• Do I qualify for emergency food assistance?
• How do I get a food stamp application?
• What if I am denied emergency food stamps?

Do I qualify for emergency food assistance?

You qualify if you are otherwise eligible for either federal food stamps or the state food assistance program. For more information, see our publications WA Basic Food Program - General Eligibility Rules and Public Assistance for Immigrants.

AND

• You have less than $150 in gross income for the month and $100 or less in liquid resources (e.g.; cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, or a lump sum payment from a tax refund, retroactive Social Security or SSI).

  OR

• Your combined gross income and liquid resources are less than your current monthly rent and actual utility costs.

  OR

• Your household includes migrant or seasonal farm workers whose liquid resources do not exceed $100 and who are in need of immediate help to get food at the time of applying for food stamps.

If you qualify, DSHS must give you food stamps within 5 days following the day you submit an application (e.g., if you apply on the 1st, you should receive them by the 6th). Unlike cash emergency benefits, emergency food stamps are not limited to once a year.

How do I get a food stamp application?

1. Go to any DSHS office.

2. Call your local DSHS office and ask for a food stamp application to be sent to you. DSHS must send it the same day you call.

3. Apply on-line at https://wws2.wa.gov/dshs/onlinecso/

What if I am denied emergency food stamps?

If you are denied emergency food stamps and you think the denial is wrong, you may appeal it by asking for a fair hearing. You may ask for a fair hearing by writing to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 42489, Olympia, WA 98504 or by calling your local welfare office and asking for the Fair Hearing Coordinator. If it is an emergency, you may ask to have your hearing held as soon as possible by calling the Office of Administrative Hearings at (360) 664-8717 or 1-800-583-8271. This is called an "expedited" hearing. See our publication Representing Yourself at a Fair Hearing.