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Chapter 388-450 WAC

Last Update: 3/4/24

INCOME

WAC Sections

HTMLPDF388-450-0005How does the department decide if I own a type of income and if this income is available to meet my needs?
HTMLPDF388-450-0010The department takes some or all of your time-loss benefits if you get cash assistance while waiting for your claim to be processed.
HTMLPDF388-450-0015What types of income are not used by the department to figure out my benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0025What is unearned income?
HTMLPDF388-450-0030What is earned income?
HTMLPDF388-450-0035Educational benefits.
HTMLPDF388-450-0040Native American benefits and payments.
HTMLPDF388-450-0045How do we count income from employment and training programs?
HTMLPDF388-450-0050How does your participation in the community jobs (CJ) program affect your cash assistance and basic food benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0055How does needs-based assistance from other agencies or organizations count against my benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0065Gifts—Cash and noncash.
HTMLPDF388-450-0070When do we count a child's income?
HTMLPDF388-450-0080What is self-employment income?
HTMLPDF388-450-0085Does the department count all of my self-employment income to determine if I am eligible for benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0095Allocating income—General.
HTMLPDF388-450-0100Allocating income—Definitions.
HTMLPDF388-450-0105Allocating the income of a financially responsible person included in the assistance unit.
HTMLPDF388-450-0106How does the department count my income if someone in my family cannot get assistance because of their alien status?
HTMLPDF388-450-0112Does the department allocate the income of an ABD cash client to legal dependents?
HTMLPDF388-450-0113Does the department allocate income of a housing and essential needs (HEN) referral recipient to legal dependents?
HTMLPDF388-450-0115Does the department allocate the income of a financially responsible person who is excluded from the assistance unit?
HTMLPDF388-450-0116How does the department count my income if I cannot get assistance because I am an alien?
HTMLPDF388-450-0120Does the department allocate the income of financially responsible parents to a pregnant or parenting minor?
HTMLPDF388-450-0130Does the department allocate the income of a nonapplying spouse to a caretaker relative?
HTMLPDF388-450-0137Does the department allocate income of an ineligible spouse to an ABD cash client?
HTMLPDF388-450-0138Does the department allocate income of an ineligible spouse to a housing and essential needs (HEN) referral recipient?
HTMLPDF388-450-0140How does the income of an ineligible assistance unit member affect my eligibility and benefits for basic food?
HTMLPDF388-450-0145Income of a person who is not a member of a food assistance unit.
HTMLPDF388-450-0155How does being a sponsored immigrant affect my eligibility for cash and food assistance programs?
HTMLPDF388-450-0156When am I exempt from deeming?
HTMLPDF388-450-0160How does the department decide how much of my sponsor's income to count against my benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0162How does the department count my income to determine if my assistance unit is eligible and how does the department calculate the amount of my cash and basic food benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0165Gross earned income limit for TANF/SFA.
HTMLPDF388-450-0170Does the department provide an earned income deduction as an incentive for persons who receive TANF/SFA to work?
HTMLPDF388-450-0177Does the department offer an income deduction for the ABD cash program as an incentive for clients to work?
HTMLPDF388-450-0178Does the department offer an income deduction for housing and essential needs (HEN) referral applicants and recipients as an incentive to work?
HTMLPDF388-450-0185What income deductions does the department allow when determining if I am eligible for food benefits and the amount of my monthly benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0190How does the department figure my shelter cost income deduction for basic food?
HTMLPDF388-450-0195Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my basic food or WASHCAP benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0200Will the medical expenses of elderly persons or individuals with disabilities in my assistance unit be used as an income deduction for basic food?
HTMLPDF388-450-0215How does the department estimate my assistance unit's income to determine my eligibility and benefits?
HTMLPDF388-450-0225How are my assistance unit's benefits calculated for the first month I am eligible for cash assistance?
HTMLPDF388-450-0230What income does the department count in the month I apply for basic food when my assistance unit is destitute?
HTMLPDF388-450-0245When are my benefits suspended?
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
388-450-0020Income exclusions for SSI-related medical. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0020, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-511-1140 and 388-519-1910.] Repealed by WSR 04-09-005, filed 4/7/04, effective 6/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090. Later promulgation, see chapter 388-475 WAC.
388-450-0060Lump sum payments. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0060, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0060, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 99-23-083, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0075Income from time-loss compensation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0075, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 02-20-069, filed 9/30/02, effective 10/31/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0090Self-employment expenses that are not allowed as income deductions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0090, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 01-19-020, filed 9/11/01, effective 10/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0110Allocating the income of a GA-U client to legal dependents. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0110, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-519-1910.] Repealed by WSR 12-10-042, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36.
388-450-0125Allocating the income of the father of the unborn child to a pregnant woman. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0125, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 01-11-108, filed 5/21/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 74.04.200.
388-450-0135Allocating income of an ineligible spouse to a GA-U client. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0135, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 12-10-042, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36.
388-450-0150SSI-related medical income allocation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0150, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-506-0630 and 388-519-1910.] Repealed by WSR 04-09-005, filed 4/7/04, effective 6/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090. Later promulgation, see chapter 388-475 WAC.
388-450-0175Does the department offer an income deduction for the general assistance program as an incentive for clients to work? [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.266, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.04.510, and 2009 c 564. WSR 09-18-079, § 388-450-0175, filed 8/31/09, effective 10/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and Title 45 C.F.R., Part 261.2 as published in Federal Register on June 29, 2006. WSR 08-12-031, § 388-450-0175, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 06-07-078, § 388-450-0175, filed 3/13/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0175, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 12-10-042, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36.
388-450-0180Effect of countable income on eligibility and benefit level for cash assistance. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0180, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 99-23-083, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0205Budgeting income deductions for food assistance. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0205, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 99-23-083, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0210Countable income for medical programs. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.530, 74.09.700, and 2007 c 5. WSR 08-05-018, § 388-450-0210, filed 2/12/08, effective 3/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.530, and 74.09.415. WSR 05-23-013, § 388-450-0210, filed 11/4/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415. WSR 02-17-030, § 388-450-0210, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, and Title XIX State Plan amendment 00-008. WSR 02-03-009, § 388-450-0210, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0210, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0580, 388-505-0590 and 388-519-1910.] Decodified by WSR 11-23-091, filed 11/17/11, effective 11/21/11. Recodified as § 182-509-0001.
388-450-0220Retrospective budgeting. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0220, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0220, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 99-23-083, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0235Discontinued income. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0235, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0235, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 99-23-083, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0240Effect of net lump sum payments for cash assistance. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0240, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 99-23-083, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510.
388-450-0250Income of a new assistance unit member. [Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0250, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0250, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.] Repealed by WSR 00-01-012, filed 12/3/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.510.

PDF388-450-0005

How does the department decide if I own a type of income and if this income is available to meet my needs?

This section applies to cash assistance and food assistance.
(1) We count all available income owned or held by people in your assistance unit under chapter 388-408 WAC to decide if you are eligible for benefits and calculate your monthly benefits when:
(a) You get or expect to get the income in the month.
(b) We must count the income based on rules under chapter 388-450 WAC.
(c) You own the income. We use state and federal laws about who owns property to decide if you actually own the income. If you are married, we decide if income is separate or community income according to chapter 26.16 RCW.
(d) You have control over the income, which means the income is actually available to you. If you have a representative payee, protective payee, or other person who manages your income for you as described in chapter 388-460 WAC, we consider this as you having control over this income.
(e) You can use the income to meet your current needs. We count the gross amount of available income in the month your assistance unit gets it. If you normally get the income:
(i) On a specific day, we count it as available on that date.
(ii) Monthly or twice monthly and your pay date changes due to a reason beyond your control, such as a weekend or holiday, we count it in the month you would normally get it.
(iii) Weekly or every-other week and your pay date changes due to a reason beyond your control, we count it in the month you would normally get it.
(2) If income is legally yours, we consider the income as available to you even if it is paid to someone else for you. For example, the father of your child has a court order to pay you two hundred fifty dollars per month in child support. Instead of giving the money directly to you (as required in the court order), he gives the money to your landlord to pay part of your rent. We still count the two hundred fifty dollars as income even though you never actually got the money.
(3) We may also count the income of certain people who live in your home, even if they are not getting or applying for benefits. Their income counts as part of your income.
(a) For cash assistance, we count the income of ineligible, disqualified, or financially responsible people as defined in WAC 388-450-0100.
(b) For food assistance, we count the income of ineligible assistance unit members as defined in WAC 388-408-0035.
(4) If you have a joint bank account with someone who is not in your AU, we count any money deposited into that account as your income unless:
(a) You can show that all or part of the funds belong only to the other account holder and are held or used only for the benefit of that holder; or
(b) Social Security Administration (SSA) used that money to determine the other account holder's eligibility for SSI benefits.
(5) Potential income is income you may be able to get that can be used to lower your need for assistance. If we determine that you have a potential source of income, you must make a reasonable effort to make the income available in order to get cash assistance.
(a) We do not count that income until you actually get it; and
(b) You can choose whether to get TANF/SFA or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits.
(6) If your assistance unit includes a sponsored immigrant, we consider the income of the immigrant's sponsor as available to the immigrant under the rules of this chapter. We use this income when deciding if your assistance unit is eligible for benefits and to calculate your monthly benefits.
(7) You may give us proof about a type of income at anytime, including when we ask for it or if you disagree with a decision we made, about:
(a) Who owns the income;
(b) Who has legal control of the income;
(c) The amount of the income; or
(d) If the income is available.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0005, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 06-07-078, § 388-450-0005, filed 3/13/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415. WSR 02-17-030, § 388-450-0005, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0005, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0005, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0590 and 388-506-0610.]


