Economic Services Administration

WAC 388-449-0220

The Department is proposing to amend WAC 388-449-0220, “How does substance use affect my eligibility for the aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash and pregnant women assistance (PWA) programs?”

Melissa Kenney (360) 764-3272

Roanne Harris 360-870-8059

WSR 25-02-043

Objection deadline:  March 4, 2025

WACs 388-450-0185, 388-450-0190, 388-450-0195, 388-470-0005 & 388-478-0060

The department is proposing to amend the following WAC sections: 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?”, 388-470-0005, “How do resources affect my eligibility for cash assistance and basic food?”, and 388-478-0060, “What are the income limits and maximum benefit amounts for basic food?” This filing is necessary to implement SNAP cost-of-living adjustments received August 3, 2024, from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, and must be in place by October 1, 2024. The department has filed an emergency rule under WSR 24-20-081.

Sharon Hill-Laguerre (360) 870-9316

Roanne Harris (360) 870-8059

WSR 24-20-135

Objection deadline:  December 3, 2024

WAC 388-14A-5001

The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-14A-5001 – What procedures does DCS follow to distribute support collections? The purpose of this proposal is to make non-substantive technical changes in light of the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Chapter 63.30 RCW.

WSR 24-07-027

Objection deadline:  May 21, 2024

WAC 388-437-0001

The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-437-0001, “Disaster food stamp program.” The title of this rule and the rule itself refer to the “food stamp program.” The current name of the program is the “supplemental nutrition assistance program.” This amendment updates the wording to reflect current usage.

Angela Aikins

Roanne Harris (360) 870-8059

WSR 24-03-155

Objection deadline:  March 26, 2024

WAC 388-436-0065

The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-436-0065 “What is the pandemic emergency assistance fund (PEAF)?” These housekeeping amendments clarify the federal poverty level (FPL) year when considering PEAF eligibility.

Melissa Kenney (360) 764-3272

Roanne Harris 360-870-8059

WSR 24-01-066 

Objection deadline: February 20, 2024

WAC 388-450-0185

The Department is proposing amendments to 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? These amendments correct a typographical error within the WAC.

WAC 388-414-0001

The Department is proposing amendments to WAC 388-414-0001, Do I have to meet all eligibility requirements for basic food? These amendments replace an obsolete link with a newer Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline Website link and do not change the effect of the rule. These amendments meet the criteria for expedited adoption as set forth in RCW 34.05.353, specifically subsection (1)(c): “The proposed rules only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect.”

WAC 388-61-001

The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-61-001, How does the Family Violence Amendment affect me if I am getting TANF/SFA? These housekeeping amendments update an incorrect statutory reference for the definition of “family or household member.” These amendments meet the criteria for expedited adoption as set forth in RCW 34.05.353,specifically, subsection (1)(c): “The proposed rules only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect.”

WACs 388-310-0100 and 388-450-0165

WAC 388-310-0100, WorkFirst-Purpose and 388-450-0165, Gross earned income limit for TANF/SFA. These amendments revise obsolete policy language that was not updated when related TANF laws changed in 1999. With the passage of Public Law 104-193, there is no longer a requirement under federal law for a pregnant person with no other eligible child to be in their third trimester to qualify for TANF. In addition, these amendments remove references to the “general assistance for pregnant women,” which is not a current public assistance program which provides WorkFirst services.

WAC 388-437-0015

The department is proposing to repeal WAC 388-437-0015, Good cause extension of Social Security number (SSN) requirement for basic food applicants during COVID-19. This rule is being repealed as the related federal COVID-19 flexibility waiver expired on 9/30/2022. SSN Good Cause rules are found in WAC 388-476-0005 and based on federal rule.

WSR 22-23-033
Objection deadline:  January 24, 2023

WAC 388-493-0010

The department is proposing amendments to WAC 388-493-0010, Working family support.  These amendments only remove obsolete references to specific dates and do not change the effect of the rule.

Joe Deskins

(360) 480-3411

WAC 388-450-0100

The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-450-0100, Allocating income-Definitions.

WAC 388-480-0001

The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-480-0001 to correct a typographical error without changing the effect of the rule.

WAC 388-14A-5015, 5100

DCS proposes to amend WAC 388-14A-5015 and WAC 388-14A-5100 to clarify that pass-through payments are authorized again beginning February 1, 2021. These changes relate to internal governmental operations, are non-controversial, and align with statutory provisions in RCW 26.23.035. If objections are made during the expedited rulemaking process, DCS will withdraw the CR-105 and start the permanent rulemaking process under chapter 34.05 RCW.