(1) We authorize additional requirement benefits for meals when we decide all of the following conditions are true:

(a) You meet the criteria in WAC 388-473-0020;

(b) You are physically or mentally impaired in your ability to prepare meals; and

(c) Getting help with meals would meet your nutrition or health needs and is not available to you through another federal or state source; such as the community options program entry system (COPES), medicaid personal care (MPC), or informal support, such as a relative or volunteer.

(2) When we decide to provide meals as an additional requirement, we choose whether to authorize this benefit as restaurant meals or home-delivered meals.

(3) We authorize restaurant meals when:

(a) You are unable to prepare some of your meals;

(b) You have some physical ability to leave your home; and

(c) Home-delivered meals are not available or would be more expensive.

(4) We authorize home-delivered meals when:

(a) You are unable to prepare any of your meals;

(b) You are physically limited in your ability to leave your home; and

(c) Home-delivered meals are available.