Where to Start Your process

In Washington State, you explore for SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition information Program, formerly called food stamps) through the Department of Social and Health Services, or DSHS. You have three ways to submit your process: online through the Washington Connection portal, by mail, or in person at your local DSHS office. Most people find the online route fastest because you get a confirmation number when ready and can track your case status without waiting on hold.

The Washington Connection portal is at washingtonconnection.org. You'll create an account with your email and a password, then answer questions about your household size, income, and expenses. The system will tell you right away whether you appear to meet the income limits for your household size. If you explore online, DSHS typically contacts you within 3 to 5 business days to verify information or ask for documents.

If you don't have internet access or prefer to explore in person, call 1-877-501-2233 to find the DSHS office nearest you. You can also mail a paper process—DSHS will send you one by mail if you call, or you can read it from the DSHS website. Paper applications take longer to process, usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • explore online at washingtonconnection.org, by phone at 1-877-501-2233, or in person at your local DSHS office; online is usually fastest.
  • You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, income, and expenses—have recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements ready before you start.
  • DSHS will contact you within 3 to 5 business days of an online process to verify information and request documents you haven't uploaded yet.
  • Once approved, your benefits load onto an EBT card within 7 to 10 days; emergency benefits may arrive within 7 days if you meet certain conditions.
  • You must report changes in income, household size, or address within 10 days, or your benefits may stop or be reduced.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start your process. You'll need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof that you live in Washington State (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your household's income for the last 30 days. Income proof can be recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or bank statements showing deposits.

If anyone in your household is self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years and bank statements showing business income. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, disability, or child support, bring the most recent statement or award letter showing the monthly amount. If you have no income, you can still explore—DSHS will ask about resources like savings or help from family members.

You'll also need to report your expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare costs, and medical expenses if anyone in your household is elderly or disabled. Have those bills or receipts ready. If you don't have all documents on the day you explore, you can upload them later through your Washington Connection account or bring them to your local office within 10 days.

Completing the Online process Step by Step

Go to washingtonconnection.org and click "Create Account." Enter your email address and create a password. You'll receive a confirmation email—click the link to set up your account. Log back in and select "explore for Benefits." Choose SNAP from the list of programs.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. Then it asks about your household: who lives with you, their ages, and their relationship to you. Be accurate here because household size determines your income limit. Next, you'll enter income for everyone in your household over the last 30 days—wages, self-employment income, unemployment, Social Security, child support, or any other money coming in.

The system will ask about expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare, and medical costs. It will also ask whether anyone in your household is elderly (60 or older) or disabled, because that changes how expenses are counted. At the end, you'll upload documents—take photos of your pay stubs, lease, and utility bill with your phone and upload them directly. If you can't upload, you can mail or bring them later.

Review your answers, then submit. You'll get a confirmation number and a message telling you what happens next. Write down the confirmation number and save it.

What Happens After You Submit

DSHS will send you a message through your Washington Connection account within 3 to 5 business days. The message will either ask for more documents, tell you that you've been approved, or explain why your case cannot move forward. Check your account regularly—DSHS prefers to contact you through the portal rather than by phone or mail.

If DSHS asks for documents, upload them through your account as soon as you can. If you can't upload, you can mail them to the address DSHS provides or bring them to your local office. You have 10 days to send documents before DSHS closes your case. If you miss the important date, you can reapply.

Once DSHS approves your case, your EBT card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 days. The card looks like a debit card and works at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. Your benefits load onto the card on the first business day of each month. If you meet certain conditions—such as having very low income and no resources—you may receive emergency benefits within 7 days of approval.

Using Your EBT Card and Reporting Changes

Your EBT card works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other food items. You cannot buy prepared foods, hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. At the checkout, tell the cashier you're paying with SNAP, insert or swipe your card, and enter your PIN (which comes with your card in the mail).

You must report changes to DSHS within 10 days. Changes include a new job or job loss, a change in income amount, someone moving into or out of your household, a new address, or a change in your phone number or email. Report changes through your Washington Connection account, by calling 1-877-501-2233, or in person at your local office. If you don't report changes, your benefits may stop or be reduced, and you may have to repay money.

Your case is reviewed every 12 months. DSHS will send you a notice asking you to recertify—that means you'll submit updated income and expense information to stay on the program. If you don't recertify by the important date, your benefits stop. You can recertify online, by mail, or in person.

If Your process Is Denied

If DSHS denies your case, the notice will explain why. Common reasons include income above the limit for your household size, not providing required documents within 10 days, or not being a Washington State resident. Read the notice carefully to understand the reason.

You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. The notice will explain how to request a hearing and the important date—usually 30 days from the date of the notice. You can request a hearing through your Washington Connection account, by mail, or by phone. At the hearing, you can explain your situation and provide documents that weren't available when you first applied.

If your income is above the limit, you can reapply after your circumstances change—for example, if you lose a job or your hours are cut. If you didn't provide documents in time, you can reapply and submit them with your new process.

Getting Help With Your process

If you get stuck during the online process, call 1-877-501-2233. DSHS staff can answer questions about what documents you need, how to upload files, or what income to report. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Wait times can be long during the first week of the month, so call early in the day if you can.

You can also visit your local DSHS office in person. Staff there can help you fill out the process, answer questions, and accept documents. Find your office at dshs.wa.gov or by calling the main number. Some community organizations and food banks also help people explore for SNAP—call 2-1-1 (dial 211) to find local help near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications are usually processed within 3 to 5 business days. Paper applications take 2 to 3 weeks. Once you're approved, your EBT card arrives in 7 to 10 days. If you meet emergency conditions, you may receive benefits within 7 days of approval.

Can I explore if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen to receive SNAP in Washington. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories. Bring your immigration documents when you explore so DSHS can verify your status.

What if my income is too high?

Income limits vary by household size. For a single person, the limit is about $1,500 per month; for a family of four, it's about $3,100. If your income is above the limit, you don't meet the requirements. You can reapply if your income drops later.

Do I have to work to get SNAP?

Most adults ages 18 to 49 without dependents must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP for more than three months in a three-year period. Parents, elderly people, and people with disabilities have different rules. DSHS will explain the work requirement when you explore.

What if I move to a different state?

Your SNAP benefits stop when you move out of Washington. You must explore in your new state. Contact the SNAP office in your new state to start the process. Your EBT card will not work in other states after your case closes.