BILL REQ. #:  Z-0614.1 

Read first time 01/21/14.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.

     AN ACT Relating to income eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a child; and amending RCW 74.12.037.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.12.037 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 42 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall adopt rules((, effective November 1, 2011,)) establishing income eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a child, other than a foster child, who lives with a caregiver other than his or her parents. The department shall establish a sliding scale benefit standard for a child when the income of the child's caregiver is above two hundred percent but below three hundred percent of the federal poverty level based on family size. A caregiver with an income above three hundred percent of the federal poverty level shall not be eligible for temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a child, not a foster child, who is residing with that caregiver.
     (2)(a) For purposes of this section, the department may, by rule, exempt fifty percent of a caregiver's unearned income in determining eligibility and benefit standards. This is in addition to other exemptions authorized by law.
     (b) For purposes of this subsection, "unearned income" means income received from a source other than employment or self-employment.