PDF388-450-0010

The department takes some or all of your time-loss benefits if you get cash assistance while waiting for your claim to be processed.

(1) Some people who are hurt on the job can get time-loss benefits because of their injury. The time-loss benefits are paid by an agency, such as the department of labor and industries or a private insurance company.
(2) If you are an adult or minor child who gets cash assistance while waiting for your time-loss benefit claim to be processed, you are required to let the department take some or all of your time-loss benefits as repayment for your cash assistance. We will take our portion of the time-loss benefits before you get yours. You agree to this when you sign the application and accept your cash benefits.
(3) The amount of your time-loss benefits that we take will not be more than the total amount of cash assistance you got while waiting for your claim to be approved.
(4) If your assistance unit includes another adult to whom you are not married, the amount of your time-loss benefits we take may be less than the amount of cash assistance you received.
(5) Each time we take our portion from your time-loss benefits, the office of financial recovery (OFR) will send you a letter telling you how much we are taking.
(6) If you or your attorney claim that you are getting more time-loss benefits because of the help of your attorney, OFR will:
(a) First, figure out:
(i) How much of your time-loss benefits are a direct result of your attorney’s work; and
(ii) Our proportionate share of your attorney’s fees and costs for the amount we are taking; and
(b) Then, either:
(i) Subtract our share of your attorney’s fees and costs from the amount we are taking; or
(ii) Send your attorney their share of the time-loss benefits we have taken.
(c) Send a copy of the account summary to you.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-20-069, § 388-450-0010, filed 9/30/02, effective 10/31/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0010, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0015

What types of income are not used by the department to figure out my benefits?

(1) We do not count the following types of income when we determine your cash assistance and basic food benefits:
(a) Bona fide loans as defined in WAC 388-470-0045, except certain student loans as specified under WAC 388-450-0035;
(b) Federal income tax refunds, earned income tax credit (EITC), and Washington's working families tax credit (WFTC) payments in the month received;
(c) Federal economic stimulus payments that are excluded for federal and federally assisted state programs;
(d) Federal $25 supplemental weekly unemployment compensation payment authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009;
(e) Title IV-E and state foster care maintenance payments if you choose not to include the foster child in your assistance unit;
(f) Energy assistance payments;
(g) Educational assistance we do not count under WAC 388-450-0035;
(h) Native American benefits and payments we do not count under WAC 388-450-0040;
(i) Income from employment and training programs we do not count under WAC 388-450-0045;
(j) Money withheld from a benefit to repay an overpayment from the same income source;
(k) Legally obligated child support payments received by someone who gets temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) or state family assistance (SFA) benefits;
(l) One-time payments issued under the Department of State or Department of Justice reception and replacement programs, such as voluntary agency (VOLAG) payments;
(m) Payments we are directly told to exclude as income under state or federal law;
(n) Payments made to someone outside of the household for the benefits of the assistance unit using funds that are not owed to the household; and
(o) Distributions for qualified disability expenses from an achieving a better life experience (ABLE) account;
(2) For basic food only:
(a) We do not count the total monthly amount of all legally obligated current or back child support payments paid by the assistance unit to someone outside of the assistance unit for:
(i) A person who is not in the assistance unit; or
(ii) A person who is in the assistance unit to cover a period of time when they were not living with the member of the assistance unit responsible for paying the child support on their behalf; and
(b) We do count money withheld because you were overpaid for not meeting requirements of a federal, state, or local means tested programs such as temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), state family assistance (SFA), aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash assistance, pregnant women assistance (PWA), and supplemental security income (SSI).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.300, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 82.08.0206. WSR 23-06-039, § 388-450-0015, filed 2/23/23, effective 3/26/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 74.04.300. WSR 17-17-097, § 388-450-0015, filed 8/18/17, effective 9/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.62.030, 41.05.021, 74.09.035, 74.09.530, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10, and the 2013 biennial budget. WSR 15-02-006, § 388-450-0015, filed 12/26/14, effective 1/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.04.770, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-08-002, § 388-450-0015, filed 3/21/12, effective 4/21/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, chapter 74.12 RCW, and The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. WSR 11-21-025, § 388-450-0015, filed 10/11/11, effective 10/29/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. WSR 10-17-103, § 388-450-0015, filed 8/17/10, effective 8/19/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and P.L. 107-171, section 4101. WSR 09-15-085 and 09-16-095, § 388-450-0015, filed 7/14/09 and 8/4/09, effective 11/15/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510 and 74.08.090. WSR 09-09-103, § 388-450-0015, filed 4/20/09, effective 4/21/09; WSR 06-07-078, § 388-450-0015, filed 3/13/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090 and Public Law 106-419. WSR 05-03-078, § 388-450-0015, filed 1/17/05, effective 2/17/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-14-022, § 388-450-0015, filed 6/21/02, effective 6/22/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.530 and 2000 2nd sp.s. c 1 § 210(12). 01-18-006, § 388-450-0015, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-17-025, § 388-450-0015, filed 8/10/99, effective 10/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0015, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0590.]


PDF388-450-0025

What is unearned income?

This section applies to cash assistance and food assistance.
(1) Unearned income is income you get from a source other than employment or self-employment. Some examples of unearned income include, but are not limited to:
(a) Railroad retirement;
(b) Unemployment compensation;
(c) Social Security benefits (including retirement benefits, disability benefits, and benefits for survivors);
(d) Time loss benefits as described in WAC 388-450-0010, such as benefits from the department of labor and industries (L&I);
(e) Veteran Administration benefits; or
(f) Paid family and medical leave benefits.
(2) For food assistance we also count the total amount of cash benefits due to you before any reductions caused by your failure (or the failure of someone in your assistance unit) to perform an action required under a federal, state, or local means-tested public assistance program, such as TANF/SFA, ABD assistance, PWA, and SSI.
(3) When we count your unearned income, we count the amount you get before any taxes are taken out.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.770, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.035, 74.09.530, 74.62.030 and 7 C.F.R. 273.9. WSR 19-24-048, § 388-450-0025, filed 11/26/19, effective 1/1/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.62.030, 41.05.021, 74.09.035, 74.09.530, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10, and the 2013 biennial budget. WSR 15-02-006, § 388-450-0025, filed 12/26/14, effective 1/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-06-070, § 388-450-0025, filed 3/6/12, effective 4/6/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-20-069, § 388-450-0025, filed 9/30/02, effective 10/31/02; WSR 99-17-025, § 388-450-0025, filed 8/10/99, effective 10/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0025, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0030

What is earned income?

This section applies to cash assistance and food assistance.
(1) Earned income money you get from working. This includes:
(a) Wages;
(b) Tips;
(c) Commissions;
(d) Profits from self-employment activities as described in WAC 388-450-0080; and
(e) One-time payments for work you did over a period of time.
(2) For cash assistance, we also consider you to have earned income if you work for something other than money, such as your rent.
(3) When we count your earned income, we count the amount you get before any taxes are taken out.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0030, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-20-069, § 388-450-0030, filed 9/30/02, effective 10/31/02; WSR 99-17-025, § 388-450-0030, filed 8/10/99, effective 10/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0030, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0035

Educational benefits.

This section applies to cash assistance and food assistance.
(1) We do not count:
(a) Educational assistance in the form of grants, loans or work study, issued from Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments (Title IV - HEA) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) education assistance programs. Examples of Title IV - HEA and BIA educational assistance include but are not limited to:
(i) Pell grants; and
(ii) BIA higher education grants.
(b) Educational assistance in the form of grants, loans or work-study made available under any program administered by the Department of Education (DOE) to an undergraduate student. Examples of programs administered by DOE include, but are not limited to:
(i) Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program;
(ii) Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program; and
(iii) Library Career Training Program.
(2) For assistance in the form of grants, loans or work-study under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, P.L. 101-392:
(a) If you are attending school half-time or more, we subtract the following expenses:
(i) Tuition;
(ii) Fees;
(iii) Costs for purchase or rental of equipment, materials, or supplies required of all students in the same course of study;
(iv) Books;
(v) Supplies;
(vi) Transportation;
(vii) Dependent care; and
(viii) Miscellaneous personal expenses.
(b) If you are attending school less than half-time, we subtract the following expenses:
(i) Tuition;
(ii) Fees; and
(iii) Costs for purchase or rental of equipment, materials, or supplies required of all students in the same course of study.
(c) For cash assistance, we also subtract the difference between the appropriate need standard and payment standard for your family size.
(d) Any remaining income is unearned income and budgeted using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.
(3) If you are participating in WorkFirst work study or state-funded college work study, that work study income is:
(a) Not counted for cash assistance;
(b) Counted as earned income for food assistance.
(4) If you are participating in a work study program that is not excluded in subsection (1), or for cash assistance, under subsection (3) of this section, we count that work study income as earned income:
(a) You get any applicable earned income disregards;
(b) For cash assistance, we also subtract the difference between the need standard and payment standard for your family size as described in chapter 388-478 WAC; and
(c) Budgeting remaining income using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.
(5) If you get Veteran's Administration Educational Assistance:
(a) All applicable attendance costs is subtracted; and
(b) The remaining unearned income is budgeted using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9(c). WSR 14-22-078, § 388-450-0035, filed 11/3/14, effective 12/4/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0035, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415. WSR 02-17-030, § 388-450-0035, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.050. WSR 00-18-057, § 388-450-0035, filed 9/1/00, effective 9/4/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0035, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0035, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0040

Native American benefits and payments.

