Does unemployment count as income for Washington food assistance programs?

Thanks for clarifying! I'm a single person household so hopefully I still qualify for something.

definitely apply anyway, the worst they can say is no and you might be surprised

That's helpful to know the actual income limits. I think I should still qualify then since $420/week is about $1,680/month.

Actually double-check those current limits on the DSHS website since they can change. But you're right in the ballpark.

Never heard of that service before but sounds useful. Did it actually work for reaching DSHS?

Yeah it worked great! Got through to someone within an hour instead of calling all day. They help with Washington ESD calls too which is handy.

Interesting, I might try that. I've been trying to reach someone about my food stamp case for weeks.

Good point about being accurate. I have all my Washington ESD payment records so I can give exact amounts.

yeah they cross-reference everything these days, better to be exact

There's no $300 federal addition anymore - that ended in 2021. Just your regular Washington ESD weekly benefit amount counts as income now.

Oh right, I was thinking of the old pandemic benefits. Thanks for the correction.

No, if you're receiving UI benefits and meeting Washington ESD job search requirements, you're typically exempt from SNAP work requirements. But mention this when you apply.

That's a relief! The Washington ESD job search requirements are already keeping me busy enough.

Is there a way to check application status online or do you have to call?

Yes, Washington has an online portal where you can check your case status. Much easier than calling.

I feel you on that. Sometimes I think they make it confusing on purpose to discourage people from applying.

Don't let that stop you though - if you qualify you should definitely apply. These programs exist for a reason.

Good to know! I was wondering if they wanted gross or net amounts.

yeah always gross income for these applications

Thanks for the heads up. So I'll need to report when my Washington ESD benefits end and I find work?

Exactly. Any income changes need to be reported within 10 days I think. Check the specific timeframe when you apply.

It's all counted as income but unemployment is considered 'unearned income' while wages are 'earned income'. For SNAP purposes, both count toward your income limits though.

Ah okay, so the distinction doesn't really matter for eligibility purposes then.

What qualifies you for expedited processing? I might need that since I'm running low on money.

I think it's if your income is really low and you have less than $150 in cash/bank. They can approve you within 7 days instead of 30.

That's super helpful info, thanks for sharing that!

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's really reasonable considering how much time it saves. Way better than spending all day trying to get through on your own.

That's encouraging to hear! I was worried they might view unemployment negatively.

nah they understand that unemployment is temporary and you're trying to get back to work

Good reminder! I need to find my Social Security card - haven't needed it in a while.

Birth certificate works too if you can't find your SS card right away

Thanks! Do they mail you the EBT card or do you pick it up somewhere?

They mail it to you. Takes about 7-10 days after approval usually.

That's what I'm hoping for - just something to help with groceries while I'm job searching.

Every little bit helps when you're between jobs. Good luck with your application!

I didn't know that was a thing! I'll have to look into which stores around here do that.

Not all stores do it but worth checking. Some farmer's markets match EBT spending too.

They usually just need a copy of your benefit determination letter from Washington ESD or recent payment history. Pretty standard verification.

OK that's not too bad. I can get that from my Washington ESD online account.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD to get documentation, that's another situation where Claimyr really helps. Much faster than trying to call on your own.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm definitely going to apply now. Sounds like I have a good chance of qualifying for something.

Good luck! The application process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started.