WSR 01-15-011

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)

(Division of Employment and Assistance Programs)

[ Filed July 6, 2001, 4:00 p.m. , effective August 1, 2001 ]

Date of Adoption: July 5, 2001.

Purpose: Incorporates into rule that households have thirty days after their certification period ends to complete the recertification process. Also adds into a rule when a recertification can be denied and the date benefits are opened if the recertification process is delayed. Federal law mandates these rule changes.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 388-434-0010.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.05.057, and 74.08.090.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 01-11-037 on May 8, 2001.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Other Findings Required by Other Provisions of Law as Precondition to Adoption or Effectiveness of Rule: These changes are mandated by federal law.
Effective Date of Rule: August 1, 2001.

July 5, 2001

Brian Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

2942.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-434-0010   ((Recertification)) How do I get recertified for food assistance((.)) benefits?   (1) ((A household reapplies timely when the department receives the application by)) To complete the recertification process you must:

(a) Submit an application; and

(b) Complete an interview; and

(c) Submit needed proof of your circumstances if we (the department) ask for it.

(2) You have thirty days after your certification period ends to complete the recertification process. However, if you reapply timely and complete the recertification process before your certification period ends, your benefits continue to be deposited into your EBT (electronic benefit transfer) account on the same day of the month. To reapply timely, we must get your application no later than:

(a) The fifteenth day of the last month of your certification period; or

(b) The fifteenth day after ((the household receives)) you get a notice of ((certification)) eligibility when ((the household's)) your certification period is two months or less.

(((2) A household completes the reapplication process when it:

(a) Submits a timely reapplication;

(b) Completes an interview; and

(c) Submits requested verification.

(3) A household receives uninterrupted benefits when the household completes the reapplication process timely. Uninterrupted benefits mean the household's benefits will continue to be mailed on the same mailing day of the month.

(4) A household that reapplies timely and completes the application process will receive a notice of approval or denial:

(a) By the end of the current certification period; or

(b) By the thirtieth day after the last allotment when the household was certified for one month.

(5) When a household that reapplies late, the reapplication is treated like an initial application and will be approved or denied under WAC 388-406-0035.

(6) See chapter 388-458 WAC for adequate notice and translation requirements))

(3) If you reapply timely and complete the recertification process you get a notice of approval or denial:

(a) By the end of your current certification period; or

(b) By the thirtieth day after you got your last benefit amount in you were certified for one month.

(4) If you reapply before your certification period ends, but fail to take a required action such as completing an interview or providing proof of your eligibility, we may deny your benefits:

(a) At that time; or

(b) At the end of the certification period; or

(c) At the end of thirty days.

(5) If you take the required action before your certification period ends, we start your food assistance from the first of the month of your new certification period.

(6) If you take the required action within thirty days after your certification period ends, we start your food assistance from:

(a) The first of the month of your new certification period if we caused the delay; or

(b) The first of the month of your new certification period if we rescheduled a second interview per your request and you attended the rescheduled interview; or

(c) The date you take the required action.

(7) If you reapply after your certification period ends, your request is treated like an initial application and will be approved or denied under WAC 388-406-0035.

(8) See chapter 388-458 WAC for adequate notice and translation requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, 388-434-0010, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

Washington State Code Reviser's Office