This section applies to TANF/SFA, RCA, PWA, ABD cash, and food assistance programs.
(1) The following types of income are not counted when a client's benefits are computed:
(a) Up to two thousand dollars per individual per calendar year received under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, P.L. 92-203 and 100-241;
(b) Income received from Indian trust funds or lands held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior for an Indian tribe or individual tribal member. Income includes:
(i) Interest; and
(ii) Investment income accrued while such funds are held in trust.
(c) Income received from Indian judgment funds or funds held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior distributed per capita under P.L. 93-134 as amended by P.L. 97-458 and 98-64. Income includes:
(i) Interest; and
(ii) Investment income accrued while such funds are held in trust.
(d) Up to two thousand dollars per individual per calendar year received from leases or other uses of individually owned trust or restricted lands, P.L. 103-66;
(e) Payments from an annuity fund established by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement Act of 1989, P.L. 101-41, made to a Puyallup Tribe member upon reaching twenty-one years of age; and
(f) Payments from the trust fund established by the P.L. 101-41 made to a Puyallup Tribe member.
(2) Other Native American payments and benefits that are excluded by federal law are not counted when determining a client's benefits. Examples include but are not limited to:
(a) White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act of 1985, P.L. 99-264, Section 16;
(b) Payments made from submarginal land held in trust for certain Indian tribes as designated by P.L. 94-114 and P.L. 94-540; and
(c) Payments under the Seneca Nation Settlement Act, P.L. 101-503.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.62.030, 41.05.021, 74.09.035, 74.09.530, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10, and the 2013 biennial budget. WSR 15-02-006, § 388-450-0040, filed 12/26/14, effective 1/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0040, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and ARRA of 2009, Public Law 111-5, Section 5006(b); 42 C.F.R. 435.601, EEOICPA of 2000, Public Law 106398, Sec. 1, app., Title XXXVI (Oct. 30, 2000) (section 1 adopting as Appendix H.R. 5408), Section 3646 of the Appendix. WSR 10-15-069, § 388-450-0040, filed 7/16/10, effective 8/16/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0040, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-511-1140.]


PDF388-450-0045

How do we count income from employment and training programs?

This section applies to cash assistance and basic food.
(1) We treat payments issued under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) as follows:
(a) For cash assistance, we exclude all payments.
(b) For basic food:
(i) We exclude OJT earnings for children who are eighteen years of age or younger and under parental control as described in WAC 388-408-0035.
(ii) We count OJT earnings as earned income for people who are:
(A) Age nineteen and older; or
(B) Age eighteen or younger and not under parental control.
(iii) We exclude all other payments.
(2) We exclude all payments issued under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. This includes payments made through the AmeriCorps program.
(3) We treat payments issued under Title I of the Domestic Volunteer Act of 1973, such as VISTA, AmeriCorps Vista, university year for action, and urban crime prevention program as follows:
(a) For cash assistance, we exclude all payments.
(b) For basic food, we count most payments as earned income. We exclude the payments if you:
(i) Received basic food or cash assistance at the time you joined the Title I program; or
(ii) Were participating in the Title I program and received an income disregard at the time of conversion to the Food Stamp Act of 1977. We continue to exclude the payments even if you do not get basic food every month.
(4) We exclude all payments issued under Title II of the Domestic Volunteer Act of 1973. These include:
(a) Retired senior volunteer program (RSVP);
(b) Foster grandparents program; and
(c) Senior companion program.
(5) We count training allowances from vocational and rehabilitative programs as earned income when:
(a) The program is recognized by federal, state, or local governments; and
(b) The allowance is not a reimbursement.
(6) We exclude support service payments received by or made on behalf of WorkFirst participants.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0045, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0045, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090. WSR 06-17-017, § 388-450-0045, filed 8/4/06, effective 9/4/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 03-03-071, § 388-450-0045, filed 1/15/03, effective 3/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-03-019, § 388-450-0045, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/1/02; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0045, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0045, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0050

How does your participation in the community jobs (CJ) program affect your cash assistance and basic food benefits?

(1) There are two different types of income in the community jobs program. They are:
(a) Subsidized, where your wages are paid from TANF or SFA funds; and
(b) Unsubsidized, where your wages are paid entirely by your employer.
(2) We figure your total monthly subsidized or unsubsidized income by:
(a) Estimating the number of hours you, your case manager, and the CJ contractor expect you to work for the month; and
(b) Multiplying the number of hours by the federal, state, or local minimum wage, whichever is higher.
(3) Because you are expected to participate and meet the requirements of CJ, once we determine what your total monthly income is expected to be, we do not change your TANF grant if your actual hours are more or less than anticipated.
(4) We treat the total income we expect you to get each month from your CJ position as:
(a) Earned income for cash assistance, except we do not count any of the CJ income for the first month you receive your paycheck.
(b) Earned income for basic food for all months.
(5) If your anticipated subsidized income is more than your grant amount, your cash grant is suspended. This means that you are still considered a TANF/SFA recipient, but you do not get a grant.
(a) Your grant can be suspended up to a maximum of nine months.
(b) You can keep participating in CJ even though your grant is suspended, as long as you would be eligible for a grant if we did not count your subsidized income.
(c) The months your grant is suspended do not count toward your sixty-month lifetime limit.
(6) If your unsubsidized income, after we subtract half of what you have earned is greater than your grant, your TANF/SFA case will close. This happens because your income is over the maximum you are allowed. You will still be able to participate in the CJ program for up to a total of nine months.
(7) If your income from other sources alone, not counting CJ income makes you ineligible for a cash grant, we terminate your grant and end your participation in CJ.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.46.120, 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and chapters 74.08A and 74.12 RCW. WSR 15-17-090, § 388-450-0050, filed 8/18/15, effective 10/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.08A.340, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510. WSR 10-22-012, § 388-450-0050, filed 10/21/10, effective 2/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.08A.340. WSR 04-14-043, § 388-450-0050, filed 6/29/04, effective 7/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 03-06-095, § 388-450-0050, filed 3/4/03, effective 5/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 01-23-044, § 388-450-0050, filed 11/15/01, effective 1/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 99-09-054, § 388-450-0050, filed 4/19/99, effective 6/1/99; WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0050, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0055

How does needs-based assistance from other agencies or organizations count against my benefits?

(1) For cash assistance:
(a) We do not count needs-based assistance payments given to you by other agencies or organizations if the assistance is given to you for reasons other than ongoing living expenses which do not duplicate the purpose of cash assistance programs. Ongoing living expenses include the following items:
(i) Clothing;
(ii) Food;
(iii) Household supplies;
(iv) Medical supplies (nonprescription);
(v) Personal care Items;
(iv) Shelter;
(vii) Transportation; and
(viii) Utilities (e.g., lights, cooking fuel, the cost of heating or heating fuel).
(b) If the needs-based assistance given to you is supposed to be used for ongoing living expenses, then it duplicates the purpose of cash assistance programs. We count the amount remaining after we subtract the difference between the need standard and the payment standard for your family size as described in chapter 388-478 WAC.
(c) "Needs-based" means eligibility is based on an asset test of income and resources relative to the federal poverty level (FPL). This definition excludes such incomes as retirement benefits or unemployment compensation which are not needs-based.
(2) For food assistance:
(a) We do not count money given to you if:
(i) It is given to you by a private, nonprofit, charitable agency or organization; and
(ii) The amount of money you get is no more than three hundred dollars in any one of the following calendar quarters:
(A) January - February - March,
(B) April - May - June,
(C) July - August - September,
(D) October - November - December.
(b) We count the entire amount if the requirements in (a) of this subsection are not met.
(3) For cash assistance and food assistance, if we do count the needs-based assistance you get, we treat it as unearned income under WAC 388-450-0025.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0055, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 06-04-071, § 388-450-0055, filed 1/30/06, effective 3/2/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-14-022, § 388-450-0055, filed 6/21/02, effective 6/22/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0055, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0065

Gifts—Cash and noncash.

A gift is an item furnished to a client without work or cost on his or her part.
(1) A cash gift is a gift that is furnished as money, cash, checks or any other readily negotiable form.
(a) For cash assistance, cash gifts totaling no more than thirty dollars per calendar quarter for each assistance unit member are disregarded as income.
(b) For food assistance programs:
(i) Cash gifts to the assistance unit are excluded if they total thirty dollars or less per quarter;
(ii) Cash gifts in excess of thirty dollars per quarter are counted in full as unearned income.
(2) For cash assistance and food assistance, a noncash gift is treated as a resource.
(a) If the gift is a countable resource, its value is added to the value of the client's existing countable resources and the client's eligibility is redetermined as specified in chapter 388-470 WAC.
(b) If the gift is an excluded or noncountable resource, it does not affect the client's eligibility or benefit level.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0065, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415. WSR 02-17-030, § 388-450-0065, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0065, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0065, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0070

When do we count a child's income?

