FINAL BILL REPORT
ESB 5798
C 120 L 99
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Assisting needy families.
Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Winsley and Franklin; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Senate Committee on Labor & Workforce Development
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Children & Family Services
House Committee on Appropriations
Background: The benefits of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are generally available to qualified families with dependent children under the age of 18. Children up the age of 19 are eligible if they are expected to complete school. Older dependent children, no matter what their condition, do not qualify a family for TANF grant assistance.
When considering a family=s assets to determine financial qualification, the earned income of a dependent child who is a full-time student is disregarded. A state standard of need is applied to the family=s assets.
In addition, welfare is not generally payable to a family in any month in which the adult in the family is participating in a strike.
Summary: When determining a family=s qualification for TANF, the state standard of need is not considered and the earned income of a dependent child who is a full-time student is not disregarded. Otherwise qualified families are not prohibited from receiving welfare if the adult (Acaretaker relative@) is involved in a strike.
Children between 18 and 21 years of age who have disabilities and are full-time students may receive TANF assistance. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is also authorized to grant eligibility exceptions to children between 18 and 21, on a discretionary basis, if DSHS determines that the exception will enable the child to complete his or her high school education, GED or vocational education.
Legal immigrant eligibility for state food assistance is clarified. Reference to federal law is removed.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate 48 0
House 94 0
Effective: July 25, 1999