Use this calculator to get an estimated idea of your potential monthly SNAP (food stamp) benefits in Washington State. Please note that this is an estimate based on common federal and state guidelines and may not reflect all specific circumstances or the most current rules. For an official determination, you must apply through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Understanding SNAP Benefits in Washington State
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. In Washington State, the program is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Eligibility Factors
Eligibility for SNAP benefits in Washington State is determined by several factors, primarily household size, income, and certain deductions. Generally, households must meet both gross and net income limits. However, households with an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member only need to meet the net income limit.
Household Size: The number of people who live together and buy/prepare food together.
Gross Income: Your total income before any deductions. For most households, this must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Net Income: Your income after allowable deductions. This must be at or below 100% of the FPL.
Assets: While most households don't have to meet an asset test, some households with substantial assets (e.g., over $2,750, or $4,250 if an elderly/disabled member is present) may be ineligible. This calculator does not include an asset test.
Common Deductions
Deductions play a crucial role in lowering your countable income, which can increase your potential SNAP benefits. Key deductions include:
Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on household size.
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your gross earned income.
Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for child care or adult dependent care necessary for work, training, or education.
Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, medical expenses exceeding $35 per month are deductible.
Child Support Deduction: Legally obligated child support payments made to non-household members.
Shelter Deduction: This includes rent/mortgage and utility costs. If your shelter costs exceed 50% of your income after other deductions, the excess amount can be deducted, up to a cap (unless an elderly/disabled member is present, in which case there is no cap).
Homeless Shelter Deduction: A fixed deduction for households experiencing homelessness.
How Benefits Are Calculated
If eligible, your monthly SNAP benefit is generally calculated by taking the maximum allotment for your household size and subtracting 30% of your household's net countable income. The minimum benefit for eligible 1-2 person households is typically $23.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate only. The actual amount of SNAP benefits you may receive can vary based on specific program rules, changes in federal or state guidelines, and a comprehensive review of your application by DSHS. It is always recommended to apply directly through the Washington State DSHS website or local office for an official determination.
.food-stamp-calculator-wa {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border-radius: 10px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
color: #333;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 1.8em;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa h3 {
color: #34495e;
margin-top: 30px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 1.4em;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa p {
line-height: 1.6;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .calculator-form label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #555;
font-size: 0.95em;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .calculator-form input[type="number"],
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .calculator-form input[type="text"] {
width: calc(100% – 20px);
padding: 10px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 1em;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .calculator-form input[type="checkbox"] {
margin-right: 10px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
transform: scale(1.2);
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 12px 20px;
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 1.1em;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
margin-top: 20px;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .calculator-result {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e9f7ef;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
border-radius: 8px;
font-size: 1.1em;
color: #155724;
text-align: center;
font-weight: bold;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .calculator-result strong {
color: #0a3d14;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa ul {
list-style-type: disc;
margin-left: 20px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa ul li {
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.food-stamp-calculator-wa .article-content {
margin-top: 30px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
