(1) A homeless grace period (HGP) is established as described in this section.

(2) DCYF may grant a consumer experiencing homelessness a twelve-month grace period to submit the documentation described in this subsection. The children of the consumer experiencing homelessness may receive WCCC services during the HGP. Within twelve months of the child being authorized in the WCCC program, the consumer must submit to DCYF:

(i) Documentation verifying participation in an approved activity as described in WAC 110-15-0040, 110-15-0045, or 110-15-0050;

(ii) Third-party verification of employment; and

(iii) Verification that any outstanding copayment owed by the consumer has been paid or written verification of a payment plan agreed to by the child care provider who is owed the outstanding copayment.

(3) A consumer is eligible for HGP if the consumer:

(a) Is experiencing, and DCYF verifies, homelessness at the time of the consumer's application for benefits;

(b) Has not been approved for HGP within the previous twelve months; and

(c) Except for the requirements described in subsection (1) of this section, meets all eligibility requirements described in this chapter.

(4) Consumers approved by DCYF for HGP are eligible to receive:

(a) A twelve-month certification period;

(b) A copayment waiver; and

(c) An authorization for full-time care as described in WAC 110-15-0190.

(5) Authorizations for HGP eligible consumers may only be authorized for licensed care, certified care, or DCYF contracted provider care.

(6) Consumers authorized care under HGP must provide required verification when reapplying at the end of their certification as described in WAC 110-15-0109.

(7) Consumers approved under HGP are not subject to overpayment unless the consumer obtained benefits by failing to report accurate information that resulted in an error in determining the consumer's eligibility for HGP.