HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6573

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of Second Reading

Title: An act relating to changing the effective date of modifications to the aged, blind, and disabled and the housing and essential needs programs.

Brief Description: Changing the effective date of modifications to the aged, blind, and disabled and the housing and essential needs programs.

Sponsors: Senators Hargrove and Hill.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

None.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Moves the effective date for a change in the definition of "disabled" for purposes of the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2014.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388).

Background:

The Aged, Blind, or Disabled Assistance Program was established in 2011 and is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS provides financial assistance to persons who meet the income, resource, and incapacity standards under this program. Eligibility for the program includes having a medical or mental health impairment that is likely to meet federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability standards, which includes a requirement that an individual has a disability that is likely to continue for a minimum of 12 months and that prevents the individual from performing work that he or she was able to perform within the past 15 years. A person is not eligible for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Assistance Program if there was a final determination that he or she is not eligible for SSI.

In 2013 the Legislature passed Chapter 10, Laws of 2013, 2nd sp.s. (SHB 2069), which modified the definition of "disabled" for purposes of the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Program, among other things.

The definition of a disabled individual from January 1, 2014, through July 1, 2015 includes a bodily or mental infirmity that will:

  1. likely continue for a minimum of nine months;

  2. prevent the individual from currently performing work that the individual was able to perform as a substantial gainful activity within the prior 10 years; and

  3. is otherwise likely to meet the federal SSI disability standard.

On July 1, 2015, the first two requirements listed above will be removed and an individual must be likely to meet the federal SSI disability standard to be considered "disabled" for purposes of the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program. The federal standard includes a requirement that an individual have a disability that is likely to continue for a minimum of 12 months and that the disability prevents the individual from performing work previously performed in the last 15 years.

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Summary of Bill:

The period of time that the current disability definition is in effect for purposes of the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Program is decreased and will end on July 1, 2014, instead of July 1, 2015.

Effective July 1, 2014, a disabled person for purposes of the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Program is an individual who is likely to meet the federal SSI disability standard. This standard includes a requirement that an individual have a disability that will likely continue for a minimum of 12 months and prevent the individual from performing work previously performed in the last 15 years.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.