Program Descriptions and Income Guidelines

Review basic program descriptions and income guidelines (also called the FPL or Federal Poverty Level Guidelines) for Washington state-sponsored health insurance, food, child care and other programs. Note: This is not a complete list of state-sponsored benefit programs.

Medical, Food and
Child Care Programs:

• Children’s Health Insurance – Medicaid & S-CHIP
• First Steps – Pregnancy Medicaid
• Family Medical
• Take Charge
• Washington Health Program
• Basic Health Insurance (has a wait list)

• Basic Food – Food Stamps
• WIC Nutrition Program
• Summer Meals

• Working Connections Child Care Program

Summary of DSHS Medical Programs:

• New April 2011 Income Guidelines:
  Eligibility Summary for DSHS Medical Programs

Thanks to Health For All in Spokane for sharing this helpful summary tool!

Pre-Screen Your Clients and Apply Online

The Benefit Finder provides an easy application process for the above state-sponsored health insurance and food programs.

Why use the Benefit Finder?

• Enter family data just one time
• Screen each family member for program eligibility
• Choose the program(s) to apply for
• Send applications online OR print and mail them yourself
• Create an account – log in anytime to update information, fill out new applications
• Learn where to send necessary documentation and/or applications

Important: The Benefit Finder does not determine final program eligibility. The final determination is made by the state agency that your client applies to. Your client must send their application online or by mail to find out if they are eligible.

Other Program Guidelines for Working with Families:

• Head Start and ECEAP is FREE preschool for qualifying low-income families.

• Free and Reduced Lunch
  • Income Guidelines – click on the school year and scroll to the last page of the document to see the income table.
  • Application