(1) For food assistance, we do not count a child's earned income if the child is:
(a) In school;
(b) Age seventeen or younger;
(c) Not married; and
(d) Living with a natural parent, adoptive parent, or stepparent or is under the parental control of a household member other than a parent.
(2) For cash assistance, we do not count a child's earnings if the child is:
(a) In school; and
(b) Meets the age and attendance requirements in WAC 388-404-0005.
(3) School includes:
(a) Participating in a home-school program that is approved by the superintendent of public instruction; or
(b) On break between school terms when the child:
(i) Was enrolled during the previous school term; and
(ii) Plans to return to school when it reopens.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 7 C.F.R. 273.2, and 273.3. WSR 17-05-006, § 388-450-0070, filed 2/2/17, effective 3/5/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0070, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-03-020, § 388-450-0070, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0070, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0080

What is self-employment income?

This section applies to cash assistance and basic food.
(1) Self-employment income is income you earn from running a business, performing a service, selling items you make, or reselling items to make a profit.
(2) You are self-employed if you earn income without having an employer/employee relationship with the person who pays you. This includes, but is not limited to, when:
(a) You have primary control of the way you do your work; or
(b) You report your income using IRS Schedule C, Schedule C-EZ, Schedule K-1, or Schedule SE.
(3) You usually have an employer/employee relationship when:
(a) The person you provide services for has primary control of how you do your work; or
(b) You get an IRS form W-2 to report your income.
(4) Your self-employment does not have to be a licensed business for your business or activity to qualify as self-employment. Some examples of self-employment include:
(a) Child care that requires a license under chapter 74.15 RCW;
(b) Driving a taxi cab;
(c) Farming/fishing;
(d) Odd jobs such as mowing lawns, house painting, gutter cleaning, or car care;
(e) Running a lodging for roomers and/or boarders. Roomer income includes money paid to you for shelter costs by someone not in your assistance unit who lives with you when:
(i) You own or are buying your residence; or
(ii) You rent all or a part of your residence and the total rent you charge all others in your home is more than your total rent.
(f) Running an adult family home;
(g) Providing services such as a massage therapist or a professional escort;
(h) Retainer fees to reserve a bed for a foster child;
(i) Selling items you make or items that are supplied to you;
(j) Selling or donating your own biological products such as providing blood or reproductive material for profit;
(k) Working as an independent contractor; and
(l) Running a business or trade either on your own or in a partnership.
(5) If you are an employee of a company or person who does the activities listed in subsection (2) above as a part of your job, we do not count the work you do as self-employment.
(6) Self-employment income is counted as earned income as described in WAC 388-450-0030 except as described in subsection (7).
(7) For cash assistance and basic food there are special rules about renting or leasing out property or real estate that you own.
(a) We count the income you get as unearned income unless you spend at least twenty hours per week managing the property.
(b) For TANF/SFA, we count the income as unearned income unless the use of the property is a part of your approved individual responsibility plan.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0080, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and ARRA of 2009, Public Law 111-5, Section 5006(b); 42 C.F.R. 435.601, EEOICPA of 2000, Public Law 106398, Sec. 1, app., Title XXXVI (Oct. 30, 2000) (section 1 adopting as Appendix H.R. 5408), Section 3646 of the Appendix. WSR 10-15-069, § 388-450-0080, filed 7/16/10, effective 8/16/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090. WSR 06-15-049, § 388-450-0080, filed 7/12/06, effective 9/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.04.510. WSR 03-13-045, § 388-450-0080, filed 6/11/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 01-19-020, § 388-450-0080, filed 9/11/01, effective 10/1/01; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0080, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0080, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0085

Does the department count all of my self-employment income to determine if I am eligible for benefits?

This section applies to cash assistance and basic food programs.
(1) We decide how much of your self-employment income to count by:
(a) Adding together your gross self-employment income and any profit you make from selling your business property or equipment;
(b) Subtracting your business expenses as described in subsection (2) below; and
(c) Dividing the remaining amount of self-employment income by the number of months over which the income will be averaged.
(2) We subtract the greater value of one of the following as a business expense:
(a) Fifty percent of the gross self-employment income total described in subsection (1)(a) in this section even if your costs are less than this; or
(b) The actual verified and allowable costs of producing your self-employment income. If you want us to subtract your actual costs, you must list and give us proof of your expenses within the time limits under WAC 388-406-0030 for us to count them.
(c) We never allow the following expenses when calculating (2)(b):
(i) Federal, state, and local income taxes;
(ii) Money set aside for retirement purposes;
(iii) Personal work-related expenses (such as travel to and from work);
(iv) Net losses from previous periods;
(v) Depreciation; or
(vi) Any amount that is more than the payment you get from a boarder for lodging and meals.
(3) If you have worked at your business for less than a year, we figure your gross self-employment income by averaging:
(a) The income over the period of time the business has been in operation; and
(b) The monthly amount we estimate you will get for the coming year.
(4) For cash assistance, if your self-employment expenses are more than your self-employment income, we do not use this "loss" to reduce income from other self-employment businesses or other sources of income to your assistance unit.
(5) For basic food, we use a "loss" from self-employment farming or fishing income to reduce other sources of income only if you meet the following three conditions:
(a) Someone in your assistance unit is a self-employed farmer or fisher;
(b) Your gross yearly income from farming or fishing is or is expected to be at least one thousand dollars; and
(c) Your allowable costs for farming or fishing are more than your income from farming or fishing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. § 273.11 (b)(3)(iv). WSR 15-09-135, § 388-450-0085, filed 4/22/15, effective 8/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0085, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.09.470, and 74.08.090. WSR 08-15-010, § 388-450-0085, filed 7/3/08, effective 8/3/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9 and 273.11. WSR 06-08-045, § 388-450-0085, filed 3/30/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.04.510. WSR 03-13-045, § 388-450-0085, filed 6/11/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 01-19-020, § 388-450-0085, filed 9/11/01, effective 10/1/01; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0085, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0085, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0095

Allocating income—General.

This section applies to TANF/SFA, RCA, PWA, and ABD cash assistance programs.
(1) Allocation is the process of determining how much of a financially responsible person's income is considered available to meet the needs of legal dependents within or outside of an assistance unit.
(2) In-bound allocation means income possessed by a financially responsible person outside the assistance unit which is considered available to meet the needs of legal dependents in the assistance unit.
(3) Out-bound allocation means income possessed by a financially responsible assistance unit member which is set aside to meet the needs of a legal dependent outside the assistance unit.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0095, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0095, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0100

Allocating income—Definitions.

The following definitions apply to the allocation rules for TANF/SFA, RCA, PWA, and ABD cash programs:
(1) "Dependent" means a person who:
(a) Is or could be claimed for federal income tax purposes by the financially responsible person; or
(b) The financially responsible person is legally obligated to support.
(2) "Financially responsible person" means a parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, spouse, or caretaker relative.
(3) A "disqualified assistance unit member" means a person who is:
(a) An unmarried pregnant or parenting minor who is under age eighteen, who has not completed a high school education or high school equivalency certification, and who is not participating in those educational activities which would lead to the attainment of a high school diploma or high school equivalency;
(b) An unmarried pregnant or parenting minor under age eighteen who is not living in a department-approved living situation;
(c) The financially responsible person who does not report to the department within five days of the date it becomes reasonably clear that the absence of a child will exceed one hundred eighty days;
(d) A person who has been convicted in federal or state court of having made a fraudulent statement or representation about their place of residence in order to receive assistance from two or more states at the same time as defined in WAC 388-446-0010; and
(e) A person who has been convicted of unlawfully receiving public assistance as defined under WAC 388-446-0005.
(4) "Ineligible assistance unit member" means an individual who is:
(a) Ineligible for cash assistance due to the citizenship/immigration status requirements in WAC 388-424-0010;
(b) Ineligible to receive assistance under WAC 388-442-0010 for having been convicted after August 21, 1996, under federal or state law, of possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance;
(c) Ineligible to receive assistance under WAC 388-442-0010 for fleeing to avoid prosecution or custody or confinement after conviction for a crime or attempt to commit a crime;
(d) Ineligible to receive assistance under WAC 388-442-0010 for violating a condition of probation or parole which was imposed under a federal or state law as determined by an administrative body or court of competent jurisdiction;
(e) The spouse of a person who receives cash benefits from the PWA program; or
(f) The adult parent of a minor parent's child.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.250. WSR 21-20-019, § 388-450-0100, filed 9/23/21, effective 10/24/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.250, and 2013 c 39. WSR 13-24-043, § 388-450-0100, filed 11/26/13, effective 1/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0100, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 04-15-057, § 388-450-0100, filed 7/13/04, effective 8/13/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0100, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0100, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0105

Allocating the income of a financially responsible person included in the assistance unit.

This section applies to TANF/SFA and RCA. The income of a financially responsible person included in the assistance unit is countable to meet the needs of the assistance unit after the income is reduced by the following:
(1) Any applicable earned income incentive and work expense or deduction for the financially responsible person in the assistance unit, if that person is employed;
(2) The payment standard amount for the ineligible assistance unit members living in the home; and
(3) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0105, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415. WSR 02-17-030, § 388-450-0105, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0105, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0106

How does the department count my income if someone in my family cannot get assistance because of their alien status?

