Food Stamp Calculator Washington

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Washington State Food Stamp (SNAP) Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate your potential monthly SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits in Washington State. Please note that this is an estimate based on common rules and does not guarantee eligibility or benefit amounts. Official eligibility is determined by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

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function calculateFoodStamps() {
var householdSize = parseInt(document.getElementById(‘householdSize’).value);
var grossEarnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById(‘grossEarnedIncome’).value);
var grossUnearnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById(‘grossUnearnedIncome’).value);
var shelterCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById(‘shelterCost’).value);
var dependentCareCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById(‘dependentCareCost’).value);
var medicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById(‘medicalExpenses’).value);
var isElderlyDisabled = document.getElementById(‘isElderlyDisabled’).value === ‘yes’;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById(‘result’);
resultDiv.innerHTML = ”; // Clear previous results
// Input validation
if (isNaN(householdSize) || householdSize < 1 ||
isNaN(grossEarnedIncome) || grossEarnedIncome < 0 ||
isNaN(grossUnearnedIncome) || grossUnearnedIncome < 0 ||
isNaN(shelterCost) || shelterCost < 0 ||
isNaN(dependentCareCost) || dependentCareCost < 0 ||
isNaN(medicalExpenses) || medicalExpenses 8) {
fpl[householdSize] = fpl[8] + (householdSize – 8) * 448;
}
var currentFPL = fpl[householdSize] || fpl[8]; // Use FPL for 8 if householdSize > 8 and not explicitly defined
// Standard Deductions (WA, 2023-2024, approximate)
var standardDeductions = {
1: 193, 2: 193, 3: 193, 4: 208, 5: 242, 6: 277
};
var standardDeduction = standardDeductions[householdSize] || standardDeductions[6]; // Use 6+ for larger households
// Maximum Allotments (Federal, 2023-2024, WA follows these)
var maxAllotments = {
1: 291, 2: 535, 3: 766, 4: 973, 5: 1155, 6: 1386, 7: 1532, 8: 1751
};
if (householdSize > 8) {
maxAllotments[householdSize] = maxAllotments[8] + (householdSize – 8) * 219;
}
var maxAllotment = maxAllotments[householdSize] || maxAllotments[8];
var shelterCap = 672; // For non-elderly/disabled households
// — Calculation Steps —
// 1. Total Gross Income
var totalGrossIncome = grossEarnedIncome + grossUnearnedIncome;
// 2. Gross Income Limit Check
var grossIncomeLimit = currentFPL * 1.30; // 130% FPL
if (isElderlyDisabled) {
// Elderly/disabled households typically only have a net income test, or a higher gross limit (e.g., 200% FPL)
// For simplicity in this calculator, we’ll primarily rely on the net income test for them.
// If they have *any* gross income, they usually must meet the 200% FPL or no gross limit.
// Let’s set a higher gross limit for them, or effectively bypass it for the calculator.
grossIncomeLimit = currentFPL * 2.00; // 200% FPL for elderly/disabled
}
if (totalGrossIncome > grossIncomeLimit && !isElderlyDisabled) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = ‘Your estimated gross monthly income ($’ + totalGrossIncome.toFixed(2) + ‘) exceeds the limit ($’ + grossIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + ‘) for your household size. You are likely not eligible for SNAP benefits.’;
return;
}
// 3. Deductions
var earnedIncomeDeduction = grossEarnedIncome * 0.20; // 20% of earned income
var medicalDeduction = 0;
if (isElderlyDisabled && medicalExpenses > 35) {
medicalDeduction = medicalExpenses; // No cap for elderly/disabled
}
// Adjusted Gross Income (after earned income deduction)
var adjustedGrossIncome = totalGrossIncome – earnedIncomeDeduction;
// Shelter Deduction Calculation
var shelterExcess = adjustedGrossIncome * 0.50; // 50% of adjusted gross income
var shelterDeduction = shelterCost – shelterExcess;
if (shelterDeduction shelterCap) {
shelterDeduction = shelterCap; // Capped for non-elderly/disabled
}
// No cap for elderly/disabled on shelter deduction
// 4. Net Income Calculation
var netIncome = totalGrossIncome – earnedIncomeDeduction – standardDeduction – dependentCareCost – medicalDeduction – shelterDeduction;
// Ensure net income doesn’t go below zero due to deductions
if (netIncome netIncomeLimit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = ‘Your estimated net monthly income ($’ + netIncome.toFixed(2) + ‘) exceeds the limit ($’ + netIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + ‘) for your household size. You are likely not eligible for SNAP benefits.’;
return;
}
// 6. Benefit Calculation
var estimatedBenefit = maxAllotment – (netIncome * 0.30);
if (estimatedBenefit 0 but < $23, it's usually rounded up to $23.
// For simplicity, we'll just show the calculated value.
// — Display Results —
var eligibilityStatus = (totalGrossIncome <= grossIncomeLimit || isElderlyDisabled) && (netIncome <= netIncomeLimit) ? "Potentially Eligible" : "Likely Ineligible";
resultDiv.innerHTML =
'

Estimated SNAP Benefits

‘ +
‘Eligibility Status: ‘ + eligibilityStatus + ‘‘ +
‘Estimated Monthly Benefit: $’ + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + ” +
‘This is an estimate. Actual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the Washington State DSHS.’ +
‘

Breakdown of Calculation:

