Apply for Fresh Bucks
Starting March 3, 2025, apply to join the waitlist and get Fresh Bucks benefits when they become available.
If you’re already enrolled, no action is needed.
What You Need to Submit Your Application
Number of people in your household
Monthly household income
Current home address
Your date of birth
Program Eligibility
Seattle households that meet the income requirements and live within city limits qualify for Fresh Bucks. Use this tool to see if you live within the city limits.
Income requirements are based on Area Median Income. Your household income should be equal to or less than the amounts shown in the chart.
Each household is eligible for one benefit, and only one application per household will be considered.
Area Median Income
| Household Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income |
| 1 | $77,700 | $6,475 |
| 2 | $88,800 | $7,400 |
| 3 | $99,900 | $8,325 |
| 4 | $110,950 | $9,246 |
| 5 | $119,850 | $9,988 |
| 6 | $128,750 | $10,729 |
| 7 | $137,600 | $11,467 |
| 8 | $146,500 | $12,208 |
| 9 | $155,350 | $12,945 |
| 10+ | $164,200 | $13,683 |
How Enrollment Works:
Once you are on the waitlist, you’ll be considered for Fresh Bucks benefits when they are available. Enrollment is based on a randomized selection process. If your application is selected, you will be notified directly via mail and email.
Submitting multiple applications will not increase your chance of enrollment.
Eligible applicants that meet one or more of the following priority criteria will receive additional entries in the selection process:
- Lowest household income: households with the lowest income will receive an additional entry in the selection process.
- Non-English language preference: households where a language other than English is primarily spoken will receive an additional entry in the selection process
- Waitlist duration: households that remain on the waitlist after the first enrollment period will receive an additional entry in subsequent selection processes.
Have Questions?
Read the FAQs below or contact us for more information at 206-256-5438 or freshbucks@seattle.gov.
Waitlist Application FAQs:
View frequently asked questions about the application waitlist in: Amharic, Chinese (Simplified), Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
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The Waitlist Application
What is the Fresh Bucks Waitlist Application?
The Fresh Bucks Waitlist Application is an opportunity for Seattle households to apply for a chance to receive $40/month in Fresh Bucks benefits. Income eligible Seattle residents who submit an application will be placed on a waitlist and will be notified of enrollment as budget becomes available.
How do I apply for the Fresh Bucks waitlist?
You can apply online through the Fresh Bucks website. The application will remain open for the foreseeable future so you can apply at any time.
What information do I need to apply?
The following information is required as a part of your application:
- How many people are in your household?
- What is your household income?
- What is your home address?
- What is your date of birth?
Who is eligible?
Seattle households that meet the income requirements and live within city limits qualify for Fresh Bucks. Use this tool to see if you live within the city limits.
Can my household apply for multiple Fresh Bucks benefits?
Benefits are limited to one per household. If someone in your household is already enrolled, additional applications will not be accepted.
How will I know if I’m selected?
If your application is selected, you will be notified directly via mail and email. At that time, we will let you know the exact timeline for when you will begin to receive your Fresh Bucks benefits.
If I’m not selected, do I have to reapply?
No. If your application is not selected in the first round, your application remains on the waitlist for future enrollment opportunities, and your chances increase over time.
Can I look up my application status?
We will notify you by mail and email if your application status changes. You can also contact us at 206-256-5438 or freshbucks@seattle.gov to get an update.
What if my circumstances change while I’m on the waitlist?
If your household situation changes (e.g. address, income, etc.), please contact us at 206-256-5438 or freshbucks@seattle.gov to update your application.
Why is there a waitlist?
There is a waitlist because Fresh Bucks has limited funding and can only serve a certain number of households at a time. The waitlist allows the program to manage program demand fairly and equitably by using a random selection system.
The Selection Process
How does the selection process work?
The selection process randomly selects eligible households for Fresh Bucks benefits. Priority households receive additional entries in the selection, increasing their chance of selection as follows:
- If you meet 1 priority criteria, your name is entered 2 times.
- If you meet 2 priority criteria, your name is entered 3 times, and so on.
What are the priority criteria?
Fresh Bucks aims to eliminate disparities in healthy food access for those most burdened by food insecurity, economic hardship, and diet-related chronic disease. Data shows that households with low incomes and communities of color are more likely to experience food insecurity. Priority is given to households that meet the following criteria:
- Lowest household income category.
- Non-English language households.
- Waitlist duration: households that remain on the waitlist after the first enrollment period will receive an additional entry in subsequent selection processes.