This section applies to TANF/SFA and RCA.
If you are included in the assistance unit and you are financially responsible for someone, as defined in WAC 388-450-0100, who does not meet the alien requirements described in WAC 388-424-0010, we do not count all of your income. We subtract some of it so that you can use that part to help support the people who cannot get assistance. To figure out how much we count, we take the following seven steps:
(1) We start by only counting fifty percent of your earned income, as defined in WAC 388-450-0030;
(2) We add all of your unearned income, as defined in WAC 388-450-0025.
(3) We subtract the difference between the following payment standards (payment standards can be found in WAC 388-478-0020):
(a) One that includes both eligible assistance unit members and those who cannot get assistance because of their alien status; and
(b) One that includes only the eligible assistance unit members.
(4) We subtract the payment standard for the number of people who are ineligible for reasons other than alien status, as defined in WAC 388-450-0100 (4)(b) through (f).
(5) We subtract any court or administratively ordered child support you pay for legal dependents. This includes both current and back support. The amount cannot be more than the need standard in WAC 388-478-0015 for the number of dependents.
(6) We subtract any employment-related child care expenses you have.
(7) Then, we count whatever is left as unearned income.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0106, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 04-15-057, § 388-450-0106, filed 7/13/04, effective 8/13/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-21-097, § 388-450-0106, filed 10/21/02, effective 10/24/02; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0106, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-24-037, § 388-450-0106, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98.]


PDF388-450-0112

Does the department allocate the income of an ABD cash client to legal dependents?

This section applies to the aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash assistance program.
(1) The income of an ABD cash client is reduced by the following:
(a) The ABD cash earned income disregard as specified in WAC 388-450-0177; and
(b) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents.
(2) When a ABD cash client in a medical institution, alcohol or drug treatment center, congregate care facility or adult family home has income, the income is countable to meet the client's needs after the income is reduced by the following:
(a) The payment standard amount for the nonapplying spouse and legal dependents living in the home; and
(b) The standard of assistance the client is eligible for while in an alternative care facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0112, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12.]


PDF388-450-0113

Does the department allocate income of a housing and essential needs (HEN) referral recipient to legal dependents?

This section applies to referrals to the housing and essential needs (HEN) program.
(1) The income of a HEN referral recipient is reduced by the following:
(a) The HEN referral earned income disregard as specified in WAC 388-450-0178; and
(b) The amount of current and/or back child support that the recipient is paying each month under a court or administrative order. If the monthly child support payment is greater than the department's standard of need, income is instead reduced by the department's standard of need.
(2) When a HEN referral recipient in a medical institution, alcohol or drug treatment center, congregate care facility or adult family home has income, the income is countable to meet the recipient's needs after the income is reduced by the following:
(a) The HEN referral program income limit for the nonapplying spouse and legal dependents living in the home; and
(b) The standard of assistance the client is eligible for while residing in the alternative care facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.08.025, 74.62.030, and 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10. WSR 13-24-044, § 388-450-0113, filed 11/26/13, effective 1/1/14.]


PDF388-450-0115

Does the department allocate the income of a financially responsible person who is excluded from the assistance unit?

This section applies to TANF/SFA, RCA and PWA programs.
The income of a financially responsible person excluded from the assistance unit is available to meet the needs of the assistance unit after the income is reduced by the following:
(1) A ninety dollar work expense deduction from the financially responsible person(s) excluded from the assistance unit who is employed;
(2) The payment standard amount for the ineligible assistance unit members living in the home; and
(3) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0115, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0115, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0116

How does the department count my income if I cannot get assistance because I am an alien?

This section applies to TANF/SFA and RCA programs.
Some people cannot get assistance because they do not meet the alien requirements described in WAC 388-424-0010. If you do not meet those requirements but you are financially responsible for someone in the assistance unit, as defined in WAC 388-450-0100, we count some of your income as part of the assistance unit's income. To figure out how much we count, we take the following seven steps:
(1) We start by only counting fifty percent of your earned income, as described in WAC 388-450-0030.
(2) We add all of your unearned income, as described in WAC 388-450-0025.
(3) We subtract the difference between the following payment standards:
(a) One that includes both eligible assistance unit members and those who cannot get assistance because of their alien status; and
(b) One that includes only the eligible assistance unit members.
(4) We subtract the payment standard for the number of people who are ineligible for reasons other than alien status, as defined in WAC 388-450-0100 (4)(b) through (f).
(5) We subtract any court or administratively ordered child support you pay for legal dependents. This includes both current and back support. The amount cannot be more than the need standard in WAC 388-478-0005 for the number of dependents.
(6) We subtract any employment-related childcare expenses you have.
(7) Then, we count whatever is left as unearned income.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0116, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 04-15-057, § 388-450-0116, filed 7/13/04, effective 8/13/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 02-14-021, § 388-450-0116, filed 6/21/02, effective 6/22/02; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0116, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-24-037, § 388-450-0116, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98.]


PDF388-450-0120

Does the department allocate the income of financially responsible parents to a pregnant or parenting minor?

This section applies to TANF/SFA, RCA and PWA programs.
The income of nonapplying financially responsible parent(s) of a pregnant or parenting minor is countable to meet the needs of the minor and the child(ren) after the income is reduced by the following:
(1) A ninety dollar work expense from the financially responsible parent's gross income from employment;
(2) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for:
(a) The financially responsible parent and dependent living in the home who are not applying for or receiving cash benefits and not a disqualified individual; and
(b) Court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents.
(3) Spousal maintenance payments made to meet the needs of individuals not living in the home.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0120, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0120, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0130

Does the department allocate the income of a nonapplying spouse to a caretaker relative?

This section applies to TANF/SFA, PWA, and RCA programs.
(1) The community income of the nonapplying spouse and applying spouse is combined. See WAC 388-450-0005 to determine what income is available as community income.
(2) Subtract a one person payment standard as specified in WAC 388-478-0020.
(3) The remainder is allocated to the caretaker relative.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0130, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0130, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0137

Does the department allocate income of an ineligible spouse to an ABD cash client?

This section applies to the aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash assistance program.
(1) When an ABD cash client is married and lives with the nonapplying spouse, the following income is available to the client:
(a) The remainder of the client's wages, retirement benefits or separate property after reducing the income by:
(i) The ABD cash work incentive deduction, as specified in WAC 388-450-0177; and
(ii) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents.
(b) The remainder of the nonapplying spouse's wages, retirement benefits and separate property after reducing the income by:
(i) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents; and
(ii) The payment standard amount as specified under WAC 388-478-0033 which includes ineligible assistance unit members.
(c) One-half of all other community income, as provided in WAC 388-450-0005.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0137, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12.]


PDF388-450-0138

Does the department allocate income of an ineligible spouse to a housing and essential needs (HEN) referral recipient?

This section applies to referrals to the housing and essential needs (HEN) program.
(1) When a HEN referral recipient is married and lives with their nonapplying spouse, the following income is considered available to the client:
(a) The remainder of the recipient's wages, retirement benefits and other income after reducing the total income by:
(i) The HEN referral work incentive deduction, as specified in WAC 388-450-0178; and
(ii) The amount of current and/or back child support that the recipient is paying each month under a court or administrative order. If the monthly child support payment is greater than the department's standard of need, income is instead reduced by the department's standard of need.
(b) The remainder of the nonapplying spouse's wages, retirement benefits and other income after reducing the total income by:
(i) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court ordered or administratively ordered current or back child support for legal dependents; and
(ii) The HEN referral income limit amount as specified under WAC 388-478-0090 which includes ineligible assistance unit members.
(c) One-half of all other community income.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.08.025, 74.62.030, and 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10. WSR 13-24-044, § 388-450-0138, filed 11/26/13, effective 1/1/14.]


PDF388-450-0140

How does the income of an ineligible assistance unit member affect my eligibility and benefits for basic food?

The department decides who must be in your assistance unit (AU) under WAC 388-408-0035. If an AU member is ineligible for basic food under WAC 388-408-0035, this affects your AU's eligibility and benefits as follows:
(1) We do not count the ineligible member(s) to determine your AU size for the gross monthly income limit, net monthly income limit, or maximum allotment under WAC 388-478-0060.
(2) If an AU member is ineligible because they are disqualified for an intentional program violation (IPV), failed to meet work requirements under chapter 388-444 WAC, is an ineligible fleeing felon under WAC 388-442-0010, or is disqualified from transitional food assistance (TFA) due to a WorkFirst sanction:
(a) We count all of the ineligible member's gross income as a part of your AU's income; and
(b) We count all of the ineligible member's allowable expenses as part of your AU's expenses.
(3) If an AU member is an ineligible able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) under WAC 388-444-0030, is ineligible due to their alien status, failed to sign the application to state their citizenship or alien status, or refused to get or provide us a Social Security number:
(a) We prorate the income of the ineligible member among all the AU members by excluding the ineligible member's share and counting the remainder to the eligible members;
(b) We allow the 20% earned income disregard for the ineligible member's earned income;
(c) We divide the ineligible member's allowable expenses evenly among all members of the AU when the ineligible member has income;
(d) We allow the full amount of the utility allowance the AU is eligible for under WAC 388-450-0195.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.04.680, 74.08.090, 74.08A.010, and 2022 c 98. WSR 23-23-134, § 388-450-0140, filed 11/17/23, effective 1/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 18-03-021, § 388-450-0140, filed 1/8/18, effective 2/8/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 U.S.C. 2014 (e)(7); 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(6). WSR 10-15-044, § 388-450-0140, filed 7/13/10, effective 8/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 2004 c 54. WSR 04-14-040, § 388-450-0140, filed 6/29/04, effective 7/30/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510. WSR 02-06-089, § 388-450-0140, filed 3/1/02, effective 3/26/02; WSR 01-21-060, § 388-450-0140, filed 10/16/01, effective 12/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0140, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0140, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0145

Income of a person who is not a member of a food assistance unit.

