SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5691

BYSenate Committee on Way & Means (originally sponsored by Senators McDonald and Owen; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)

Changing provisions relating to eligibility for general assistance unemployable.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989; March 17, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5691 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bluechel, Cantu, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Newhouse, Owen, Saling.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Bauer, Fleming, Gaspard, Moore, Niemi, Talmadge, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Randy Hodgins (786-7438)

                  April 6, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, APRIL 6, 1989

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 $314 per month.  Recipients also are provided medical benefits under the state only GA-U medical assistance program.

Eligibility for GA-U is determined by using a decision-making process known as the progressive evaluation process (PEP).  Applicants must further demonstrate that their incapacity will persist for more than sixty 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 last for more than 90 days.

The requirements and processes of referring GA-U clients to the federal SSI program are added to statute.  Applicants must apply for federal assistance within one month of notification that they are required to apply.  The Department of Social and Health Services is required to develop rules regarding the referral of such clients. 

The Department is required to inform GA-U applicants and recipients about federal aid programs and assist them in applying for benefits, compiling medical evidence, filing appeals, and obtaining legal assistance.

Clients shall furnish the Department with verification of their application, requests for reconsideration, and hearing decisions or face specified sanctions.  Sanctions against GA-U clients who are denied federal assistance shall occur only if they fail to complete the required procedures without good cause.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Lolcama, Department of Social and Health Services (pro); Tony Lee, Washington Association of Churches (con); Sylvia McGee, Washington State Coalition for the Homeless (con); Phil Kaplan, Washington Poverty Law Advocates (con); Steve Norsen, Washington Community Mental Health (con); Steve Lansing, Lutheran Public Policy Office (con); Ned Dolejsi, Washington State Catholic Conference (con); Jeff Larsen, Washington Assembly for Citizens with Disabilities (con); Dinnen Cleary, Puget Sound Legal Assistance Foundation (con)