Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is planning to amend WAC 388-450-0185 What income deductions does the department allow when determining if I am eligible for food benefits and the amount of my monthly benefits?, 388-450-0190 How does the department figure my shelter cost income deduction for basic food?, 388-450-0195 Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my basic food or WASHCAP benefits?, 388-478-0060 What are the income limits and maximum benefit amounts for basic food?, and other related rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food, and Nutrition Services (FNS) has issued annual updates to standards for the federal fiscal year 2024, effective October 1, 2023. These updates affect the standard deduction, shelter deduction, homeless shelter deduction, utility deduction, minimum and maximum allotments, and resource limits for the basic food program. As needed, planned amendments will also make additional changes required to improve clarity, update policy, or better align rule language with state and federal law or regulations.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: USDA FNS.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the public to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Alexis Miller, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone 253-579-3144, email alexis.a.miller@dshs.wa.gov.