WSR 15-13-094 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (Economic Services Administration) [Filed June 15, 2015, 3:27 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 15-09-093.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-310-0800 WorkFirst—Support services.
Hearing Location(s): Office Building 2, DSHS Headquarters, 1115 Washington, Olympia, WA 98504 (public parking at 11th and Jefferson. A map is available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/RPAU-OB-2directions.html), on July 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than July 22, 2015.
Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail DSHSRPAURulesCoordinator@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5:00 p.m., July 21, 2015.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jeff Kildahl, DSHS rules consultant, by July 8, 2015, phone (360) 664-6092 or TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail KildaJA@dshs.wa.gov.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: This proposed rule amends support services to allow transportation allotments for other approved WorkFirst activities.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The community services division is proposing to amend WAC 388-310-0800 to make WorkFirst support services transportation allotments available to persons who are engaged in WorkFirst activities.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.08.090.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Leslie Kozak, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, (360) 725-4589.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule does not have an economic impact on small businesses. They only impact DSHS clients.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. This amendment is 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."
June 11, 2015
Katherine I. Vasquez
Rules Coordinator
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-10-046, filed 4/30/14, effective 6/1/14)
WAC 388-310-0800 WorkFirst—Support services.
(1) Who can get support services?
People who can get support services include:
(a) WorkFirst participants who receive a TANF cash grant;
(b) Sanctioned WorkFirst participants during the required participation before the sanction is lifted or applicants who were terminated while in noncompliance sanction who are doing activities required to reopen cash assistance (WAC 388-310-1600);
(c) TANF/SFA applicants as needed to meet the WorkFirst orientation requirements under WAC 388-400-0005(2) or 388-400-0010(3);
(d) Unmarried or pregnant minors who are income eligible to receive TANF and are:
(i) Living in a department approved living arrangement (WAC 388-486-0005) and are meeting the school requirements (WAC 388-486-0010); or
(ii) Are actively working with a social worker and need support services to remove the barriers that are preventing them from living in a department approved living arrangement and/or meeting the school requirements.
(e) American Indians who receive a TANF cash grant and have identified specific needs due to location or employment.
(2) Why do I receive support services?
Although not an entitlement, you may receive support services for the following reasons:
(a) To help you participate in work and WorkFirst activities that lead to independence.
(b) To help you to participate in job search, accept a job, keep working, advance in your job, and/or increase your wages.
(c) You can also get help in paying your child care expenses through the working connections child care assistance program. (Chapter 170-290 WAC describes the rules for this child care assistance program.)
(3) What type of support services may I receive and what limits apply?
There is a limit of three thousand dollars per person per program year (July 1st to June 30th) for WorkFirst support services you may receive. Some types of support services have dollar limit restrictions.
The chart below shows the types of support services that are available for the different activities (as indicated by an "x") and the restrictions that apply.
Definitions:
• Work-related activities include looking for work or participating in workplace activities, such as community jobs or a work experience position.
•• Safety-related activities include meeting significant or emergency family safety needs, such as dealing with family violence.
••• Some support services are available if you need them for other required activities in your IRP.
(4) What are the other requirements to receive support services?
Other restrictions on receiving support services are determined by the department or its agents. They will consider whether:
(a) It is within available funds; and
(b) It does not assist, promote, or deter religious activity; and
(c) There is no other way to meet the cost.
(5) What happens to my support services if I do not participate as required?
The department will give you ten days notice, following the rules in WAC 388-310-1600, then discontinue your support services until you participate as required.
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