Step-by-step guidance to complete your benefit applications
Food assistance for low-income households
Free or low-cost health coverage
Earned Income Tax Credit refund
Nutrition for women, infants, children
Help with energy and heating bills
Health insurance for children
Monthly payments for disabled/elderly
Rental assistance vouchers
Cash assistance for families
College financial aid (no repayment)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps families buy groceries. Here's how to apply step by step.
Collect ID, income proof, and expense records
Before starting your application, gather these documents. Having them ready will make the process much faster.
If you don't have all documents, apply anyway! The office can help you get what's missing. Don't let paperwork stop you from getting help.
Go to your state's SNAP portal
Most states let you apply online. Find your state's portal and create an account.
For Washington State:
Apply on Washington Connection →If you need expedited benefits (food within 7 days), mention if you have less than $100 in resources AND income this month is less than your rent.
Phone or in-person interview with caseworker
After submitting your application, you'll be scheduled for an interview. Most states now do these by phone.
What to expect:
If you miss your interview, call back immediately to reschedule. They'll give you another chance.
Upload or mail required paperwork
After your interview, you may need to submit additional verification. You usually have 10 days to provide documents.
Ways to submit:
Take photos of documents with your phone and upload them. It's faster than mailing and you have proof of submission.
Get approved and start using benefits
Once approved, you'll receive an EBT card in the mail within 7-10 days. Benefits are loaded monthly.
Using your EBT card:
Many farmers markets accept EBT and some double your dollars! Ask about "SNAP Match" programs in your area.
Get instant answers to your SNAP questions via text message
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible individuals and families.
Income limits vary by household size
Medicaid eligibility is based on your income and household size. In most states, you qualify if your income is below 138% of the federal poverty level.
Even if you're slightly over the limit, apply anyway! Pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities often have higher income limits.
ID, income, and citizenship verification
Many documents can be verified electronically. If you're missing something, apply anyway and provide it later.
Submit your application
You can apply through Healthcare.gov, your state's Medicaid website, or by phone.
For Washington State:
Apply on WA Healthplanfinder →Or call: 1-855-923-4633 (TTY: 1-855-627-9604)
Applying online is fastest. You can often get approved same-day during open enrollment periods.
Select your managed care organization
Once approved, you'll need to choose a managed care plan. Each plan has different doctors and benefits.
If you don't choose a plan, one will be assigned to you. You can switch plans within the first 90 days.
Get your card and schedule appointments
Your Medicaid card will arrive in the mail. You can start using your coverage right away.
Keep your card with you at all times. If you lose it, call your plan to get a replacement.
Get instant answers to your Medicaid questions
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for working people with low to moderate income.
Must have earned income from work
To qualify for EITC, you must have earned income from a job or self-employment.
W-2s, 1099s, and other income records
Claim ALL qualifying children! Each child can add thousands to your refund. Children must live with you for more than half the year.
EITC is claimed on your tax return
You claim the EITC when you file your federal tax return. You don't need to apply separately.
Free filing options:
IRS Free File →Also try:
Never pay to file if your income is under $79,000. There are always free options available!
Direct deposit is fastest
EITC refunds are released by mid-February if you file early. Direct deposit gets you money in 2-3 weeks.
Track your refund at IRS.gov/Refunds or the IRS2Go mobile app. Don't pay for "rapid refund" loans — they charge high fees!
Get instant answers to your EITC questions
WIC provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5.
Pregnant, postpartum, or have children under 5
You may qualify if you are:
If you're on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically qualify for WIC income-wise!
Schedule an appointment
WIC requires an in-person appointment at a local clinic. Call to schedule.
Find Your State WIC Office →Washington State WIC: 1-800-322-2588
Many WIC offices have evening and Saturday hours. Ask about all available appointment times.
Bring documents and get assessed
Bring to your appointment:
At the appointment:
Shop for approved foods
WIC foods include:
Download the WICShopper app to scan products and see what's covered before you buy!
Get instant answers to your WIC questions
LIHEAP helps low-income households pay for heating, cooling, and energy costs.
Based on income and household size
Priority goes to households with elderly members, disabled individuals, or young children. If that's you, mention it!
Income, utility bills, and ID
Contact your Community Action agency
LIHEAP is administered locally. Find your agency and apply.
Find Your Local LIHEAP Agency →Washington State:
Apply early! LIHEAP funds run out fast each year. The program typically opens in October/November.
Payment goes directly to your utility company
Once approved, LIHEAP sends payment directly to your utility provider. You'll see a credit on your next bill.
Also ask about weatherization assistance! Many LIHEAP agencies can help insulate your home for free, reducing future bills.
Get instant answers to your LIHEAP questions
The Children's Health Insurance Program provides low-cost health coverage for children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.
Income limits are higher than Medicaid
CHIP covers children under 19 in families that earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.
Many states cover children up to 250-300% of the poverty level. Apply even if you think you make too much—you might be surprised!
