PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department proposes to amend WAC 388-476-0005 Social Security number requirements, to better align with requirements under Title 7 C.F.R. 273.6 for Basic Food and to update text related to all programs for clarity.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: WAC 388-476-0005 Social Security number requirements, to better align with requirements under Title 7 C.F.R. 273.6 for Basic Food and to update text related to all programs for clarity. Current WAC states that "a newborn may receive benefits for up to six months from the date of birth if the household is unable to provide proof of application for a SSN at the time of birth." The department's proposed language will clarify that the household may provide proof at the "next recertification or within six months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later."
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: DSHS incorporates regulations from federal agencies, exercises state options, and implements approved waivers and demonstration projects by adopting administrative rules for food assistance administered as the Washington Basic Food program, the Washington combined application program (WASHCAP), and transitional food assistance. Proposals made under this filing will be consistent with requirements for SNAP under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and Title 7 C.F.R., 273.4.
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 Holly St. John, SNAP Program Manager, Community Services Division, phone (360) 725-4895, fax (360) 725-4904, e-mail stjohhc@dshs.wa.gov.
May 3, 2010
Katherine I. Vasquez
Rules Coordinator