Brief Description: Modifying general assistance provisions.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Stevens and Hargrove).

Hearing Date: 4/21/03

Staff: Heather Flodstrom (786-7391).

Background:

General Assistance - Unemployable (GA-U) benefits are provided to people who are temporarily disabled and as a result cannot work. To be eligible for these benefits, a client must undergo an incapacity review that proves the client temporarily disabled by a medical or mental condition. After a client is determined eligible for GA-U benefits, the client is required to have periodic incapacity reviews to ensure continued eligibility for the program.

Current law prohibits the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) from terminating a GA-U recipient's benefits unless there is a clear showing of material improvement in the recipient's medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Summary of Proposed Striking Amendment:

The DSHS is required to discontinue benefits to GA-U recipients unless the recipient demonstrates no material improvement in his or her medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.