As of March 30, 2020, some Washington residents who receive Basic Food benefits will have more funds to buy food in March and April. Congress approved extra benefits up to the maximum amount allowed for each household. In Washington, this means DSHS is giving more benefits to about 277,000 households.
"Having the ability to purchase more healthy food is critically important during these unprecedented times," said Director of DSHS Community Services Division Babs Roberts. "We're glad the U.S. Congress extended these emergency benefits to Washington residents. This can help people to reduce the number of times they need to go shopping for groceries and also limit the number of people in stores, helping keep us all safe and healthy at home."
Recipients saw March's supplement amount on their EBT cards on April 4. For April, the supplemental amount will be added to the EBT on the regular scheduled day. Households who receive the maximum amount normally will not see an increase. If Congress extends these additional benefits in future months, DSHS will issue extra benefits for those months.
DSHS is not sending out letters notifying Basic Food recipients of the additional benefits. To check the balance, call the number on your EBT card or access your client benefit account at www.washingtonconnection.org. Because of higher than normal call volumes DO NOT call the Customer Service Contact Center about the additional benefits.