Washington State offers generous SNAP benefits (called Basic Food) with income limits set at 200% of the federal poverty level—higher than most states. For fiscal year 2026 (October 2025–September 2026), the maximum monthly benefit for a household of four is $994.
Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know 👇
✅ Who qualifies? Most households earning under 200% of the federal poverty level.
✅ How much can I earn? See the 2026 income chart below.
✅ Max benefits: $994/month for a family of 4.
✅ How to apply: Online at Washington Connection.
✅ Approval time: Up to 30 days (7 days for emergency SNAP).
👉 Want to estimate your benefit? Try the Washington SNAP Calculator
Page Contents
- 1 Washington SNAP Income Limits for 2026
- 2 Federal SNAP Income Standards (For Comparison)
- 3 2026 Maximum SNAP Benefits (Basic Food Allotments)
- 4 Who Qualifies for SNAP in Washington?
- 5 How to Apply for SNAP in Washington
- 6 Understanding Washington’s 200% FPL Advantage
- 7 SNAP Deductions That Lower Countable Income
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 8.1 1. What is the income limit for SNAP in Washington?
- 8.2 2. How much SNAP will I get in Washington?
- 8.3 3. Does Washington have an asset limit for SNAP?
- 8.4 4. Can I work and still get SNAP in Washington?
- 8.5 5. How long does SNAP approval take in Washington?
- 8.6 6. What’s the difference between gross and net income for SNAP?
- 9 2026 COLA Adjustments Impact
- 10 Conclusion
Washington SNAP Income Limits for 2026
For Washington, the new SNAP (Basic Food) income limits are effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026, based on the USDA FY2026 COLA memo and state expansions.
Washington uses 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most households, which is higher than many states.
Households with an elderly or disabled member may also qualify under net income rules (100% FPL).
Washington SNAP Monthly Gross Income Limits (2026)
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 |
| 2 | $3,526 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $6,276 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,108 |
| 8 | $9,024 |
| Each additional person | +$916 |
🔹 Gross income = before taxes and deductions.
🔹 Net income = after certain deductions (applies to elderly/disabled households).
Source: USDA FY2026 SNAP COLA Memo (effective Oct 2025 – Sept 2026)
Federal SNAP Income Standards (For Comparison)
While Washington uses 200% FPL, the federal baseline is lower. Here’s the standard federal comparison:
Federal Net Monthly Income Limits (100% FPL)
| Household Size | 48 States & D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 | $1,630 | $1,500 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $2,203 | $2,027 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $2,776 | $2,555 |
| 4 | $2,680 | $3,350 | $3,082 |
| 5 | $3,138 | $3,923 | $3,610 |
| 6 | $3,596 | $4,496 | $4,137 |
| 7 | $4,055 | $5,070 | $4,665 |
| 8 | $4,513 | $5,643 | $5,192 |
| Each additional | +$459 | +$574 | +$528 |
Federal Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% FPL)
| Household Size | 48 States & D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $2,118 | $1,949 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $2,864 | $2,635 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $3,609 | $3,321 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $4,354 | $4,007 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $5,100 | $4,692 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $5,845 | $5,378 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $6,590 | $6,064 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $7,336 | $6,750 |
| Each additional | +$596 | +$746 | +$686 |
Washington’s 200% threshold means families earning nearly double these federal limits can still qualify.
2026 Maximum SNAP Benefits (Basic Food Allotments)
According to the USDA FY2026 memo, the maximum SNAP benefit for Washington (same as the 48 states and DC) is:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | +$218 |
💡 Example:
A family of four with little to no income could receive up to $994/month in SNAP benefits.
Who Qualifies for SNAP in Washington?
