If your income goes over the eligibility level, and you forget to report it for a couple of months, you may owe DSHS money back for the benefits you used that you were not eligible for. To avoid this, follow the rules and report any income changes by the 10th of the following month.

You’ll receive benefits if your household is eligible based on your income. Basic Food benefits are certified for up to 12 months. Basic Food households must report when their income increases to over 130% of the federal poverty level. Households do not have to report any other income changes until the mid-certification review (6 months)

If you qualify, your benefits start from the date your application is received.

Unfortunately, due to staffing shortages at DSHS, it has been difficult for applicants to get through to DSHS and the wait times on the phone have been long. These tips can help you secure your interview faster: Call in the morning right when they open at 8 a.m. Avoid calling on Mondays Avoid calling the

Generally, Basic Food Applications are processed within 30 days. Depending on circumstances, some households may be eligible to receive basic food benefits within seven calendar days of DSHS receiving your application. Some conditions where you may qualify for expedited service: If you have gross monthly income under $150 and have available liquid resources (cash, bank

After submitting an application, DSHS requires an eligibility interview by phone or in person to verify the info on your application. During the interview, DSHS will: Explain program rules Ask you questions about the information on your application Ask you for proof of your identity and family income Give you a copy of your rights

Firstly, our friendly, non-judgmental staff will work with you and your schedule to fill out the application over the phone. If you get disconnected or need to reschedule, we will accommodate and adjust. We will pre-screen you to determine if you are eligible before we start the application process, which can save you time and

No, there are several different ways to apply: The fastest way is to apply online at washingtonconnection.org. If you call us, this is where we submit your application for you. You can also mail in a paper application form to: DSHS Customer Service Center PO Box 11699 Tacoma, WA 98411-6699. Click to access the paper

For the application you need: Your social security number Monthly income information for all working individuals in your household Employment information for all working individuals in your household Monthly housing expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, car loan payments, medical costs) During your DSHS interview you’ll need to provide proof of identity which could be any of

Your household size is the number of people you share groceries, cook with, and eat meals together. If you live with housemates, but shop and prepare your meals separately, your housemates are not included in your Basic Food benefits. You should list them on your application, but check the box that says “exclude from benefits.”