(1) Employers determined to have one hundred fifty or fewer employees in the state that are assessed the employer share of the premium are eligible to apply for small business assistance grants.

(2) Employers determined to have fewer than fifty employees are only eligible for a small business assistance grant if those employers opt to pay the employer share of the premiums. Such employers will be assessed the employer share of the premium for a minimum of three years after any grant is received. An employer may provide notice for opting out after the three-year period.

(3) An employer is not eligible for a small business assistance grant if, at the time of application, the employer has outstanding and delinquent reports, outstanding and delinquent payments, or due and owing penalties or interest under Title 50A RCW.

(4) An employer may request only one grant per year for each employee who takes paid family or medical leave under this title. Submissions under (a) and (b) of this subsection do not qualify as grant applications and therefore do not count against the employer's limit of ten applications per year.

(a) An employer that qualifies for a grant under RCW 50A.24.010 (3)(b) for an amount that is less than one thousand dollars may submit documentation of significant additional wage-related costs incurred after filing the initial grant application in an attempt to qualify for additional grant funds.

(b) An employer may submit a revised application for a grant under RCW 50A.24.010 (3)(c) in an attempt to qualify for additional grant funds.

(5) An employer must apply for the grant no later than four months following the last day of the employee's paid family or medical leave.