Eligibility Requirements
Income Rules:
- Gross monthly income under 200% FPL
- Net income limits apply if household has elderly/disabled member
- Count wages, self-employment, Social Security, child support
Asset Limits: Most households: No asset limit in Washington Elderly/disabled households: $4,500 maximum (federal standard)
Work Requirements:
- Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must work 20 hours/week
- Exemptions for students, pregnant women, caregivers
Citizenship:
- U.S. citizens qualify
- Legal immigrants may qualify after 5 years
- Refugees and asylees eligible immediately
How to Apply for SNAP in Washington
Step-by-Step Application Process
Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest)
- Visit Washington Connection
- Create an account or log in
- Complete the Basic Food application
- Upload required documents digitally
- Submit and wait for interview call
Option 2: Apply by Phone
- Call Washington toll-free: 1-877-501-2233
- Request a SNAP application
- Complete phone interview with caseworker
Option 3: Apply in Person
- Find your local DSHS Community Service Office
- Request a paper application
- Fill out and return with documents
- Schedule in-person interview
Required Documents
Bring these items when applying:
- Identity proof: Driver’s license, state ID, passport
- Income proof: Pay stubs (last 30 days), employer letter
- Residence proof: Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Rent/mortgage statement for shelter deduction
- Childcare costs: Receipts or provider statement
- Medical expenses (if elderly/disabled): Bills, insurance statements
Application Timeline:
- Standard processing: 30 days
- Expedited service: 7 days (if emergency need)
Understanding Washington’s 200% FPL Advantage
Why Washington’s Limits Are Higher
Most states use the federal 130% gross income limit. Washington expanded eligibility to 200% FPL, meaning:
Example: Family of 4
- Federal limit (130% FPL): $3,483/month
- Washington limit (200% FPL): $5,358/month
- Difference: +$1,875 more income allowed
This expansion helps working families who earn too much for standard SNAP but still struggle with food costs.
Special Rules for Elderly/Disabled Households
If your household includes someone age 60+ or disabled:
- Gross income can exceed 200% FPL
- Net income must stay under 100% FPL ($2,680 for family of 4)
- Higher asset limit: $4,500
- Medical expense deductions allowed
SNAP Deductions That Lower Countable Income
Washington allows several deductions when calculating net income:
Standard Deductions (FY2026)
| Household Size | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| 1-3 people | $209 |
| 4 people | $223 |
| 5 people | $261 |
| 6+ people | $299 |
Other Allowed Deductions
Earned Income Deduction:
- 20% of gross earned income
Shelter Costs:
- Rent/mortgage over half of income
- Maximum shelter deduction: $744/month
Dependent Care:
- Childcare costs for work/school
- Adult care expenses
Medical Expenses (Elderly/Disabled):
- Costs over $35/month
- Insurance premiums, prescriptions, co-pays
Child Support Paid:
- Court-ordered support to non-household members
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the income limit for SNAP in Washington?
Washington’s gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this means $5,358 per month. Single individuals qualify with income up to $2,608 monthly.
2. How much SNAP will I get in Washington?
Maximum benefits for FY2026: $298 for 1 person, $546 for 2, $785 for 3, $994 for 4 people. Your actual amount depends on net income after deductions. Most households receive less than the maximum.
3. Does Washington have an asset limit for SNAP?
Washington eliminated asset limits for most SNAP households. Only elderly or disabled households have a $4,500 asset limit. Your car and home don’t count toward this limit.
4. Can I work and still get SNAP in Washington?
Yes, working families often qualify for SNAP. Washington’s 200% FPL limit helps low-income workers. You’ll receive an earned income deduction (20% of wages) when calculating benefits.
5. How long does SNAP approval take in Washington?
Standard applications take up to 30 days. If you qualify for expedited service (very low income or emergency), you can get benefits within 7 days. Apply online for fastest processing.
6. What’s the difference between gross and net income for SNAP?
Gross income is your total income before deductions. Net income is what’s left after SNAP deductions (standard, shelter, childcare, medical). Washington checks gross income at 200% FPL; elderly/disabled households also need net income under 100% FPL.
2026 COLA Adjustments Impact
The USDA announced FY2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments effective October 1, 2025. Key changes include:
What Increased:
- Maximum allotments rose for 48 states and D.C.
- Shelter cap increased to $744
- Standard deduction raised to $209 for households of 1-3
- Minimum benefit increased to $24
What Stayed the Same:
- Asset limits unchanged: $3,000 general, $4,500 elderly/disabled
- Washington’s 200% FPL policy continues
These adjustments help SNAP benefits keep pace with inflation and rising food costs.
Conclusion
Washington’s 2026 SNAP income limits make it easier for families to qualify, with eligibility raised to 200% of the poverty level.
If your household struggles to buy food, SNAP can help you stretch your grocery budget each month.
✅ Apply online today at Washington Connection.
✅ Use the SNAP calculator to see how much you could get.
✅ Check your eligibility now — it only takes a few minutes.
SNAP helps more Washington families afford food, live healthier, and stay strong. Don’t wait — apply today.
