DSHS
Basic Food (state-funded add-on to SNAP)
Extends SNAP-style benefits to certain legal immigrants ineligible for federal SNAP, funded by Washington state.
Open program page◢ West region · Capital: Olympia
Washington grants &
benefits, all in one place.
Every federal program is administered through Washington state agencies, often with state-specific names, eligibility tiers, and seasonal windows. This page lists how to access each one, plus the Washington-only programs that stack on top.
Population7,812,880
Programs tracked111+
PostalWA
Last verified
◢ Washington at a glance
- Population: 7,812,880 residents
- State capital: Olympia
- Region: West
- Assistance programs tracked: 111+
- Main benefits portal: Washington Connection
- LIHEAP program name: LIHEAP via Commerce
- FY2026 SNAP max (1 person, 48 states): $298/month; average $188 per person/month per CBPP.
◢ Washington eligibility estimator
What programs do you likely qualify for in Washington?
Drop in your household size and income. The estimator returns programs your number is likely under, using the lower 48 federal poverty schedule.
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Programs in Washington
SNAP (food assistance)
≤130% FPLGross income test, Washington · Income limit: $34,645/yr
Medicaid (expansion adults)
≤138% FPLWashington expanded Medicaid · Income limit: $36,777/yr
LIHEAP energy assistance
≤150% FPLState variant; some use 60% state median income · Income limit: $39,975/yr
WIC (children under 5, pregnant)
≤185% FPLAuto-eligible if on SNAP or Medicaid · Income limit: $49,303/yr
Lifeline phone + ACP internet
≤200% FPLFederal program through any participating carrier · Income limit: $53,300/yr
Reduced-price school meals
≤185% FPLFree meals at 130% FPL · Income limit: $49,303/yr
ACA Marketplace subsidies
≤400% FPLStrongest subsidies below 250% FPL · Income limit: $106,600/yr
Estimator only, final eligibility includes asset, citizenship, and category tests.
◢ Where to apply
Which agencies handle grants in Washington?
Most assistance programs in Washington flow through one of these state agencies. Bookmark the ones relevant to you.
Combined benefits portal
Washington ConnectionWashington's one-stop application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other state benefits.
www.washingtonconnection.org/
Energy assistance
LIHEAP via CommerceState LIHEAP program. Apply at the start of the heating season; funds run out before the published deadline.
www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program/
SNAP food assistance
Washington SNAPFederal SNAP run by the state. Average benefit is about $202 per person per month.
www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/basic-food
Health coverage
Apple HealthState Medicaid program. Children's CHIP coverage typically extends to higher income limits.
www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care
Housing
Washington State Housing Finance CommissionState housing finance agency. Section 8 vouchers are issued by local PHAs in each county.
www.wshfc.org/
◢ State-specific programs
Programs unique to Washington.
These programs only exist in Washington. They stack on top of federal benefits and use different income rules.
Commerce
Weatherization Plus Health
Free home weatherization plus health-related repairs like mold remediation for eligible low-income households.
Open program page◢ By need category
Which federal programs are available in Washington?
Every federal program below is available to Washington residents through state-administered offices. Click any category for the full eligibility breakdown.
◢ Benefit amounts
How much do Washington residents typically receive?
Actual benefit amounts depend on household size, gross and net monthly income, and which deductions apply. Federal programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP use uniform formulas across all 50 states, but Washington sets its own income limits under broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which many households never realize expands the pool of who qualifies.
SNAP food benefits in Washington: The federal FY2026 maximum monthly benefit is $298 for one person and $1,789 for eight people in the 48 contiguous states. The average per-person benefit is $188 per month, or roughly $6.17 per day, per Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of USDA program data. A family of four typically receives around $715 per month on average. To estimate your amount, take the maximum for your household size and subtract 30 percent of your countable net income after deductions.
Medicaid in Washington: Non-disabled adult income eligibility is set at 138 percent of the federal poverty level in Medicaid expansion states, which for a family of three in 2026 is approximately $3,066 per month or $36,792 per year. Children qualify for CHIP coverage at income levels significantly higher than the adult Medicaid ceiling, often up to 200-300 percent of the federal poverty level depending on the state.
LIHEAP energy assistance: Benefits vary widely because Washington sets its own income limit and season. Most states cap eligibility at 60 percent of state median income or 150 percent of the federal poverty level, whichever is higher. Typical one-time regular benefits range from $200 to $600 per household per heating season, with crisis benefits available in emergencies (utility shutoff, no heat) processed within 18 to 48 hours.
Housing (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher): Households pay 30 percent of adjusted gross income toward rent; the voucher covers the remainder up to the local payment standard. In Washington, wait times for Section 8 vouchers vary by public housing authority, but averages of 2 to 5 years are typical in higher-cost metro areas.
Emergency cash assistance (TANF): Monthly benefits vary dramatically by state; Washington sets its own maximum. Nationwide, TANF maximum benefits for a family of three range from about $200 per month in some Southern states to over $1,000 in the Northeast and West. Time limits of 60 months (five years) apply lifetime for most adult recipients.
Every benefit amount above traces to primary federal sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service for SNAP, HHS Administration for Children and Families for TANF and LIHEAP, HUD for Section 8, and CMS for Medicaid. State-specific figures are set by Washington agencies and change annually with the October cost-of-living adjustment.
◢ Washington questions
Common questions about Washington programs.
Apply through Washington Connection, Washington's official benefits portal. The same application typically covers Medicaid and TANF. Most decisions arrive within 30 days, faster for expedited cases.
Washington's LIHEAP runs as LIHEAP via Commerce. Apply through the state's energy assistance office during the program's seasonal window. Crisis benefits process within 48 hours.
Yes. Washington runs 2 notable state-specific programs including Basic Food (state-funded add-on to SNAP). State-funded programs often have different income limits than federal versions.
Washington sets Medicaid income limits within federal rules. For non-disabled adults the cap is typically 138% of the federal poverty level if the state expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Children's CHIP coverage extends higher, often 200% FPL or more.
Call 211 first. The United Way line will route you to local Emergency Rental Assistance funds, Washington Community Action Agencies, and faith-based emergency funds active in your county. Most local funds process applications faster than state programs.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We are not the Washington government, and we do not administer these programs. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
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