Revised May 5, 2014
Purpose:
This section explains how going on strike impacts a client's eligibility for Basic Food benefits.
WAC 388-480-0001 Does being on strike impact my eligibility for the Washington Basic Food program?
- Non-strikers impacted by a strike:
Examples of people who are not strikers but could be impacted by a work stoppage or slowdown include:
- Truck drivers with nothing to deliver because of the strike;
- Assembly workers idled because the bargaining unit on strike is not producing component parts;
- Sales staff idled when the strike leaves them with no product to sell; and
- Ticket agents idled at an airline when flights are canceled due to a pilot's strike.
- Work registration:
If a striker receives Basic Food benefits, they must register for work unless they are exempt from the Food Stamp Employment and Training Program under WAC 388-444-0010 for reasons other than employment.
- Striker status for cash and medical programs:
A client's striker status does not impact their AU's eligibility for cash or medical programs.
NOTE:
An AU member being on strike does not impact the AU’s allowable deductions for Basic Food. This includes the earned income deduction for the striker’s income we count under WAC 388-480-0001.
- Request the necessary verification to establish the client is, or is not, participating in a strike.
- If an AU member is on strike, determine the amount of income to budget for the striker using the following steps:
- Compare the striking member's pre-strike income to their current income; and
- Budget the higher of these two amounts as that member’s income.
NOTE:
WAC 388-444-0010 explains who is exempt from work registration.
WAC 388-444-0015 explains the BFET program.
ACES PROCEDURES
See Interview - (DEM2) screen