(1) A cash payment made to a food assistance unit from a person who is not a member of the assistance unit is counted as unearned income.
(2) The following types of income are not available to the assistance unit:
(a) The nonmember's income; and
(b) Payments made by a nonmember to a third party for the benefit of the assistance unit.
(3) When the nonmember's earnings are not clearly separate from the earnings of food assistance unit members, the earnings are:
(a) Divided equally among the working persons, including the nonmember; and
(b) The portion of the nonmember is not counted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0145, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0155

How does being a sponsored immigrant affect my eligibility for cash and food assistance programs?

(1) The following definitions apply to this section:
(a) "INS" means the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.
(b) "Sponsor" means a person who agreed to meet the needs of a sponsored immigrant by signing an INS Affidavit of Support form I-864 or I-864A. This includes a sponsor's spouse if the spouse signed the affidavit of support.
(c) "Sponsored immigrant" means a person who must have a sponsor under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to be admitted into the United States for residence.
(d) "Deeming" means the department counts a part of the sponsor's income and resources as available to the sponsored immigrant.
(e) "Exempt" means you meet one of the conditions of WAC 388-450-0156. If you are exempt:
(i) You do not need to provide us information about your sponsor's income and resources; and
(ii) We do not deem your sponsor's income or resources to you.
(2) If you are a sponsored immigrant and you are not exempt, you must do the following to be eligible for benefits even if your sponsor is not supporting you:
(a) Give us the name and address of your sponsor;
(b) Get your sponsor to provide us the information we need about their income and resources; and
(c) Give us the information and proof we need to decide:
(i) If we must deem income to your assistance unit (AU); and
(ii) The amount of income we deem to your AU.
(3) If you are not eligible for benefits because we do not have the information we need about your sponsor, we do not delay benefits to the unsponsored people in your AU who are eligible for benefits. We do not count your needs when we decide if your AU is eligible for benefits, but we count:
(a) All earned or unearned income you have that is not excluded under WAC 388-450-0015; and
(b) All deductions you would be eligible for under chapter 388-450 WAC.
(4) If you refuse to provide us with the information we need about your sponsor, the other adult members in your AU must provide the information. If the same person sponsored everyone in your AU, your AU is not eligible for benefits until someone in your AU provides us the information we need.
(5) If you are an ineligible member of your AU, but you must be the AU under chapter 388-408 WAC, we do not deem your sponsor's income or resources to the AU.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0155, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. 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 01-21-026, § 388-450-0155, filed 10/9/01, effective 11/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0155, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0156

When am I exempt from deeming?

(1) If you meet any of the following conditions, you are permanently exempt from deeming and we do not count your sponsor's income or resources against your benefits:
(a) The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not require you to have a sponsor. Immigrants who are not required to have a sponsor include those with the following status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
(i) Refugee;
(ii) Parolee;
(iii) Asylee;
(iv) Cuban/Haitian entrant; or
(v) Special immigrant from Iraq or Afghanistan.
(b) You were sponsored by an organization or group as opposed to an individual;
(c) You do not meet the alien status requirements to be eligible for benefits under chapter 388-424 WAC;
(d) You have worked or can get credit for forty qualifying quarters of work under Title II of the Social Security Act. We do not count a quarter of work toward this requirement if the person working received TANF, food stamps, basic food, SSI, CHIP, or nonemergency medicaid benefits. We count a quarter of work by the following people toward your forty qualifying quarters:
(i) Yourself;
(ii) Each of your parents for the time they worked before you turned eighteen years old (including the time they worked before you were born); and
(iii) Your spouse if you are still married or your spouse is deceased.
(e) You become a United States (U.S.) citizen;
(f) Your sponsor is dead; or
(g) If USCIS or a court decides that you, your child, or your parent was a victim of domestic violence from your sponsor and:
(i) You no longer live with your sponsor; and
(ii) Leaving your sponsor caused your need for benefits.
(2) You are exempt from the deeming process while you are in the same AU as your sponsor.
(3) For basic food, you are exempt from deeming while you are under age eighteen.
(4) For state family assistance, aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash, pregnant women assistance (PWA) and state-funded basic food benefits, you are exempt from the deeming process if:
(a) Your sponsor signed the affidavit of support more than five years ago;
(b) Your sponsor becomes permanently incapacitated; or
(c) You are a qualified alien according to WAC 388-424-0001 and you:
(i) Are on active duty with the U.S. armed forces or you are the spouse or unmarried dependent child of someone on active duty;
(ii) Are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces or you are the spouse or unmarried dependent child of an honorably discharged veteran;
(iii) Were employed by an agency of the U.S. government or served in the armed forces of an allied country during a military conflict between the U.S. and a military opponent; or
(iv) Are a victim of domestic violence and you have petitioned for legal status under the Violence Against Women Act.
(5) If you, your child, or your parent was a victim of domestic violence, you are exempt from the deeming process for twelve months if:
(a) You no longer live with the person who committed the violence; and
(b) Leaving this person caused your need for benefits.
(6) If your AU has income at or below one hundred thirty percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), you are exempt from the deeming process for twelve months. This is called the "indigence exemption." You may choose to use this exemption or not to use this exemption in full knowledge of the possible risks involved. See risks in subsection (9) below. For this rule, we count the following as income to your AU:
(a) Earned and unearned income your AU receives from any source; and
(b) Any noncash items of value such as free rent, commodities, goods, or services you receive from an individual or organization.
(7) If you use the indigence exemption, and are eligible for a federal program, we are required by law to give the United States attorney general the following information:
(a) The names of the sponsored people in your AU;
(b) That you are exempt from deeming due to your income;
(c) Your sponsor's name; and
(d) The effective date that your twelve-month exemption began.
(8) If you use the indigence exemption, and are eligible for a state program, we do not report to the United States attorney general.
(9) If you choose not to use the indigence exemption:
(a) You could be found ineligible for benefits for not verifying your sponsor's income and resources; or
(b) You will be subject to regular deeming rules under WAC 388-450-0160.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.62.030, 41.05.021, 74.09.035, 74.09.530, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10, and the 2013 biennial budget. WSR 15-02-006, § 388-450-0156, filed 12/26/14, effective 1/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0156, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, and 74.08.090. WSR 11-16-056, § 388-450-0156, filed 7/29/11, effective 8/29/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 U.S.C. 2014(i); 7 C.F.R. § 273.4(c); USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rules for the FSRIA of 2002 (farm bill) final rule announcement. WSR 10-15-043, § 388-450-0156, filed 7/13/10, effective 8/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 04-15-057, § 388-450-0156, filed 7/13/04, effective 8/13/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.04.510. WSR 03-05-030, § 388-450-0156, filed 2/10/03, effective 4/1/03. 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 01-21-026, § 388-450-0156, filed 10/9/01, effective 11/1/01.]


PDF388-450-0160

How does the department decide how much of my sponsor's income to count against my benefits?

(1) We must count some of your sponsor's income as unearned income to your assistance unit (AU) if:
(a) Your sponsor signed the INS affidavit of support form I-864 or I-864A; and
(b) You are not exempt from the deeming process under WAC 388-450-0156.
(2) We take the following steps to decide the monthly amount of your sponsor's income we deem as your income and count against your benefits:
(a) We start with your sponsor's earned and unearned income that is not excluded under WAC 388-450-0015;
(b) If your sponsor's spouse signed the affidavit of support, we add all of the spouse's earned and unearned income that is not excluded under WAC 388-450-0015;
(c) We subtract twenty percent of the above amount that is earned income under WAC 388-450-0030;
(d) For cash assistance, we subtract the need standard under WAC 388-478-0015. We count the following people who live in your sponsor's home as a part of your sponsor's AU to decide the need standard:
(i) Your sponsor;
(ii) Your sponsor's spouse; and
(iii) Everyone else in their home that they could claim as a dependent for federal income tax purposes.
(e) For food assistance, we subtract the maximum gross monthly income under WAC 388-478-0060. We count the following people that live in your sponsor's home as a part of your sponsor's AU to decide the maximum gross monthly income:
(i) Your sponsor;
(ii) Your sponsor's spouse; and
(iii) Everyone else in their home that they could claim as a dependent for federal income tax purposes.
(f) If you can show that your sponsor has sponsored other people as well, we divide the result by the total number of people who they sponsored including any member of your household that is exempt from deeming according to WAC 388-450-0156.
(3) After we have decided how much income to deem to you, we count the greater amount of the following against your benefits:
(a) The amount of income calculated from deeming; or
(b) The amount of money your sponsor actually gives you for your needs.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0160, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 U.S.C. 2014(i); 7 C.F.R. § 273.4(c); USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rules for the FSRIA of 2002 (farm bill) final rule announcement. WSR 10-15-043, § 388-450-0160, filed 7/13/10, effective 8/1/10. 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 01-21-026, § 388-450-0160, filed 10/9/01, effective 11/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0160, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0160, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0162

How does the department count my income to determine if my assistance unit is eligible and how does the department calculate the amount of my cash and basic food benefits?

