Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee

PSHB 3009

Brief Description:  Revising social service programs

Sponsors:  Representatives Sommers, Fromhold, Doumit and Kessler.

Brief Summary of Proposed Substitute Bill

$Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to terminate General Assistance-Unemployable recipient's benefits unless the recipient demonstrates no material improvement in his or her medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Hearing Date:  3/7/02

Staff:  Heather Flodstrom (786‑7391).

Background:

General Assistance-Unemployable (GA-U) benefits are provided to people who are temporarily disabled and as a result cannot work.  To be eligible for these benefits, a client must undergo an incapacity review that proves the client temporarily disabled by a medical or mental condition.  After a client is determined eligible for GA-U benefits, the client is required to have periodic incapacity reviews to ensure continued eligibility for the program.

Current statute prohibits the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) from terminating a GA-U recipient's benefits unless there is a clear showing of material improvement in the recipient's medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Summary of Proposed Substitute Bill:

The DSHS is required to terminate GA-U recipient's benefits unless the recipient demonstrates no material improvement in his or her medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.