WSR 97-24-079

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Public Assistance)

[Filed December 2, 1997, 4:12 p.m.]

Original Notice.

Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

Title of Rule: WAC 388-49-510 Income eligibility standards.

Purpose: Updates gross and net monthly income standards used to determine food stamp program eligibility.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.510.

Statute Being Implemented: Food Stamp Act and 7 CFR 273.9(a).

Summary: The gross and net monthly income standards used to determine food stamp program eligibility are adjusted for inflation.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: 7 CFR 273.9(a) requires the state to adjust the gross and net monthly income standards each federal fiscal year.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Joan Wirth, Division of Assistance Programs, (360) 413-3073.

Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.

Rule is necessary because of federal law, 7 CFR 273.9(a).

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Updates the gross and net monthly income standards to adjust for inflation. These standards are used to determine food stamp eligibility. Will not impact workload in Community Services Offices (CSO).

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule only affects the Department of Social and Health Services clients.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii) exempts the Department of Social and Health Services rules that only to client medical or financial eligibility.

Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104-B, Lacey, WA 98503, on January 6, 1998, at 10:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Paige Wall by December 23, 1997, phone (360) 902-7540, TTY (360) 902-8324, e-mail pwall@dshs.wa.gov.

Submit Written Comments to and Identify WAC Numbers: Paige Wall, Acting Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, FAX (360) 902-8292, by January 6, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than January 7, 1998.

December 2, 1997

Merry A. Kogut, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 96-22-104, filed 11/6/96, effective 12/7/96)

WAC 388-49-510 Income eligibility standards. (1) ((Categorically eligible)) Some households((, as described in WAC 388-49-180,)) are not subject to ((the provisions of)) this section, in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations at 7 CFR 273.9(a).

(2) ((The department shall determine eligibility on the basis of gross income and net food stamp income except for households in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) The department shall determine eligibility on the basis of net food stamp income for households containing an elderly or disabled member.

(4))) The ((gross and net monthly maximum)) following income ((standards as established by the department of agriculture are as follows)) amounts are the highest amounts households can have and still be eligible for food stamps:

Household Size Maximum Standard

1 $((839)) 855

2 ((1,123)) 1,150

3 ((1,407)) 1,445

4 ((1,690)) 1,739

5 ((1,974)) 2,034

6 ((2,258)) 2,329

7 ((2,542)) 2,623

8 ((2,826)) 2,918

9 ((3,110)) 3,213

10 ((3,394)) 3,508

Each additional person +((284)) 295

Household Size Maximum Standard

1 $((645)) 658

2 ((864)) 885

3 ((1,082)) 1,111

4 ((1,300)) 1,338

5 ((1,519)) 1,565

6 ((1,737)) 1,791

7 ((1,955)) 2,018

8 ((2,174)) 2,245

9 ((2,393)) 2,472

10 ((2,612)) 2,699

Each additional person +((219)) 227