FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2252

C 10 L 03 E1

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Revising eligibility requirements for general assistance.

Sponsors: By Representatives Sommers, Fromhold and Moeller.

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.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is prohibited 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:

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

Votes on Final Passage:

First Special Session

House 93  1

Senate 42  3

Effective: September 9, 2003