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Chapter 388-434 WAC

Last Update: 12/14/22

ELIGIBILITY REVIEWS AND RECERTIFICATIONS

WAC Sections

HTMLPDF388-434-0005How often does the department review my eligibility for benefits?
HTMLPDF388-434-0010How do I get basic food benefits after my certification period ends?

PDF388-434-0005

How often does the department review my eligibility for benefits?

(1) If you receive cash assistance, the department reviews your eligibility for assistance at least once every 12 months.
(2) If you receive ABD cash assistance and reside in a public institution, as defined in WAC 182-500-0050, the department reviews your eligibility at least once every 24 months.
(3) When it is time for your eligibility review, the department requires you to complete a review. We use the information you provide to determine your eligibility for all assistance programs.
(4) If you complete an interview for assistance with a department representative and sign the printed interactive interview declaration (IID) form, you do not have to complete a separate review form.
(5) For cash assistance, an eligibility review form or the IID must be dated and signed by both spouses, or both parents of a child in common when the parents live together.
(6) We may review your eligibility at any time if we decide your circumstances need to be reviewed sooner.
(7) At your review, we look at:
(a) All eligibility requirements under WAC 388-400-0005 through 388-400-0030;
(b) Changes since we last determined your eligibility; and
(c) Changes that are anticipated for the next review period.
(8) You are responsible for attending an interview if one is required under WAC 388-452-0005.
(9) If you do not complete the eligibility review for cash assistance, we consider you to be withdrawing your request for continuing assistance and your cash assistance benefits will end.
(10) We will send you written notice as described under chapter 388-458 WAC before assistance is suspended, terminated, or a benefit error is established as a result of your eligibility review.
(11) When you need a supplemental accommodation under WAC 388-472-0010, we will help you meet the requirements of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.0052, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.04.655, 74.04.770, 74.04.805, 74.08.025, 74.08.043, 74.08.090, 74.08.335, 74.08A.100, 74.62.030, and 2022 c 297 § 205(22). WSR 23-01-057, § 388-434-0005, filed 12/14/22, effective 1/14/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 74.04.510. WSR 21-07-082, § 388-434-0005, filed 3/17/21, effective 4/17/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.04.510, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-005, § 388-434-0005, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 2004 c 54. WSR 04-19-134, § 388-434-0005, filed 9/21/04, effective 10/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.530, and 2003 c 10. WSR 04-03-019, § 388-434-0005, filed 1/12/04, effective 2/12/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-23-083, § 388-434-0005, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-434-0005, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-522-2230.]


PDF388-434-0010

How do I get basic food benefits after my certification period ends?

To keep getting basic food benefits after your certification period in WAC 388-416-0005 ends, we must determine if you are still eligible for benefits. This is called recertification.
(1) To be recertified for basic food, you must:
(a) Sign and turn in an application for benefits as required under WAC 388-406-0010;
(b) Complete an interview if you are required to have one under WAC 388-452-0005; and
(c) Submit needed proof of your circumstances if we ask for it.
(2) We keep depositing your benefits into your EBT (electronic benefit transfer) account on the same day of the month if you reapply timely and get certified before your certification period ends. To reapply timely, we must get your application by the fifteenth day of the last month of your certification period.
(3) We send you a letter telling you if your benefits are approved or denied as required under chapter 388-458 WAC.
(4) You will get an approval or denial letter by the end of your current certification period if you reapply timely.
(5) Your basic food benefits stop at the end of your certification period if you do not turn in an application form by the end of your current certification period.
(6) We start your basic food benefits from the first of the month of your new certification period if we determine you are eligible.
(a) Your benefits for the first month of your new certification period may be delayed if you do not reapply timely.
(b) You have until the end of the month following your certification period end date to complete an interview if required and provide any requested proof of your circumstances.
(c) We will not approve your recertification if you do not meet all requirements for verification by the end of the month following your certification end date.
(7) We treat your application as a new application for benefits if we receive it after your certification period ends. We start your basic food from the date we received the application after we determine if you are eligible.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 74.08A.120. WSR 18-14-041, § 388-434-0010, filed 6/27/18, effective 7/28/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 04-19-133, § 388-434-0010, filed 9/21/04, effective 10/22/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and Title 7, Chapter II, Part 273 of the Code of Federal Regulations. WSR 02-18-083, § 388-434-0010, filed 8/30/02, effective 10/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.05.057, and 74.08.090. WSR 01-15-011, § 388-434-0010, filed 7/6/01, effective 8/1/01; WSR 98-16-044, § 388-434-0010, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]