WSR 24-01-066
EXPEDITED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
[Filed December 13, 2023, 4:18 p.m.]
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-436-0065 What is the pandemic emergency assistance fund (PEAF)?
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: These housekeeping amendments clarify the federal poverty level (FPL) year when considering PEAF eligibility.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: These amendments meet the criteria for expedited adoption as set forth in RCW
34.05.353, specifically subsection (1)(c): "The proposed rules only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect."
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Sarah Garcia, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, 360-522-2214.
This notice meets the following criteria to use the expedited adoption process for these rules:
Corrects typographical errors, makes address or name changes, or clarifies language of a rule without changing its effect.
Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: These amendments clarify language of a rule without changing its effect.
NOTICE
THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Katherine Vasquez, Department of Social and Health Services, 1115 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-5850, phone 360-664-6097, email DSHSRPAURulescoordinator@dshs.wa.gov, AND RECEIVED BY February 20, 2024.
December 13, 2023
Katherine I. Vasquez
Rules Coordinator
SHS-5011.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 22-07-019, filed 3/8/22, effective 4/24/22)
WAC 388-436-0065What is the pandemic emergency assistance fund (PEAF)?
(1) What is the pandemic emergency assistance fund (PEAF)?
The pandemic emergency assistance fund (PEAF) is administered by the department of social and health services and provides a one-time cash benefit to low income families with at least one qualifying child, to support them in meeting their basic needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2) The following definitions apply to PEAF:
(a) "Household" as defined in WAC 388-408-0015 or WAC 388-408-0035.
(b) "Qualifying child" means a child as defined in WAC 388-404-0005.
(3) Who is eligible for the PEAF?
Each child in your household may be eligible for PEAF if your child meets all of the following:
(a) A qualifying child lives in your home and has not already received PEAF;
(b) The household is active, eligible, and receiving TANF, SNAP, SFA, or FAP benefits in the month of issuance;
(c) The reported household income, as defined in chapter 388-450 WAC, at the time of issuance is at or below 75% of the 2022 federal poverty level;
(d) You reside in Washington state as required under WAC 388-468-0005.
(4) How do I apply for the pandemic emergency assistance fund?
(a) The department automatically reviews your eligibility for PEAF during the month of issuance:
(b) When you apply for TANF, SFA, SNAP, or FAP; or
(c) You are an active household receiving TANF, SFA, SNAP, or FAP.
(5) What benefits will I receive if I am eligible for PEAF?
(a) PEAF is issued only once per qualifying child.
(b) The amount of the PEAF benefit is the same for each qualifying child and is determined based on:
(i) The amount of available PEAF funding; and
(ii) The number of qualifying children in the month of issuance.