padding-top: 20px;
}
function calculateSNAP() {
// Get input values
var householdSize = parseFloat(document.getElementById("householdSize").value);
var grossEarnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossEarnedIncome").value);
var grossUnearnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossUnearnedIncome").value);
var elderlyDisabled = document.getElementById("elderlyDisabled").checked;
var dependentCareCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dependentCareCost").value);
var medicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("medicalExpenses").value);
var childSupportPaid = parseFloat(document.getElementById("childSupportPaid").value);
var rentMortgage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("rentMortgage").value);
var utilityCosts = parseFloat(document.getElementById("utilityCosts").value);
var homeless = document.getElementById("homeless").checked;
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(householdSize) || householdSize 8) {
var additionalPeople = householdSize – 8;
standardDeductions[householdSize] = standardDeductions[8]; // Standard deduction usually caps
maxAllotments[householdSize] = maxAllotments[8] + (additionalPeople * 219);
grossIncomeLimits[householdSize] = grossIncomeLimits[8] + (additionalPeople * 557);
netIncomeLimits[householdSize] = netIncomeLimits[8] + (additionalPeople * 429);
}
// Step 1: Calculate Total Gross Income
var totalGrossIncome = grossEarnedIncome + grossUnearnedIncome;
// Step 2: Apply Gross Income Test (if not elderly/disabled)
var eligibleGrossIncome = true;
if (!elderlyDisabled) {
if (totalGrossIncome > grossIncomeLimits[householdSize]) {
eligibleGrossIncome = false;
}
}
// Step 3: Calculate Deductions
var currentStandardDeduction = standardDeductions[householdSize] || standardDeductions[8]; // Fallback for very large households
var earnedIncomeDeduction = grossEarnedIncome * 0.20;
var medicalExpenseDeduction = 0;
if (elderlyDisabled && medicalExpenses > 35) {
medicalExpenseDeduction = medicalExpenses – 35;
}
var homelessDeduction = homeless ? homelessShelterDeductionAmount : 0;
// Total deductions before shelter calculation
var totalDeductionsBeforeShelter = currentStandardDeduction + earnedIncomeDeduction + dependentCareCost +
medicalExpenseDeduction + childSupportPaid + homelessDeduction;
// Step 4: Calculate Net Income before Shelter Deduction
var netIncomeBeforeShelter = totalGrossIncome – totalDeductionsBeforeShelter;
// Step 5: Calculate Shelter Deduction
var totalShelterCosts = rentMortgage + utilityCosts;
var excessShelterCost = totalShelterCosts – (netIncomeBeforeShelter * 0.50);
var shelterDeduction = 0;
if (excessShelterCost > 0) {
if (elderlyDisabled) {
shelterDeduction = excessShelterCost; // No cap for elderly/disabled
} else {
shelterDeduction = Math.min(excessShelterCost, shelterCap);
}
}
// Step 6: Calculate Final Net Income
var finalNetIncome = netIncomeBeforeShelter – shelterDeduction;
// Step 7: Apply Net Income Test
var eligibleNetIncome = true;
if (finalNetIncome > netIncomeLimits[householdSize]) {
eligibleNetIncome = false;
}
// Step 8: Determine Eligibility and Calculate Benefit
var estimatedBenefit = 0;
var eligibilityMessage = "";
if (eligibleGrossIncome && eligibleNetIncome) {
var currentMaxAllotment = maxAllotments[householdSize] || maxAllotments[8]; // Fallback for very large households
estimatedBenefit = currentMaxAllotment – (finalNetIncome * 0.30);
// Minimum benefit for 1-2 person households
if (householdSize <= 2 && estimatedBenefit 0) {
estimatedBenefit = 23;
} else if (estimatedBenefit < 0) {
estimatedBenefit = 0;
}
if (estimatedBenefit === 0) {
eligibilityMessage = "Based on your income and deductions, you are eligible, but your calculated benefit is $0. This can happen if your net income is high enough to offset the maximum allotment.";
} else {
eligibilityMessage = "Eligible! Your estimated monthly SNAP benefit is:";
}
} else {
eligibilityMessage = "Not Eligible. Based on the information provided, your household does not meet the income requirements for SNAP benefits in Washington State.";
if (!elderlyDisabled && !eligibleGrossIncome) {
eligibilityMessage += "Your gross monthly income ($" + totalGrossIncome.toFixed(2) + ") exceeds the limit ($" + grossIncomeLimits[householdSize].toFixed(2) + ") for your household size.";
}
if (!eligibleNetIncome) {
eligibilityMessage += "Your net monthly income ($" + finalNetIncome.toFixed(2) + ") exceeds the limit ($" + netIncomeLimits[householdSize].toFixed(2) + ") for your household size.";
}
}
// Display results
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (estimatedBenefit > 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = eligibilityMessage + "$" + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + "";
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = eligibilityMessage;
}
resultDiv.innerHTML += "Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on general guidelines and may not reflect all specific circumstances or the most current rules. For an official determination, please apply through the Washington State DSHS.";
}