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.

Eligibility for DSHS Medical Programs

Income Guidelines and Eligibility Work Sheet for DSHS Medical Programs

Health Insurance Programs

• Apple Health for Kids (Children’s Health Insurance – Medicaid & S-CHIP)
• First Steps (Pregnancy Medicaid)
• Family Medical
• Take Charge (Birth Control/Family Planning)
• Washington Health Program
• Basic Health Insurance

Food Assistance Programs

• Basic Food (Food Stamps)
• The Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Summer Meals Program

Child Nutrition Program Guidelines

• Free and Reduced Lunch Program Income Guidelines
• Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals

Child Care and Early Learning Programs

• Working Connections Child Care Program
• Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Head Start provide free preschool for qualifying low-income families. Learn more about ECEAP and Head Start on the Department of Early Learning website.

ParentHelp123 Benefit Finder

The ParentHelp123 Benefit Finder provides an easy application process for the state-sponsored health insurance and food programs listed above. The Benefit Finder screens each family member, you can choose programs to apply for, send applications online, or print and mail them yourself. Get step by step instructions for completing the necessary documentation. Important: The Benefit Finder does not determine final program eligibility. Go to the Benefit Finder.