HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6495
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Appropriations
Title: An act relating to essential needs and housing support eligibility.
Brief Description: Regarding essential needs and housing support eligibility.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senator Walsh; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Appropriations: 2/29/20 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 31 members: Representatives Ormsby, Chair; Robinson, 1st Vice Chair; Bergquist, 2nd Vice Chair; Stokesbary, Ranking Minority Member; Rude, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Chandler, Chopp, Cody, Corry, Dolan, Dye, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Hoff, Hudgins, Kilduff, Kraft, Macri, Mosbrucker, Pettigrew, Ryu, Schmick, Senn, Springer, Steele, Sullivan, Sutherland, Tarleton, Tharinger and Ybarra.
Staff: Jessica Van Horne (786-7288).
Background:
Pregnant Women Assistance Program.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) administers the Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) program. The PWA program provides state financial assistance to persons who are pregnant and in need according to the income and resource standards of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, but are otherwise ineligible for TANF or other federal aid assistance.
Housing and Essential Needs Program.
The Department of Commerce (Commerce) administers the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program under the state's homeless housing program. The HEN program is funded with appropriations from the State General Fund in the biennial operating budget.
The Commerce distributes funding to designated HEN providers within each county who provide housing supports or essential needs supports to eligible individuals. Housing supports are assistance provided to maintain existing housing when the recipient is at substantial risk of becoming homeless, to obtain housing, or to obtain certain utility services when the recipient is at risk of losing those services. Housing supports can include rental assistance. Essential needs supports can include items such as personal hygiene and household supplies, bus passes, and laundry tokens. Recipients of HEN supports do not receive a cash grant.
The DSHS determines the eligibility of individuals to receive housing or essential needs support through the HEN program. Eligible individuals are required to: meet certain income standards; be temporarily unable to work for at least 90 days due to a physical or mental incapacity; and be ineligible for the PWA program, the TANF program, and other federal aid assistance. Recipients of Aged, Blind, or Disabled Program benefits who meet other eligibility requirements are eligible for a referral to the HEN program.
The DSHS must share information with the Commerce and designated HEN providers that allows for verification of an individual's HEN eligibility. The Commerce must provide a list of individuals eligible for HEN supports to providers on no less than a monthly basis.
The income standards for HEN eligibility are set in statute. Countable income for an individual must be at or below $339 per month, and income for married couples must be at or below $428 per month.
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Summary of Bill:
Persons eligible to be referred to the HEN program may either be unable to work due to a physical or mental incapacity or be eligible for assistance through the PWA program. Recipients of PWA benefits who meet other HEN eligibility requirements are eligible for a referral to HEN for 24 consecutive months from the date the DSHS determines their eligibility for PWA assistance. The restriction that disqualifies an individual from the HEN program if they receive PWA benefits is removed.
The income standard for HEN eligibility for persons who are eligible for the PWA program is the standard set by the DSHS, rather than the standard of at or below $339 per month for individuals and at or below $428 per month for married couples.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.