‘ +
‘

    ‘ +
    ‘

  • Household Size: ‘ + householdSize + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Total Gross Monthly Income: $’ + totalGrossIncome.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Gross Income Limit (130% FPL’ + (isElderlyDisabled ? ‘ / 200% FPL’ : ”) + ‘): $’ + grossIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Earned Income Deduction (20%): $’ + earnedIncomeDeduction.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Standard Deduction: $’ + standardDeduction.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Dependent Care Deduction: $’ + dependentCareCost.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Medical Expense Deduction (if applicable): $’ + medicalDeduction.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Shelter Deduction (capped at $’ + shelterCap.toFixed(2) + ‘ for non-elderly/disabled): $’ + shelterDeduction.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Calculated Net Monthly Income: $’ + netIncome.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Net Income Limit (100% FPL): $’ + netIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

  • Maximum Allotment for Household Size: $’ + maxAllotment.toFixed(2) + ‘

    • ‘ +
    ‘

‘;
}

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font-family: ‘Arial’, sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
}
.calculator-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.calculator-container p {
color: #34495e;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.calc-input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.calc-input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #34495e;
}
.calc-input-group input[type=”number”],
.calc-input-group select {
width: calc(100% – 22px);
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
box-sizing: border-box;
font-size: 16px;
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display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 12px 20px;
background-color: #28a745;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 18px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
margin-top: 20px;
}
.calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.calculator-result {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 15px;
border: 1px solid #dcdcdc;
border-radius: 8px;
background-color: #eaf7ed;
color: #2c3e50;
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.calculator-result h3 {
color: #28a745;
margin-top: 0;
text-align: center;
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color: #34495e;
margin-top: 15px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dcdcdc;
padding-bottom: 5px;
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position: relative;
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content: “•”;
color: #28a745;
position: absolute;
left: 0;
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.calculator-result .eligible {
color: #28a745;
font-weight: bold;
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.calculator-result .ineligible {
color: #dc3545;
font-weight: bold;
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.calculator-result .error {
color: #dc3545;
font-weight: bold;
text-align: center;
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.calculator-result .disclaimer {
font-size: 0.9em;
color: #6c757d;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 15px;
}

Understanding Food Stamps (SNAP) in Washington State

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Washington State, this program is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and helps eligible residents purchase healthy food.

Who is Eligible for SNAP in Washington?

Eligibility for SNAP in Washington State depends on several factors, primarily household income, household size, and certain deductions. Generally, to be eligible, your household must meet both gross and net income limits, which are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

  • Gross Income Limit: For most households, your total gross monthly income (before deductions) must be at or below 130% of the FPL for your household size.
  • Net Income Limit: After certain deductions are applied, your net monthly income must be at or below 100% of the FPL for your household size.
  • Elderly or Disabled Households: If at least one member of your household is elderly (age 60 or older) or has a disability, the gross income limit may be waived or set higher (e.g., 200% FPL), and they only need to meet the net income test. They may also qualify for additional deductions, such as uncapped medical expenses.
  • Residency and Citizenship: You must be a Washington State resident and meet certain citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements.
  • Work Requirements: Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to work requirements, though there are exemptions.

How Are SNAP Benefits Calculated?

The calculation of SNAP benefits is a multi-step process designed to determine a household’s financial need. The core idea is that a household should not have to spend more than 30% of its net income on food. The benefit amount is then the difference between the maximum allotment for your household size and 30% of your net income.

Key Steps in Benefit Calculation:

  1. Determine Total Gross Income: This is the sum of all earned income (wages, salary) and unearned income (Social Security, unemployment, child support, etc.) for all household members.
  2. Apply Deductions: Several deductions are subtracted from your gross income to arrive at your net income. Common deductions include:
    • Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your gross earned income is disregarded.
    • Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on your household size.
    • Dependent Care Deduction: Costs paid for the care of a child or other dependent necessary for a household member to work or attend school/training.
    • Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, medical expenses over $35 per month can be deducted. There is no cap on this deduction.
    • Shelter Deduction: This includes rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility costs. The amount deducted is typically the portion of shelter costs that exceeds 50% of your income after other deductions. For non-elderly/disabled households, this deduction is capped (e.g., around $672), but there is no cap for elderly/disabled households.
  3. Calculate Net Income: Gross Income – (Earned Income Deduction + Standard Deduction + Dependent Care Deduction + Medical Expense Deduction + Shelter Deduction) = Net Income.
  4. Compare to Net Income Limit: Your net income must be at or below 100% of the FPL for your household size.
  5. Determine Benefit Amount: If eligible, your monthly benefit is calculated by taking the maximum SNAP allotment for your household size and subtracting 30% of your net income. For example, if the maximum allotment for your household is $500 and 30% of your net income is $100, your benefit would be $400.

Important Considerations

  • This Calculator is an Estimate: The values used for FPL, standard deductions, and maximum allotments are based on current federal guidelines and typical Washington State rules but are subject to change. Your actual eligibility and benefit amount will be determined by DSHS.
  • Assets: While not a primary factor for most households, some households may have asset limits. However, many households (especially those with elderly/disabled members or receiving TANF/SSI) are exempt from asset limits.
  • Reporting Changes: If you receive SNAP benefits, it’s crucial to report any changes in income, household size, or expenses to DSHS promptly.

How to Apply for SNAP in Washington State

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Washington State through several methods:

  • Online: The easiest way to apply is through the Washington Connection website (washingtonconnection.org).
  • In Person: Visit your local DSHS Community Services Office.
  • By Mail or Fax: You can download an application form from the DSHS website, fill it out, and mail or fax it to your local office.

After applying, you will typically have an interview with a DSHS caseworker, and you may need to provide documentation to verify your income, expenses, and household information.

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