WSR 08-09-137

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)

[ Filed April 23, 2008, 8:36 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-05-042.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-450-0175 Does the department offer an income deduction as an incentive for general assistance-unemployable (GA-U) clients to work?

     Hearing Location(s): Blake Office Park, East Rose Room, 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503 (one block north of the intersection of Pacific Avenue S.E. and Alhadeff Lane. A map or directions are available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/docket.html or by calling (360) 664-6094), on May 27, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than May 28, 2008.

     Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, delivery 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, e-mail schilse@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5 p.m. on May 27, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jennisha Johnson, DSHS Rules Consultant, by May 20, 2008, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6094 or by e-mail at johnsjl4@dshs.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: This proposal will clarify that the work incentive deduction for GA-U only applies to the general assistance cash grant.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed changes are necessary to comply with federal rules governing the food stamp program (7 C.F.R. 273).

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, 7 C.F.R. 273.

     Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Melissa Mathson, 712 Pear Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98503, (360) 725-4563; Enforcement: John Camp, 712 Pear Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98503, (360) 725-4616.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses. The proposed amendments only affect DSHS clients by clarifying that the work incentive deduction for GA-U only applies to the general assistance cash grant.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These amendments are exempt as allowed under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii) which states in-part, "[t]his section does not apply to...rules of the department of social and health services relating only to client medical or financial eligibility and rules concerning liability for care of dependents.

April 18, 2008

Stephanie E. Schiller

Rules Coordinator

3971.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 06-07-078, filed 3/13/06, effective 5/1/06)

WAC 388-450-0175   Does the department offer ((an)) income deduction for the general assistance program as an incentive for ((GA-U)) clients to work?   The department gives special deductions to people who receive income from work while receiving general assistance((-Unemployable (GA-U))). The deductions apply to general assistance cash benefits only. We allow the following deductions ((before using your earnings to)) when we determine ((your eligibility and monthly)) the amount of your benefits:

     (1) We subtract eighty-five dollars plus one half of the remainder of your monthly gross earned income as an incentive to employment.

     (2) We also subtract an amount equal to twenty percent of your gross earned income to allow for work expenses.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. 06-07-078, § 388-450-0175, filed 3/13/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0175, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

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