(1) Countable income is all income your assistance unit (AU) has after we subtract the following:
(a) Excluded or disregarded income under WAC 388-450-0015;
(b) For cash assistance, earned income incentives and deductions allowed for specific programs under WAC 388-450-0170, 388-450-0177, and 388-450-0178;
(c) For basic food, deductions allowed under WAC 388-450-0185; and
(d) Income we allocate to someone outside of the assistance unit under WAC 388-450-0095 through 388-450-0160.
(2) Countable income includes all income that we must deem or allocate from financially responsible persons who are not members of your AU under WAC 388-450-0095 through 388-450-0160.
(a) If the children in your care qualify for a TANF/SFA grant, the child's income is budgeted against the child-only payment standard amount.
(b) If the children in your care do not qualify for a TANF/SFA grant, they may still qualify for medical assistance under WAC 182-505-0210.
(3) For cash assistance:
(a) We compare your countable income to the payment standard in WAC 388-478-0020 and 388-478-0033.
(b) You are not eligible for benefits when your AU's countable income is equal to or greater than the payment standard.
(c) Your benefit level is the payment standard minus your AU's countable income.
(4) For basic food, if you meet all other eligibility requirements for the program under WAC 388-400-0040, we determine if you meet the income requirements for benefits and calculate your AU's monthly benefits as specified under Title 7 Part 273 of code of federal regulations for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). The process is described in brief below:
(a) How we determine if your AU is income eligible for basic food:
(i) We compare your AU's total monthly income to the gross monthly income standard under WAC 388-478-0060. We don't use income that isn't counted under WAC 388-450-0015 as a part of your gross monthly income.
(ii) We then compare your AU's countable monthly income to the net income standard under WAC 388-478-0060.
(A) If your AU is categorically eligible for basic food under WAC 388-414-0001, your AU can have income over the gross or net income standard and still be eligible for benefits.
(B) If your AU includes a person who is 60 years of age or older or has a disability, your AU can have income over the gross income standard, but must have income under the net income standard to be eligible for benefits.
(C) All other AUs must have income at or below the gross and net income standards as required under WAC 388-478-0060 to be eligible for basic food.
(b) How we calculate your AU's monthly basic food benefits:
(i) We start with the maximum allotment for your AU under WAC 388-478-0060.
(ii) We then subtract 30% of your AU's countable income from the maximum allotment and round the benefit down to the next whole dollar to determine your monthly benefit.
(iii) If your AU is eligible for benefits and has one or two persons, your AU will receive at least the minimum allotment as described under WAC 388-412-0015, even if the monthly benefit we calculate is lower than the minimum allotment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.08.283, and 2023 c 475. WSR 24-05-032, § 388-450-0162, filed 2/13/24, effective 4/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.010, 74.08A.250 and 2017 c 20. WSR 18-09-017, § 388-450-0162, filed 4/10/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.010. WSR 14-20-042, § 388-450-0162, filed 9/24/14, effective 11/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 2011 1st sp.s. c 42, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-04-051, § 388-450-0162, filed 1/30/12, effective 3/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, Title 7 Part 273 of the C.F.R. WSR 09-07-054, § 388-450-0162, filed 3/11/09, effective 4/11/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9 and 273.10. WSR 08-15-009, § 388-450-0162, filed 7/3/08, effective 8/3/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-24-008, § 388-450-0162, filed 11/19/99, effective 1/1/00.]


PDF388-450-0165

Gross earned income limit for TANF/SFA.

When applying the gross earned income limit as required under WAC 388-478-0035:
(1) "Family" means:
(a) All adults and children who would otherwise be included in the assistance unit under WAC 388-408-0015, but who do not meet TANF/SFA eligibility requirements;
(b) The unborn child of a pregnant person; and
(c) The spouse of a pregnant person, when residing together.
(2) "Gross earned income" does not include excluded income, as provided in WAC 388-450-0015.
(3) The following amounts are disregarded when determining a family's gross earned income:
(a) Court or administratively ordered current or back support paid to meet the needs of legal dependents, up to:
(i) The amount actually paid; or
(ii) A one-person need standard for each legal dependent.
(b) Authorized ongoing additional requirement payment as defined in chapter 388-473 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.04.515, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120. WSR 23-06-037, § 388-450-0165, filed 2/23/23, effective 3/26/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057. WSR 04-05-010, § 388-450-0165, filed 2/6/04, effective 3/8/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0165, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0170

Does the department provide an earned income deduction as an incentive for persons who receive TANF/SFA to work?

This section applies to TANF/SFA, RCA and PWA.
(1) If a client works, the department only counts some of the income to determine eligibility and benefit level.
(2) We only count fifty percent of your monthly gross earned income. We do this to encourage you to work.
(3) If you pay for care before we approve your benefits, we subtract the amount you pay for those dependent children or incapacitated adults who get cash assistance with you.
(a) The amount we subtract is:
(i) Prorated according to the date you are eligible for benefits;
(ii) Cannot be more than your gross monthly income; and
(iii) Cannot exceed the following for each dependent child or incapacitated adult:
Dependent Care Maximum Deductions
Hours Worked
Per Month
Child Two Years of Age & Under
Child Over Two Years of Age or Incapacitated Adult
0 -
 
40
 
$
50.00
 
 
$
43.75
 
41 -
 
80
 
$
100.00
 
 
$
87.50
 
81 -
 
120
 
$
150.00
 
 
$
131.25
 
121 or
 
More
 
$
200.00
 
 
$
175.00
 
(b) In order to get this deduction:
(i) The person providing the care must be someone other than the parent or stepparent of the child or incapacitated adult; and
(ii) You must verify the expense.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.62.030, 41.05.021, 74.09.035, 74.09.530, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10, and the 2013 biennial budget. WSR 15-02-006, § 388-450-0170, filed 12/26/14, effective 1/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0170, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057. WSR 04-03-051, § 388-450-0170, filed 1/15/04, effective 2/15/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415. WSR 02-17-030, § 388-450-0170, filed 8/12/02, effective 9/12/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0170, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0177

Does the department offer an income deduction for the ABD cash program as an incentive for clients to work?

The department gives a deduction to people who receive income from work while receiving aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance. The deduction applies to aged, blind, or disabled cash benefits only. We allow the following income deduction when we determine the amount of your benefits:
We only count fifty percent of your monthly gross earned income. We do this to encourage you to work.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-10-042, § 388-450-0177, filed 4/27/12, effective 6/1/12.]


PDF388-450-0178

Does the department offer an income deduction for housing and essential needs (HEN) referral applicants and recipients as an incentive to work?

We give a deduction to housing and essential needs (HEN) referral recipients who receive income from work. The deduction applies to eligibility for referral to the HEN program only. We allow the following income deduction when we determine your eligibility for referral to the HEN program:
We only count fifty percent of your monthly gross earned income. We do this to encourage work.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.08.025, 74.62.030, and 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10. WSR 13-24-044, § 388-450-0178, filed 11/26/13, effective 1/1/14.]


PDF388-450-0185

What income deductions does the department allow when determining if I am eligible for food benefits and the amount of my monthly benefits?

(1) We determine if your assistance unit (AU) is eligible for basic food and calculate your monthly benefits according to requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and federal regulations related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP).
(2) Under these federal laws, we subtract the following amounts from your AU's total monthly income to determine your countable monthly income under WAC 388-450-0162:
(a) A standard deduction based on the number of eligible people in your AU under WAC 388-408-0035:
Eligible AU members
Standard deduction
3 or fewer
$198
4
$208
5
$244
6 or more
$279
(b) 20% of your AU's gross earned income (earned income deduction);
(c) Your AU's expected monthly dependent care expense needed for an AU member to:
(i) Keep work, look for work, or accept work;
(ii) Attend training or education to prepare for employment; or
(iii) Meet employment and training requirements under chapter 388-444 WAC;
(d) Medical expenses over $35 a month owed or anticipated by an elderly or disabled person in your AU as allowed under WAC 388-450-0200; and
(e) A portion of your shelter costs as described in WAC 388-450-0190.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 24-06-065, § 388-450-0185, filed 3/4/24, effective 4/4/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.010, 74.08A.120, and 74.08A.250. WSR 23-17-065, § 388-450-0185, filed 8/14/23, effective 9/14/23; WSR 23-07-095, § 388-450-0185, filed 3/17/23, effective 4/17/23; WSR 22-09-040, § 388-450-0185, filed 4/13/22, effective 5/14/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (a)(3), "USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP—Fiscal Year 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (July 29, 2020)," and "USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Standard utility allowance approval letter (August 4, 2020)" and H.R.133 Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. WSR 21-13-122, § 388-450-0185, filed 6/21/21, effective 7/22/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and P.L. 115-334 § 4004. WSR 20-04-021, § 388-450-0185, filed 1/27/20, effective 2/27/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1, 273.9 (d)(iii)(B); SNAP - FY 2019 COLAS dated July 27, 2018; and SNAP UA 2019 dated August 23, 2018. WSR 19-01-031, § 388-450-0185, filed 12/12/18, effective 1/12/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120, 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1 and 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), SNAP Administrative Notice 17-30, and SNAP memo dated August 28, 2017. WSR 18-02-043, § 388-450-0185, filed 12/26/17, effective 1/26/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and SNAP Administrative Notice 16-38, dated August 12, 2016, 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA, dated August 15, 2016. WSR 16-24-051, § 388-450-0185, filed 12/1/16, effective 1/1/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, FNS per SNAP Administrative Notice 15-28: SNAP - FY 2016, FNS 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B)), and SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA dated August 18, 2015. WSR 15-24-075, § 388-450-0185, filed 11/25/15, effective 12/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120. WSR 15-02-041, § 388-450-0185, filed 1/2/15, effective 2/2/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and USDA, FNS, per SNAP Administrative Notice 13-26, SNAP - FY 2014 COLAS and ARRA Sunset Impact on Allotments dated August 2, 2013, and USDA SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA dated August 8, 2013, approving the proposed SUA. WSR 14-04-050, § 388-450-0185, filed 1/27/14, effective 2/27/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Administrative Notice 12-28 - Fiscal Year 2013 cost-of-living adjustments dated August 6, 2012. WSR 12-24-018, § 388-450-0185, filed 11/27/12, effective 12/28/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Fiscal Year 2012 Cost of Living Adjustments" memo dated August 2, 2011, and "SNAP Standard Utility (SUA) Annual Review and Adjustment Waiver for Certain States—Modification and Extension" memo dated December 2, 2010. WSR 11-24-027, § 388-450-0185, filed 12/1/11, effective 1/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9. WSR 10-23-114, § 388-450-0185, filed 11/17/10, effective 12/18/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 U.S.C. 2014 (a) and (e)(1); 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1 and 273.9 (d)(1). 10-16-104, § 388-450-0185, filed 8/2/10, effective 9/2/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and P.L. 107 - 171 § 4101. WSR 09-23-004, § 388-450-0185, filed 11/5/09, effective 11/15/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, Title 7 Part 273 of the C.F.R. WSR 09-07-054, § 388-450-0185, filed 3/11/09, effective 4/11/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090. WSR 08-24-051, § 388-450-0185, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/26/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 07-22-035, § 388-450-0185, filed 10/30/07, effective 11/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 06-21-012, § 388-450-0185, filed 10/6/06, effective 11/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 05-21-101, § 388-450-0185, filed 10/18/05, effective 11/18/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057. WSR 04-23-025, § 388-450-0185, filed 11/8/04, effective 12/9/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 03-21-030, § 388-450-0185, filed 10/7/03, effective 12/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and H.R. 2646 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. WSR 02-22-044, § 388-450-0185, filed 10/30/02, effective 12/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0185, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0185, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0190