Basic ID and income verification
Legal immigrant children can get CHIP in most states. Don't let immigration concerns stop you from applying for your children.
Same application as Medicaid
CHIP uses the same application as Medicaid. The system automatically determines which program your children qualify for.
Apply at Healthcare.gov →Or call: 1-800-318-2596 (24/7)
Washington State:
WA Healthplanfinder →Select doctors and use your child's coverage
Once approved, choose a health plan and your children can start using their coverage right away.
CHIP typically covers:
CHIP may have small copays ($5-20), but they're capped annually. No family will pay more than 5% of their income.
Get instant answers to your CHIP questions
Supplemental Security Income provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and seniors with limited income and resources.
Age, disability, and financial limits
You may qualify if you are:
AND you have:
Your home and one vehicle don't count toward the $2,000 resource limit. Neither do burial plots or life insurance under $1,500.
Medical records are critical
You'll need:
Request your medical records NOW. It can take weeks to get them. Don't wait until you're ready to apply.
Online, phone, or in-person
Ways to apply:
Start at SSA.gov →Or:
Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney. They work on contingency (no fee unless you win) and significantly increase approval chances.
Be prepared to appeal if denied
Initial decisions take 3-6 months. If denied, DON'T GIVE UP.
Important:
Keep seeing your doctors while waiting. New medical evidence strengthens your case on appeal.
Set up direct deposit
Once approved, you'll receive monthly payments. You may also get back pay from your application date.
SSI benefits include:
Some states add a supplement to federal SSI. Washington adds up to $74.58/month extra.
Get instant answers to your SSI questions
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps low-income families afford safe, decent housing in the private market.
Based on income and family size
Section 8 is for families earning less than 50% of the area median income (AMI). Priority goes to those under 30% AMI.
Elderly, disabled, and families with children often get priority. Apply everywhere—each housing authority has its own waitlist.
Most have long waitlists (1-5+ years)
Section 8 has limited funding. Most areas have waitlists that are often closed. Check multiple housing authorities.
Find Housing Authorities →Washington State Housing Authorities:
Apply to MULTIPLE housing authorities. Waitlists vary—some rural areas have shorter waits. Sign up for alerts when waitlists open.
Provide income and household info
Documents typically needed:
Keep a copy of everything you submit. Update the housing authority if you move—missing their letter means losing your spot!
Keep your info updated
Waitlists can be 1-5+ years. During this time:
While waiting, apply for other housing programs: public housing, LIHTC apartments, or nonprofit housing. Don't put all eggs in one basket.
You have 60-120 days to find a place
When your name comes up, you'll receive a voucher. Then you need to find a landlord who accepts Section 8.
Start looking for Section 8-friendly landlords BEFORE you get your voucher. Many areas have Section 8 landlord directories.
Get instant answers to your housing questions
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides cash assistance and support services to families with children.
Must have children under 18 in household
Basic requirements:
TANF has work requirements for most adults. You'll need to participate in job training, job search, or community service. Exemptions exist for some situations.
ID, income, and child verification
Same portal as SNAP in most states
Apply through your state's benefits portal. In Washington, use Washington Connection:
Apply on Washington Connection →Or call: 1-877-501-2233
Apply for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid all at once. It's the same application and you may qualify for multiple programs.
Meet with caseworker
You'll have an interview and create an Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) outlining your path to self-sufficiency.
The plan may include:
TANF can pay for childcare while you work or attend training. Ask about childcare assistance!
Cash loaded to EBT card
TANF cash is loaded to an EBT card monthly. You can withdraw cash at ATMs or use it for purchases.
Washington TANF amounts (2024):
There's a 60-month lifetime limit on TANF. Use this time to build skills and find stable employment. Take advantage of all the support services offered!
Get instant answers to your TANF questions
Pell Grants provide free money for college that you NEVER have to pay back. It's the largest federal grant program for students.
Based on financial need and enrollment
Basic requirements:
Everyone should fill out the FAFSA, even if you think you won't qualify. You might be surprised, and it's required for all federal aid.
Your login for federal student aid
Before you can fill out the FAFSA, you need an FSA ID. This is your electronic signature.
Create FSA ID →You'll need:
If you're a dependent student, your parent also needs their own FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Apply as early as possible—some aid is first-come, first-served.
Fill Out FAFSA →Have ready:
Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to automatically import your tax info. It's faster and reduces errors.
See what you qualify for
Within a few weeks, you'll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) and financial aid offers from schools you listed.
Review your SAR for:
Pell Grants are FREE MONEY. Loans are NOT. Don't confuse them! Accept grants first, then decide on loans.
Complete school enrollment requirements
Accept your Pell Grant through your school's financial aid portal. The money goes directly to your school for tuition, fees, and housing.
If grant exceeds your costs:
You must reapply for FAFSA every year! Set a reminder for October 1. Also, maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep your aid.
Get instant answers to your financial aid questions