PDFWAC 388-406-0010

How do I apply for cash assistance or basic food benefits?

(1) You can apply for cash assistance or basic food by giving us an application form in person, by mail, by fax, or by completing an online application.
(2) You can file an application for basic food at the local Social Security Administration district office (SSADO) if your entire assistance unit (AU) gets or is applying for supplemental security income (SSI).
(3) A legal guardian, caretaker, or authorized representative can apply for you if you are incapacitated, a dependent child, or cannot apply for benefits on your own for some other reason.
(4) You can apply for cash assistance or basic food with one application form.
(5) We accept your application on the same day if you apply for benefits at a local office.
(6) We accept your application for benefits if it has at least:
(a) For cash assistance, the name, address, and signatures of the responsible adult AU members or person applying for you. A minor child may sign if there is no adult in the AU. Signatures must be handwritten, electronic, or digital as defined by the department, or a mark if witnessed by another person.
(b) For basic food, the name, address, and signature of a responsible member of your AU or person applying for you as an authorized representative under WAC 388-460-0005. Signatures must be handwritten, electronic, or digital as defined by the department, or a mark if witnessed by another person.
(7) As a part of the application process, we may require you to:
(a) Complete an interview if one is required under WAC 388-452-0005;
(b) Meet WorkFirst participation requirements for four weeks in a row if required under WAC 388-310-1600(12);
(c) Give us the information we need to decide if you are eligible as required under WAC 388-406-0030;
(d) Give us proof of information as required under WAC 388-490-0005 so we can determine if you are eligible; and
(e) Complete the WorkFirst orientation if required under WAC 388-400-0005(2) or 388-400-0010(3).
(8) If you are eligible for necessary supplemental accommodation (NSA) services under chapter 388-472 WAC, we help you meet the requirements of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 74.08A.120. WSR 18-14-041, § 388-406-0010, filed 6/27/18, effective 7/28/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.62.030, 74.09.035, 74.08.090, 74.09.530, 41.05.021, 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, and 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10. WSR 14-10-046, § 388-406-0010, filed 4/30/14, effective 6/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.04.510, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-005, § 388-406-0010, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, and 74.04.090. WSR 11-13-030, § 388-406-0010, filed 6/7/11, effective 7/8/11; WSR 08-15-059, § 388-406-0010, filed 7/14/08, effective 8/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and chapter 74.08A RCW. WSR 06-10-034, § 388-406-0010, filed 4/27/06, effective 6/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 03-22-039, § 388-406-0010, filed 10/28/03, effective 12/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 02-11-137, § 388-406-0010, filed 5/21/02, effective 7/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-406-0010, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-504-0405.]