Washington's Food Stamp (Basic Food) Card

As I pretty much just mentioned, lots of people are getting hit by the weak economy.  Whether it’s losing their jobs, having their hours cut, or finding lower paying jobs, many of these people are not making enough to support themselves.  What’s worse, many don’t know where to turn for help.

One of the most useful programs available to low-income families and individuals is the food stamp program (it’s called “Basic Food” in Washington and “SNAP” in the federal level).

While it’s difficult to live off of food stamps alone (as our Food Stamp Challenge showed), it is still tremendously useful for those who need a little help feeding themselves and their families while going through tough times.

The trouble is that many people have misconceptions about the program and shy away from applying.  So today, we’re going to attack some of those food stamp myths:

Food Stamps still come in stamp form
Stigma is one of the biggest reasons people don’t apply for Basic Food.  Many still believe that benefits come in the form of paper and feel they would be too embarrassed to use them at a grocery store.

The fact of the matter is that, for years, Basic Food benefits have been coming in through EBT cards – cards that look and work exactly like a debit card.  It’s inconspicuous and all you do is slide the card and enter your pin number.  That makes using food stamps much easier and less stigmatizing.

If you receive food stamps, some one else will not be able to get it
Food stamps are not like a big pie.  If you get a piece of it, that does not mean some one else won’t be able to get a piece.

Instead, if you need food assistance, you’ll receive how much is allotted to you.  If someone else needs food assistance, they’ll also receive how much is allotted to them.  You won’t be hurting anyone by receiving Basic Food benefits.  In fact, you’ll be doing your local economy a favor! (see the next point)

Food Stamps cost taxpayers too much money
The fact is that the food stamp program is one of the most cost-effective programs out there. Paying for the program takes about 1 cent of every federal budget dollar.  Further, the USDA has concluded that every dollar spent on food stamps puts $1.82 into the local economy.  Food stamps really get a bang out of every buck used.

You can’t get food stamps if…

… you have a job
Basic Food is available to anyone who is low-income.  Many people who are in poverty are the working poor – those who have jobs yet still earn poverty wages and can’t afford to pay their rent, other bills, as well as food.  Having a job does not disqualify you from receiving food stamps.

… you have a car, a house, or savings
Completely not true.  There is no asset test for Basic Food.  You can own a home, have a reliable car, and have money in checking, savings, or a retirement plan and still be eligible for Basic Food.

A lot of people don’t realize that they may be eligible for Basic Food.  This program can really help them out if they’re in a tough spot.  In fact, the income requirements were recently lowered, allowing more people to receive food benefits.

You can check to see if you’re eligible for the Washington Basic Food by using their website here.