How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Washington State

Renewing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Washington is something most households must do regularly to keep receiving food benefits. This process is often called recertification, renewal, or redetermination.

This guide explains how SNAP renewal typically works in Washington, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state agencies. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only and is not a government office, application portal, or benefits provider.

SNAP Renewal in Washington: The Basics

In Washington, SNAP is usually managed through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). To keep your benefits going, you must complete a recertification before your current certification period ends.

Key points:

• You cannot renew SNAP through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• You must renew through official Washington State channels (usually DSHS).
• If you miss your renewal deadline, your benefits may stop, and you may have to reapply instead of recertifying.

Most households need to recertify every 6 to 12 months, though the exact length can vary by situation.

Who Needs to Recertify SNAP in Washington?

Almost everyone receiving SNAP in Washington must recertify, including:

• Individuals and families with earned income
• Unemployed adults
• Older adults and people with disabilities
• Households with children
• People receiving other benefits (such as TANF or SSI) along with SNAP

Your Certification Period (how long your approval lasts) is listed:

• On your approval notice
• On recertification reminder letters from DSHS
• Sometimes in your online benefits account, if you use the state’s portal

If you are unsure whether you need to recertify, you can contact:

• Your local DSHS Community Services Office (CSO), or
• The official DSHS customer service line

When to Renew: Timelines and Deadlines

It’s important to recertify before your certification period ends.

Typical timing:

• DSHS usually sends a renewal or recertification notice about 30–45 days before your current benefits are set to end.
• You are usually expected to submit the renewal form by the due date on the notice.
• Some households must also complete an interview before the deadline.

If you submit everything on time and complete any required interview, your benefits are more likely to continue without interruption.

If you miss the recertification deadline:

• Your SNAP benefits may stop at the end of your current certification period.
• You may have to file a new SNAP application instead of a simpler renewal.
• This can cause a gap in benefits, even if you still qualify.

How to Renew SNAP in Washington

In Washington, there are usually three main ways to recertify SNAP:

1. Online
2. By mail or fax
3. In person or by phone

The exact options can vary by county and by how your original case was set up, so it’s always best to check your recertification notice or call your local DSHS office.

1. Renewing SNAP Online

Many Washington households can recertify SNAP using the state’s official online benefits portal.

Typical steps:

1. Log in to your online account (or create one if you have not used it before).
2. Go to your SNAP case or benefits summary.
3. Look for options such as:
   • “Renew Benefits”
   • “Recertify SNAP”
   • “Submit Change/Review”
4. Complete the online renewal form, making sure to:
   • Update any income changes
   • Update household members
   • Update address, phone, and email
   • Confirm expenses like rent, utilities, and child care
5. Upload any required documents if the portal allows (or be prepared to send them by mail, fax, or in person).

Online recertification can be convenient if you:

• Have steady internet access
• Can scan or upload documents
• Prefer to complete the form on your own schedule

2. Renewing SNAP by Mail or Fax

If you prefer paper, or if online access is difficult, you can typically renew SNAP in Washington by mail or fax.

Typical process:

1. Watch your mail for a recertification/renewal packet from DSHS.
2. Carefully read the instructions and due dates.
3. Complete and sign the renewal form:
   • Answer all questions as fully as possible.
   • Update changes since your last application/recertification.
4. Gather supporting documents (see the document list below).
5. Mail or fax everything to the address or fax number listed on your notice or on the form.

Tip:
📌 Keep copies of your completed form and any documents you send, in case anything gets lost or needs to be verified.

3. Renewing SNAP In Person or By Phone

Some people prefer to handle recertification directly with staff:

• You can usually visit your local DSHS Community Services Office (CSO) to ask about renewal options, get forms, or turn in paperwork.
• Some offices may offer phone interviews and accept documents by fax or drop box.

Availability, walk-in rules, and appointment requirements vary by office, so it’s a good idea to:

• Call your local DSHS office first.
• Ask about current hours, appointment policies, and document drop-off options.

Information and Documents Commonly Needed for Renewal

When you recertify SNAP in Washington, you are confirming that you still meet the program’s rules. DSHS will usually ask for updated information and sometimes new documentation.

Here’s what you may need:

Personal and Household Information

• Names of everyone in your household
• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers (if applicable)
• Citizenship or immigration status information (if requested)
• Current address and mailing address
• Phone number and email (if you have one)

Income and Work

You may be asked to provide:

• Recent pay stubs (for the last 30 days or more)
• Employer letters confirming hours and wages
• Self-employment records, such as:
  • Invoices
  • Profit-and-loss records
  • Bank statements
• Proof of:
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Social Security (retirement or disability)
  • Pensions
  • Child support received
  • Other regular income

Housing and Utilities

You may need documents showing your monthly costs, such as:

• Lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement
• Rent receipts
• Property tax bill (if you own your home)
• Homeowner’s insurance bill
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash)
• Heating or cooling costs, if separate

Other Expenses (May Help You Qualify for More)

You may also want to provide:

• Child care or adult care payment receipts
• Medical expenses for older adults or people with disabilities (for example:
  • Prescription receipts
  • Medical bills
  • Health insurance premiums
• Court-ordered child support payments you make

Quick Reference: Common SNAP Renewal Documents in Washington

Your renewal notice or local DSHS office can tell you exactly what they need for your household.

