A record number of Washington residents were on food stamps in October, and state officials don’t see any signs that that will change soon.
Over the past two years, the number of people in Washington state receiving food stamps has soared by nearly 60 percent, about twice the national increase.
In October, a record 12.8 percent of the state’s population – about 855,000 people – were on food stamps. State officials say more than 3,000 state residents per day are now enrolling in the “Basic Food” program, with no signs of a slowdown.
The economy isn’t the only factor driving much of that growth.
Washington, like 27 other states, has expanded eligibility for food stamps. In the past year, the state has made an aggressive push to sign up more people in the federally funded program.
New eligibility rules allowed enrollment of people making less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, up from 130 percent. A family of four with a gross monthly income of up to $3,675 can qualify for benefits, generally for a year before having to reapply.
Illegal immigrants aren’t eligible.
People also don’t have to exhaust their resources before applying. In the past, the program counted a car, a house and savings for retirement or college, in addition to income, when determining eligibility.
Food-stamp eligibility on the national level was expanded initially in 1999 and again under the Bush administration. Washington state began taking advantage of the changes in 2004.
Families that apply for food stamps – even if they’re not approved for the benefit – can qualify for other public assistance, such as health insurance, child care, home telephone service and school lunches.
From October 2008 to October 2009, food stamp use in Asotin County rose 25 percent; 54 percent in Garfield County, and 20 percent in Whitman County. (Seattle Times)
