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Basic Food Eligibility Pre-Screening Tool for Students

All students have the right to be free from hunger. Basic Foods is here to help students meet their basic needs, stay in school, and reach their goals. The Basic Food program is Washington State’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that helps millions of Americans put food on the table. With Basic Food benefits, a student living in a single person household may receive up to $194 per month for groceries. If you qualify for Basic Food, you will receive an electronic debit (EBT) card, which can be used in most grocery stores and even farmers markets. 

Please fill out the pre-screening questionnaire to determine your Basic Food Eligibility. 

If you have any questions or comments, contact us at benefitshub@uwkc.org.

Which school do you go to?*

Household and Income:


A “household” for Basic Food consists of individuals who live together in the same residence and who purchase and prepare food together. For example, if you are living away from your parent(s) and only buy and cook meals for yourself, you are considered a household of 1, even if you live with roommates. 

To be eligible for Basic Food, your monthly gross income must be at or below the income requirement for your given household size. Gross income is a household’s income before any applicable deductions are applied. It is important to note that financial aid, school grants, and scholarships are not counted as income. 


Those to be included in Basic Food household:

  • All people in the household who buy food or prepares meals together
  • Applicant's spouse
  • Applicant's child(ren) under age 22 living at the residence (even if the child is married)
  • Applicant's parents living in the residence if the applicant is under age 22

Those not included in Basic Food household:

  • Housemates who do not share food with the applicant
  • Unborn child(ren)
  • Military personnel who are deployed

Income:

To be eligible for Basic Food, your monthly gross income must be at or below the income requirement for your given household size. Gross income is a household’s income before any applicable deductions are applied. All income counts towards Basic Food eligibility. This includes gross income from a job (including tips, commissions, and bonuses), Self-Employment Net Income, Social Security, Supplemental Security income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Labor & Industries Income (L&I), VA Benefits, Unemployment Benefits, Rental Income, and Child Support/Alimony. 

For a list of all educational income that is and is not counted towards Basic Food income eligibility click here

Please enter your gross income and household size below.

Would you like to know more information on the household and income requirements?
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
Do you reside in Washington State?*
As long as you are living in Washington State and have the intent on residing here, you meet the Washington State Residency requirement.
What is your citizenship status?*
Would you like more information on the citizenship status requirement?

Citizenship:

Additionally, to be eligible for Basic Food you must meet the citizenship criteria. If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. National; Lawful Permanent Resident; Cuban or Haitian entrant; have been granted asylum; are a refugee; or a victim of human trafficking, or DACA recipient you may be eligible for Basic Food. Unfortunately, undocumented individuals, and non-qualified immigrants (Visas, tourists, exchange students) are not eligible for Basic Food.



Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach,click here

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here 

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here 

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here 

Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here 

Cannot determine eligibility at this time

Based on the answers that you provided, we cannot determine if you are eligible for Basic Food at this time. Basic Food applicants must be a Washington State resident to receive benefits. If you recently moved into Washington and received SNAP in another state, you must first cancel your out-of-state food benefits before you can apply for food benefits in Washington. For more information you can schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach here or you can visit the 211 website here. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. 

Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?
Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?*
Name*
Please press "submit" at the bottom of the page when you are finished

Student Eligibility Criteria

The Department of Social and Health Services define someone as a student if they are within the age range of 18-49, are physically and mentally able to work, and are enrolled at least part time in an institution of higher education. To be a part time student you must be taking at least 6 credits or more.

What is your current enrollment status?*
Are you employed in paid employment at least 80 hours per month or an average of 20 hours per week?*
Are you self employed and working 20 hours per week, and receiving income equal to 20 hours a week at federal minimum wage?*
Did you receive a Federal Work Study offer in your financial aid package?*
Do you receive TANF or SFA benefits?*
Are you a parent/guardian caring for and living with a child under age 6?*
Are you a single parent attending school on a full-time basis and responsible for the care of a child who is age eleven or younger?*
Are you participating in the Basic Food Employment Training (BFET) program, the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), an approved state or local employment and training program, or the WorkFirst program?*

You May be Eligible for Basic Food

From your answers, it seems that you may be eligible for the Basic Food program! For further information and application assistance, you can schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach by clicking here.

If you would like to start the application process on your own, you can apply for Basic Food by clicking here. Additionally, a step-by-step guide that will assist you with the online application process can be accessed here.

Please have these documents ready when you begin your Basic Food application:

  • Proof of financial aid - formal financial aid disbursement form, and/or federal work study
  • Rent/lease agreement * - formal rent/lease agreement, informal rent/lease letter, or a utility bill. Must be dated with amount paid and contact info for payee
  • Proof of income
  • Social security number - you will not need the card
  • Identification card


Most Likely Ineligible for Basic Food

Based on the answers that you provided, you are most likely ineligible to sign up for basic food at this time. For further food/housing resources that may be available to you, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/covid-19-resources/. If you have any questions, send us a message at benefitshub@uwkc.org. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Hub coach, click here.


Would you like to receive follow up emails from United Way about SNAP/Basic Foods enrollment and application assistance?*
Name*
Please press "submit" at the bottom of the page when you are finished
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