The SNAP Recertification Interview in Washington

Many households must complete a recertification interview as part of the renewal process. This can often be done:

• By phone, or
• In person at a local office

During the interview, a DSHS worker typically:

• Reviews your household members
• Confirms your current income
• Asks about expenses like rent and utilities
• Checks whether your situation has changed (job, household size, medical costs, etc.)
• May request additional documents if something is missing or unclear

To prepare:

• Have your documents nearby, especially:
  • Pay stubs
  • Rent or mortgage info
  • Utility bills
• Write down any changes since your last application:
  • New job or lost job
  • New household member or someone who moved out
  • New or changed expenses

If you cannot attend the scheduled interview, contact DSHS as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing the interview can delay your renewal and might cause your benefits to stop.

What Happens After You Submit Your SNAP Renewal?

After you turn in your recertification form and complete any required interview, DSHS will review your case.

Typically, you can expect:

1. Review of your information

   • DSHS checks your income, household size, and expenses against SNAP rules.

2. Request for more information (if needed)

   • If something is missing, they may send a “pending” notice or contact you for more documents.
   • These requests usually come with a deadline. Missing it can delay or stop your recertification.

3. Decision notice

   • You should receive a written notice telling you:
     • Whether your SNAP is approved, denied, or changed (increased or decreased benefit amount).
     • The start and end dates of your new certification period.
     • Any rights to appeal if you disagree.

4. Benefits on your EBT card

   • If you are approved and recertified on time, your EBT card usually keeps working without interruption.
   • If your recertification is late, you might see a gap before benefits load again.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewal Gets Delayed or Denied in Washington

Delays or denials often happen because of missing information or changes that affect eligibility. Some common issues include:

• Not returning the renewal form on time
• Missing or incomplete information on the form
• Not completing the required interview
• Missing documents, such as:
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of rent or utilities
• Income now too high for SNAP eligibility
• Household changes not clearly reported or documented
• Not responding to requests for additional information by the deadline

If your benefits are denied or end after recertification, read your notice carefully. It should explain:

• The reason for the decision
• The effective date
• How to appeal if you think there was an error

If You Disagree With a SNAP Renewal Decision

If you believe your SNAP renewal in Washington was wrongly denied, cut, or terminated, you generally have the right to ask for a hearing.

Typical steps:

1. Check your denial or change notice for:
   • Deadline to request a hearing
   • How to submit the request (usually by mail, fax, or in person to DSHS)
2. Submit a written request for a hearing by the deadline listed.
3. You may be able to request that your benefits continue while the appeal is decided, but this can depend on:
   • How quickly you request the hearing
   • The type of decision being appealed

You may also get help from:

• Legal aid organizations in Washington
• Local community or advocacy groups
• Social service agencies that assist with benefits

They can sometimes help you understand the decision, gather documents, or prepare for a hearing.

What If You Miss the Deadline or Can’t Recertify on Time?

Life happens, and sometimes people miss renewal dates. If this happens in Washington:

• Your SNAP benefits may stop at the end of your certification period.
• You may need to submit a new application instead of just renewing.
• There may be a waiting period while your new application is processed.

If your situation is urgent and you have little or no income, you can ask the local office or hotline about expedited SNAP. Eligibility for expedited processing depends on factors like:

• Very low or no income
• Very low cash on hand
• Extremely high shelter costs compared to income

DSHS staff can explain whether you might qualify for faster processing under the program’s official rules.

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP in Washington

If your SNAP is denied or closed after recertification and you don’t qualify anymore, you may still have options for food assistance.

You can look into:

• Local food banks and pantries
  • Many communities in Washington have non-profit organizations, churches, and community centers that provide free groceries.
• Community meal programs
  • Soup kitchens or community meal sites sometimes offer free or low-cost meals.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
  • For pregnant people, new parents, and young children, if you meet WIC’s separate rules.
• School meal programs
  • If you have children, check whether they can receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

You can dial 211 in most parts of Washington to talk with an operator who can help connect you with local food resources and other assistance programs.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because SNAP deals with personal information and benefits, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing only with legitimate government offices and portals.

To stay safe:

• Use only official state websites:
  • Look for “.gov” in the web address, or use known state portals referenced on DSHS materials.
• Be cautious of:
  • Websites or social media pages that ask for your Social Security number, EBT card number, or PIN and are not clearly government sites.
  • Anyone who charges a fee to “guarantee approval” or “expedite” your SNAP renewal.
• Remember:
  • State agencies do not charge to apply for or renew SNAP.
  • Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone, including people claiming to “help.”

If in doubt:

• Call the official DSHS customer service line or your local Community Services Office directly, using phone numbers found on:
  • Your approval or renewal letters
  • Your EBT paperwork
  • The official DSHS website (entered manually, not via random pop-ups or ads)

Key Takeaways for Renewing SNAP in Washington

• You must recertify periodically to keep receiving SNAP in Washington.
• Recertification is handled by Washington DSHS, not by HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Watch for renewal notices and deadlines in your mail or online account.
• Common renewal methods:
  • Online through the official state portal
  • By mail or fax using the recertification forms
  • In person or by phone with your local DSHS office
• Have income, housing, and expense documents ready to avoid delays.
• If you disagree with a decision, you usually have the right to request a hearing.
• If you lose SNAP, consider local food banks, WIC, and other community resources.

For the most current, case-specific instructions, always rely on your official DSHS notices, your local office, and the state’s official benefits portal.