Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) provides cash grants for families in need. In addition to needy families, persons caring for a child who is not their own biologically or by addition, for example, a relative's child, as a legal guardian, or acting in the place of a parent, are also able to apply for TANF benefits on behalf of that child. Adults in families receiving TANF participate in the WorkFirst program, which helps participants resolve barriers and prepare for and find jobs. In fiscal year 2021, the average monthly TANF caseload was 29, 701 representing 69.672 clients, with an average payment of $470.63, and 29.8 percent of the caseloads—13,556—included children five and under.
Subject to appropriation, to assist with child-related necessities such as diapers, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) may make additional monthly payments to recipient applicants with children under the age of three who are otherwise eligible for and receiving TANF. DSHS is to set the benefit amount in rule in alignment with funds appropriated for this purpose. DSHS is to make reasonable efforts to ensure timely communication to families of the new subsidy at implementation and as diaper eligibility changes.
The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This bill is fondly referred to as the "Diaper Needs Act," addressing the fact the cost of diapers has outpaced inflation, and causes more stressors for working families. This can also be thought of as an economic development tool, as many early childhood programs require diapers for attendance. If you can't afford diapers, you can't send your child to daycare and go to work. Last session there was a proviso to provide grants for diaper banks. The need far outpaces the capacity for the funding. Also, diaper banks don't exist in all parts of the state and some families may be embarrassed to go to a diaper bank. Diaper needs are really overlooked as there are no public assistance programs to pay for this need. This issue is compounded as those in most need are disproportionately the BIPOC community. There is no cheap way to diaper a baby. And re-using or extending the use of a diaper has health costs to the baby, not just a rash but other more serious medical conditions, not to mention the stress of the parent.
PRO: Diaper need is an overlooked challenge, particularly for low income people of color. Unlike food and health, there is no public assistance programs to help pay for diapers. Diapers may cost $100 per month and have increased 12 percent since the start of the pandemic. Last year, the state invested in grants to diaper banks, while this bill would help TANF recipients buy diapers where they are instead of having to rely on diaper banks. This bill invests directly in families.