AN ACT Relating to income eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a child who lives with a nonparent caregiver; amending RCW 74.12.037; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1.  RCW 74.12.037 and 2014 c 75 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department shall adopt rules establishing income eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a child, other than a foster child, who lives with a caregiver other than his or her parents. The department shall establish a sliding scale benefit standard for a child when the income of the child's caregiver is above two hundred percent but below ((three)) four hundred percent of the federal poverty level based on family size. A caregiver with an income above ((three)) four hundred percent of the federal poverty level shall not be eligible for temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a child, not a foster child, who is residing with that caregiver.

(2)(a) For purposes of this section, the department may, by rule, exempt fifty percent of a caregiver's unearned income in determining eligibility and benefit standards. This is in addition to other exemptions authorized by law.

(b) For purposes of this subsection, "unearned income" means income received from a source other than employment or self-employment.

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