WSR 20-10-046
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
[Filed April 29, 2020, 11:18 a.m., effective April 29, 2020, 11:18 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The department is creating WAC 388-434-0015 Extension of certification periods and waiver of eligibility reviews and mid-certification reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This emergency rule adoption supports ongoing access to public assistance and provides administrative flexibility, allowing extension of certification periods and waiver of eligibility reviews and mid-certification reviews, during this time of economic hardship resulting from the public health crisis created by the coronavirus.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 388-434-0015.
Under RCW
34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: Emergency adoption of this rule protects the health, safety, and general welfare of Washington residents by supporting ongoing access to public assistance.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: April 29, 2020.
Katherine I. Vasquez
Rules Coordinator
NEW SECTION
WAC 388-434-0015Extension of certification periods and waiver of eligibility reviews and mid-certification reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(1) Eligibility review requirements under WAC 388-434-0005 and mid-certification review requirements under WAC 388-418-0011 are waived during April, May, and June 2020 for the following programs:
(a) Temporary assistance for needy families;
(b) State family assistance;
(c) Aged, blind or disabled cash assistance;
(d) Housing and essential needs referral; and
(e) Working family support.
(2) If your working family support certification period ends in April, May, or June 2020, your certification period will automatically be extended by six months.
(3) You are still required to report changes under WAC 388-418-0005.
(4) The department will review and act upon any new information received from clients during this time.