Documents You’ll Typically Need for Washington SNAP (Food Stamps)

If you’re getting ready to apply for Washington SNAP benefits (also called Basic Food), having the right documents ready can save you time and help your case move more smoothly.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains the common documents Washington households are usually asked to provide, why they’re needed, and what to do if you do not have everything. This site is not a government agency or application portal, but it can help you understand what to expect before you contact Washington’s official offices.

Quick Overview: What Is Washington SNAP / Basic Food?

In Washington State, SNAP is usually called Basic Food. It’s a nutrition assistance program that provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries.

The program is run by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). You typically apply through:

• The official state benefits website, or
• A local Community Services Office (CSO), or
• The DSHS Customer Service Center by phone.

Each household’s situation is different, but most people will be asked for similar types of documents during the application and verification process.

Who Typically Qualifies for Washington SNAP?

Eligibility for Washington Basic Food usually depends on:

• Household size
• Monthly income (earned and unearned)
• Expenses (like rent, utilities, and sometimes medical costs for certain groups)
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Where you live (you must live in Washington State)

Certain groups may have special rules, such as:

• People who are 60 or older
• People with certain disabilities
• College students
• Some non-citizens with eligible immigration status

The local DSHS office or the official state benefits portal reviews your application, requests documents, and makes the final eligibility decision.

The Main Categories of Documents You’ll Usually Need

Most Washington SNAP applicants are asked to verify:

1. Identity
2. Residency in Washington
3. Household composition
4. Income
5. Expenses
6. Citizenship or immigration status (when applicable)
7. Social Security numbers (or proof of applying)

You may not need every single document listed in this article, but this is a good starting checklist for what to gather before you start an application.

Identity Documents

Washington SNAP programs almost always require proof of identity for at least one person in the household (and often for all adults).

Common documents that may be accepted:

• State ID card or driver license
• U.S. passport
• Birth certificate
• Military ID
• Tribal ID
• School ID (for students)
• Employer ID badge
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

If you do not have a photo ID, the local office may sometimes accept other documents combined, such as:

• Social Security card
• Medical or insurance card
• Official mail addressed to you
• A sworn statement from someone who knows you (if allowed by the local office)

Because rules and flexibility can vary, it’s best to ask your local DSHS office what they can accept if you do not have standard ID.

Proof of Washington Residency

You typically must show that you live in Washington State.

Common documents include:

• Current lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Recent utility bill (electric, water, gas, garbage, internet, phone)
• Official mail from a government agency
• Property tax bill
• Letter from a shelter or social service agency confirming you stay there
• Letter from the person you live with, sometimes called a “statement of residence,” if you are staying with friends or family (the local office may have a preferred format)

If you are experiencing homelessness, you can usually still qualify. In that case, talk with the local DSHS office about what they will accept as proof of where you stay.

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

For most people who are applying, the agency will usually ask for:

• Social Security numbers for each person in the household who is applying, or
• Proof you have applied for an SSN, if you do not have one yet but are eligible for one

Typical documents:

• Social Security card
• Official letter from the Social Security Administration
• Pay stub or tax form showing your full SSN (if allowed by the local office)

Some non-citizens who are not eligible for an SSN may have different documentation rules. In those cases, it is especially important to contact the local office or official hotline to understand what is required.

Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status (When Needed)

Citizenship and immigration documentation is generally needed for each person in the household who is applying for SNAP benefits.

For U.S. citizens, common documents include:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad

For eligible non-citizens, the local office may request:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• I-94 arrival/departure record
• Refugee or asylee documents
• Other immigration papers that show status and dates of entry

Immigration rules for SNAP can be complex. If you are unsure, you can:

• Ask the DSHS Customer Service Center what is needed in your situation
• Speak with a legal aid organization that helps with public benefits and immigration

Proof of Household Composition (Who Lives With You)

Agencies usually need to confirm who lives and eats together in your household.

Documents that may help:

• Lease or rental agreement listing household members
• Mail addressed to household members at the same address
• School records showing a child’s address
• Birth certificates (to show relationship, such as parent and child)
• Court documents related to custody or guardianship
• Written statement from your landlord or someone you live with (if allowed)

For many families, household composition is verified through a combination of your interview answers and supporting documents.

Proof of Income

Income is one of the most important parts of a Washington SNAP application. You will usually be asked to provide proof of all income sources for everyone in the household who works or receives money.

Earned Income (Jobs and Self-Employment)

For regular employment, common documents include:

• Pay stubs (usually the last 30 days, sometimes more)
• Employment verification form, if requested by the local office
• Statement from your employer with your hours and pay rate
• Recent tax return (if income is stable and consistent)

For self-employment, you may be asked for:

• Recent tax returns and schedules
• Business records, invoices, or receipts
• Bank statements showing deposits
• Written log of earnings and expenses, if formal documents are not available

Unearned Income

Unearned income might include:

• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security (retirement, survivors, disability)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Veterans benefits
• Workers’ compensation
• Pensions or retirement income
• Child support or alimony received
• Cash assistance (such as TANF)

Typical proof:

• Award letters or benefit approval notices
• Bank statements showing deposits
• Payment stubs from unemployment or pension programs
• Child support enforcement printouts

If you receive cash from friends or family, explain this during your SNAP interview and ask what kind of documentation is needed. Sometimes a written statement from the person who helps you may be requested.

