Washington State SNAP Payments Ending, Max $1,751 for January

The distribution of food stamps to residents of Washington state for January will cease tomorrow under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Food stamp payments in the state, referred to as the Basic Food Program, are disbursed between January 1 and January 20. 

The payment schedule is typically determined by the date on which recipients applied for benefits, with the specific payment arrival dates outlined in the approval letter once a household qualifies for SNAP.

Who Is Eligible For SNAP Benefits?

To qualify for SNAP in Washington, residents must adhere to specific income criteria. 

The gross monthly income for a household should generally not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level. 

The income limits vary, with a household of one having a maximum limit of $1,945 per month, a household of three limited to $3,299 per month, and a household of five capped at $4,652 per month.

The maximum monthly benefits a household can receive depend on its size. 

For example, a household of one can receive up to $291, a household of five can receive a maximum of $1,155, and a household of eight can receive a maximum of $1,751. 

Additionally, households can receive a maximum of $219 for each additional person after eight. These figures are based on the recent cost-of-living adjustments for 2023-24.

In Washington state, approximately 11% of the population, equivalent to 874,500 people, receives food stamps, as reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 

The average payment per household member per month is $168.

Washington State Food Stamp Disbursements

In the state of Washington, food stamp disbursements occur between January 1 and January 20. 

The state’s SNAP program, known as the Basic Food Program, typically releases payments based on the application date of recipients. 

Upon qualification for SNAP, the approved payment arrival dates will be specified in the approval letter sent to the household.