PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is amending rules in chapters 388-400 and 388-418 WAC to update rule references and streamline the six-month reporting process for people who receive benefits from more than one program. This includes, but is not limited to amending WAC 388-400-0005 Who is eligible for temporary assistance for needy families?, 388-400-0025 Who is eligible for general assistance unemployable?, 388-400-0040 Am I eligible for benefits through the Washington Basic Food program?, 388-418-0007 When do I have to report changes in my circumstances?, 388-418-0011 What is a six-month report, and do I have to complete one in order to keep getting benefits?, and 388-418-0020 How does the department determine the date a change affects my benefits?
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The changes will be to update references to other department rules and streamline the process for individuals and families who receive benefits from more than one program and must complete a six-month report. Currently, someone receiving benefits from more than one program could receive multiple six-month reports.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) publishes federal regulations for the food stamp program in the Federal Register. Rules published in the Federal Register are incorporated into the United States Code of Federal Regulations. FNS also issues administrative notices to inform states of new program requirements that are not yet in the United States Code of Federal Regulations. DSHS incorporates these regulations and exercises state options by adopting administrative rules for food assistance benefits in Washington state.
The department adopts regulations for cash, Basic Food, and medical assistance in a state plan that is consistent with federal requirements in public law, the Code of Federal Regulations, and other federal guidance on department-administered programs.
Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting John Camp, Policy Analyst, Division of Employment and Assistance Programs, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 725-4616, fax (360) 493-3493, e-mail campjx@dshs.wa.gov.
October 18, 2005
Andy Fernando, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit