FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 5959

                                 C 10 L 91 E1

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Restricting eligibility for general assistance unemployable.

SPONSORS:Senators McDonald, Hayner and West.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

BACKGROUND:

The general assistance-unemployable (GA-U) program is a state only cash assistance program for individuals who are disabled due to a physical or mental incapacity.  The program serves only single or married adults without children, and the current payment standard for one person is $339 per month.  Recipients also are provided medical benefits under the state only GA-U medical assistance program.  There is no limit as to the amount of time an individual may receive benefits.

Eligibility for GA-U is determined by using a decision-making process known as the progressive evaluation process (PEP).  If a medical condition alone is insufficient to determine eligibility, then vocational factors are considered.  Applicants must further demonstrate that their incapacity will persist for more than 60 days, and must participate in any available treatment to improve their disability.  Those recipients who are anticipated to be incapacitated for at least one year are also required by administrative rule to apply for the federal supplemental security income (SSI) program.

SUMMARY:

GA-U applicants must demonstrate that their incapacity will persist for more than 90 days.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      25    23

First Special Session

Senate      25    18

House 89    8    (House amended)

Senate      28    18    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  July 1, 1991