• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot, ready-to-eat foods

• Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery chains, supermarkets, and many corner stores. Look for a sign indicating EBT or Quest card acceptance at the store’s entrance or checkout lanes to confirm they participate in the program.

Many farmers’ markets also welcome EBT payments, allowing you to buy fresh, local produce. Some markets offer programs that match your spending, helping your benefits stretch further for more fruits and vegetables.

For convenience, you can also shop online. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for eligible grocery deliveries. Simply add your EBT card as a payment method on their website or app to place an order.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

You can stretch your budget further with the Benny app. It gives you cash back on groceries from popular stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You’ll also earn rewards on services you use regularly, such as Uber and Lyft, putting money back in your pocket.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.