WSR 13-16-099 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (Economic Services Administration) (Community Services Division) [Filed August 7, 2013, 10:43 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 13-05-081.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department is proposing to amend the following rules to implement annual adjustments to standards for the Washington Basic Food program: WAC 388-450-0195 Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my Basic Food or WASHCAP benefits?
Hearing Location(s): Office Building 2, Lookout Room, DSHS Headquarters, 1115 Washington, Olympia, WA 98504 (public parking at 11th and Jefferson. A map is available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/RPAU-OB-2directions.html), on September 10, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than September 11, 2013.
Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail DSHSRPAURulesCoordinator@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5 p.m. on September 10, 2013.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jennisha Johnson, DSHS rules consultant, by August 21, 2013, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6094 or by e-mail at jennisha.johnson@dshs.wa.gov.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-450-0195 Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my Basic Food or WASHCAP benefits?, increasing the standard utility allowance from $394 to $409.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The amendments update Basic Food standards for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2014 to comply with requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), memo dated July 1, 2013 SUA for FFY 2014 and SUA forecast for FFY 2014.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090.
Rule is necessary because of federal law, 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B).
Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Holly St. John, Community Services Division, 712 Pear Street, Olympia, WA, (360) 725-4895.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule does not have an economic impact on small businesses.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These amendments are exempt as allowed under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii) which states in part, "this section does not apply to … rules of the department of social and health services relating only to client medical or financial eligibility and rules concerning liability for care of dependents."
July 31, 2013
Katherine I. Vasquez
Rules Coordinator
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-24-027, filed 12/1/11, effective 1/1/12)
WAC 388-450-0195 Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my Basic Food or WASHCAP benefits?
(1) We use a standard utility allowance (SUA) of ((three hundred ninety-four)) four hundred nine dollars instead of your actual utility costs when we determine your assistance unit's: (a) Monthly benefits under WAC 388-492-0070 if you receive WASHCAP; or (b) Shelter cost income deduction under WAC 388-450-0190 for Basic Food. (2) We considered the average cost of the following utilities to determine the value of the SUA: (a) Heating and cooling fuel such as electricity, oil, or gas; (b) Electricity; (c) Water and sewer; (d) Well or septic tank installation/maintenance; (e) Garbage/trash collection; and (f) Telephone service. (3) The department uses the SUA if you have utility costs separate from your rent or mortgage payment or if you receive a low income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) benefit during the year.
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