Proof of Expenses (To Help Maximize Your Benefits)

Certain household expenses can lower your countable income and may increase your SNAP benefit amount. The local agency will usually want to verify these expenses.

Housing Costs

Common documents for housing expenses include:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Rent receipts
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax bill
• Homeowners insurance bill

Utility Costs

Utilities that may be considered include:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water and sewer
• Garbage
• Heating fuel or oil
• Telephone or cell phone (in some cases)
• Internet (depending on local policies)

Typical proof:

• Most recent utility bills
• Shut-off notices, if those are the only records you have

If utilities are included in your rent, your lease or a letter from the landlord may be enough.

Child Care or Dependent Care Costs

If you pay for child care or care for an adult who cannot care for themselves so you can work or attend training, you may be able to deduct these expenses.

Documents may include:

• Receipts from the babysitter, daycare, or care agency
• Written statement from the provider with the amount and dates paid

Medical Expenses for Certain Households

For people who are 60 or older or who have certain disabilities, out-of-pocket medical expenses may help reduce countable income.

Common documents:

• Pharmacy printouts or receipts
• Medical or dental bills
• Health insurance premium statements
• Receipts for medical equipment or supplies
• Transportation or mileage records for medical visits (if accepted by the local office)

Ask your local DSHS office to clarify which medical expenses they consider and what type of proof is required.

Summary Table: Typical Documents for Washington SNAP

Requirements may vary by household situation and local office, so this table is a general guide, not an official checklist.

How and Where to Apply for Washington SNAP

You do not apply or submit documents through HowToGetAssistance.org. To start an official application in Washington, people typically:

1. Apply online through the official Washington benefits portal (operated by DSHS).
2. Apply by phone through the DSHS Customer Service Center.
3. Apply in person at a local Community Services Office (CSO).
4. In some cases, submit a paper application by mail, fax, or drop-off at a local office.

If you are not sure where to start:

• Call 211 to be connected to local information and referrals.
• Look up “Washington DSHS Basic Food” using a trusted search engine to find the official state website.
• Call a local DSHS office and ask about the safest way to apply.

What Happens After You Apply

After you submit your SNAP/Basic Food application through official Washington channels, a few common steps usually follow:

1. Acknowledgment/Receipt
   The agency records your application date, which can affect when benefits start if you are approved.

2. Document Requests
   If any documents are missing or unclear, you may receive a request for information with a deadline. It is important to respond by the due date or ask for help if you need more time.

3. Interview
   Most applicants have a phone or in-person interview with a DSHS worker. During the interview, they may:

   • Confirm your household members, income, and expenses
   • Ask clarifying questions
   • Let you know what other documents are needed

4. Eligibility Decision
   After your information is reviewed, the agency sends a notice of approval or denial. If approved, the notice often describes:

   • Your monthly benefit amount
   • The start and end dates of your certification period
   • Any follow-up requirements

If you do not understand a letter or notice, you can call your local DSHS office or the program’s official hotline to ask for an explanation.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Understanding typical problems can help you avoid them. Some common issues include:

• Missing documents (for example, no proof of income or residency)
• Incomplete application forms
• Not completing the interview
• Not responding to a request for more information by the deadline
• Income over the program limit for your household size
• Unclear household information, such as who buys and prepares food together
• Unverified immigration or citizenship status for those applying

If you receive a notice that you are denied or your case is closed and you disagree, read the letter carefully. It normally explains:

• Why the decision was made
• How to request a hearing or appeal
• Deadlines for taking action

You can also ask for help from legal aid organizations or community-based social service agencies that assist with public benefits.

What If You Don’t Have All the Documents?

Many people worry that they cannot apply because they’re missing papers. In Washington:

• You can usually submit an application first, then provide documents later.
• If you do not have a specific document, the agency may accept alternative proof or help you figure out options.
• If getting documents is difficult (for example, due to homelessness, domestic violence, or a disaster), let the caseworker or local office know. There may be extra flexibility or special procedures.

If you are facing an emergency situation with very low income and limited resources, you can ask about expedited SNAP. This can sometimes lead to faster processing if you meet certain criteria, but it still requires providing as much information and documentation as you can.

If You Don’t Qualify for Washington SNAP

If you are not eligible for Basic Food or your benefits are very small, you can look into other forms of support:

• Local food banks and pantries
• Community meal programs
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for pregnant/postpartum individuals and young children
• School meal programs for children (free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch)
• Faith-based or community assistance organizations

You can call 211 to ask about food resources and other assistance programs in your area.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels and Avoid Scams

Because SNAP benefits are valuable, there are sometimes scams that target applicants or current recipients. To stay safe:

• Do not pay anyone to apply for Washington SNAP. Legitimate applications through DSHS are typically free.
• Be cautious of websites that ask for credit card numbers or charge an “application fee.”
• Verify that you are on an official state website (look for government branding and contact information that matches DSHS).
• If someone calls, texts, or emails you asking for your EBT card number or PIN, do not share it. Contact your local DSHS office or the EBT customer service number listed on the back of your card instead.
• If in doubt, call DSHS directly using a phone number you look up yourself, or dial 211 to ask how to find the correct agency.

Getting your documents ready for Washington SNAP / Basic Food can feel like a lot, but organizing items in these main categories—identity, residency, income, expenses, and household details—usually puts you in a strong position. When you are ready, use the official Washington benefits portal, local DSHS office, or hotline to start your application and ask specific questions about what they will accept in your situation.