SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5294

As of February 4, 2003

Title: An act relating to "work activity" for purposes of the temporary assistance for needy families program.

Brief Description: Clarifying the work study aspect of "work activity" under the TANF program.

Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Regala, Carlson, B. Sheldon and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/7/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: WorkFirst participants who receive benefits under Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are required to participate in a work activity full time (32-40 hours a week). A work activity can include paid employment, on-the-job training, job search or attending school. Participants can combine school attendance in an approved training program and work (20 hours of employment per week or at least 16 hours of work-study per week) to meet WorkFirst participation requirements. WorkFirst participants are eligible to receive a child-care subsidy.

The Department of Social and Health Services has by policy limited the child care subsidy for those in a work-study program to only those hours they are working, not the hours they are in the education program. In addition, some schools limit work-study hours to a maximum of 15 hours per week, which would not meet the requirements of a full-time work activity for a WorkFirst participant.

Summary of Bill: WorkFirst participants are eligible to receive a child care subsidy for the hours they are in the education program, as well as during their work-study hours. If they are attending an educational institution which limits the number of work-study hours to less than 16 hours per week, they are still considered a full-time WorkFirst participant as long as they work the maximum number of work-study hours offered to them.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 3, 2003.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.