How does the department figure my shelter cost income deduction for basic food?

The department calculates your shelter cost income deduction for basic food as follows:
(1) First, we add up the amounts your assistance unit (AU) must pay each month for shelter. We do not count any overdue amounts, late fees, penalties, or mortgage payments you make ahead of time as allowable shelter costs. We count the following expenses as an allowable shelter cost in the month the expense is due:
(a) Monthly rent, lease, and mortgage payments;
(b) Property taxes;
(c) Homeowner's association or condo fees;
(d) Homeowner's insurance for the building only;
(e) Utility allowance your AU is eligible for under WAC 388-450-0195;
(f) Out-of-pocket repairs for the home if it was substantially damaged or destroyed due to a natural disaster such as a fire or flood;
(g) Expense of a temporarily unoccupied home because of employment, training away from the home, illness, or abandonment caused by a natural disaster or casualty loss if your:
(i) AU intends to return to the home;
(ii) AU has current occupants who are not claiming the shelter costs for basic food purposes; and
(iii) AU's home is not being leased or rented during your AU's absence.
(h) A homeless AU with shelter costs is eligible for a homeless shelter expense deduction of $179. If the homeless AU has shelter costs in excess of this amount, the AU has the option to claim either:
(i) The homeless shelter deduction; or
(ii) Actual shelter costs.
(2) Second, we subtract all deductions your AU is eligible for under WAC 388-450-0185 (2)(a) through (2)(d) from your AU's gross income. The result is your AU's countable income.
(3) Finally, we subtract one-half of your AU's countable income from your AU's total shelter costs. The result is your excess shelter costs. Your AU's shelter cost deduction is the excess shelter costs:
(a) Up to a maximum of $672 if no one in your AU is elderly or disabled; or
(b) The entire amount if an eligible person in your AU is elderly or disabled, even if the amount is over $672.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 24-06-065, § 388-450-0190, filed 3/4/24, effective 4/4/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.010, 74.08A.120, and 74.08A.250. WSR 23-07-095, § 388-450-0190, filed 3/17/23, effective 4/17/23; WSR 22-09-040, § 388-450-0190, filed 4/13/22, effective 5/14/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (a)(3), "USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP—Fiscal Year 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (July 29, 2020)," and "USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Standard utility allowance approval letter (August 4, 2020)" and H.R.133 Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. WSR 21-13-122, § 388-450-0190, filed 6/21/21, effective 7/22/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and P.L. 115-334 § 4004. WSR 20-04-021, § 388-450-0190, filed 1/27/20, effective 2/27/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1, 273.9 (d)(iii)(B); SNAP - FY 2019 COLAS dated July 27, 2018; and SNAP UA 2019 dated August 23, 2018. WSR 19-01-031, § 388-450-0190, filed 12/12/18, effective 1/12/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120, 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1 and 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), SNAP Administrative Notice 17-30, and SNAP memo dated August 28, 2017. WSR 18-02-043, § 388-450-0190, filed 12/26/17, effective 1/26/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and SNAP Administrative Notice 16-38, dated August 12, 2016, 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA, dated August 15, 2016. WSR 16-24-051, § 388-450-0190, filed 12/1/16, effective 1/1/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, FNS per SNAP Administrative Notice 15-28: SNAP - FY 2016, FNS 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B)), and SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA dated August 18, 2015. WSR 15-24-075, § 388-450-0190, filed 11/25/15, effective 12/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120. WSR 15-02-041, § 388-450-0190, filed 1/2/15, effective 2/2/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and USDA, FNS, per SNAP Administrative Notice 13-26, SNAP - FY 2014 COLAS and ARRA Sunset Impact on Allotments dated August 2, 2013, and USDA SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA dated August 8, 2013, approving the proposed SUA. WSR 14-04-050, § 388-450-0190, filed 1/27/14, effective 2/27/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. § 273.10. WSR 13-11-103, § 388-450-0190, filed 5/20/13, effective 6/20/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Administrative Notice 12-28 - Fiscal Year 2013 cost-of-living adjustments dated August 6, 2012. WSR 12-24-018, § 388-450-0190, filed 11/27/12, effective 12/28/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Fiscal Year 2012 Cost of Living Adjustments" memo dated August 2, 2011, and "SNAP Standard Utility (SUA) Annual Review and Adjustment Waiver for Certain States—Modification and Extension" memo dated December 2, 2010. WSR 11-24-027, § 388-450-0190, filed 12/1/11, effective 1/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9. WSR 10-23-114, § 388-450-0190, filed 11/17/10, effective 12/18/10; WSR 09-24-001, § 388-450-0190, filed 11/18/09, effective 12/19/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 08-24-050, § 388-450-0190, filed 11/25/08, effective 12/26/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 07-22-035, § 388-450-0190, filed 10/30/07, effective 11/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 06-21-012, § 388-450-0190, filed 10/6/06, effective 11/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 05-21-101, § 388-450-0190, filed 10/18/05, effective 11/18/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057. WSR 04-23-025, § 388-450-0190, filed 11/8/04, effective 12/9/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 04-07-138, § 388-450-0190, filed 3/22/04, effective 5/1/04; WSR 03-21-030, § 388-450-0190, filed 10/7/03, effective 12/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 02-22-045, § 388-450-0190, filed 10/30/02, effective 12/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510. WSR 01-21-059, § 388-450-0190, filed 10/16/01, effective 12/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 01-06-030, § 388-450-0190, filed 3/2/01, effective 4/2/01; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0190, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0190, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0195

Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my basic food or WASHCAP benefits?

(1) The department uses utility allowances instead of the actual utility costs your assistance unit (AU) pays when we determine your:
(a) Monthly benefits under WAC 388-492-0070 if you receive Washington state combined application project (WASHCAP); or
(b) Shelter cost income deduction under WAC 388-450-0190 for basic food.
(2) We use the following amounts if you have utility costs separate from your rent or mortgage payment:
(a) If your AU has heating or cooling costs or receives more than $20 in low income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) benefits each year, you get a standard utility allowance (SUA) of $483.
(b) If your household does not receive a LIHEAP payment and the reason is solely because of your immigration status, you get a SUA of $483.
(c) If your AU does not qualify for the SUA and you have any two utility costs listed in subsection (3) of this section, you get a limited utility allowance (LUA) of $383.
(d) If your AU has only telephone costs and no other utility costs, you get a telephone utility allowance (TUA) of $58.
(3) "Utility costs" include the following:
(a) Heating or cooling fuel;
(b) Electricity or gas;
(c) Water;
(d) Sewer;
(e) Well installation/maintenance;
(f) Septic tank installation/maintenance;
(g) Garbage/trash collection; and
(h) Telephone service.
(4) If you do not have a utility cost separate from your rent or mortgage payment and do not receive low income energy assistance program (LIHEAP), you do not receive a utility allowance.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 24-06-065, § 388-450-0195, filed 3/4/24, effective 4/4/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.010, 74.08A.120, and 74.08A.250. WSR 23-07-095, § 388-450-0195, filed 3/17/23, effective 4/17/23; WSR 22-09-040, § 388-450-0195, filed 4/13/22, effective 5/14/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (a)(3), "USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP—Fiscal Year 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (July 29, 2020)," and "USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Standard utility allowance approval letter (August 4, 2020)" and H.R.133 Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. WSR 21-13-122, § 388-450-0195, filed 6/21/21, effective 7/22/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and P.L. 115-334 § 4004. WSR 20-04-021, § 388-450-0195, filed 1/27/20, effective 2/27/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1, 273.9 (d)(iii)(B); SNAP - FY 2019 COLAS dated July 27, 2018; and SNAP UA 2019 dated August 23, 2018. WSR 19-01-031, § 388-450-0195, filed 12/12/18, effective 1/12/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120, 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.1 and 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), SNAP Administrative Notice 17-30, and SNAP memo dated August 28, 2017. WSR 18-02-043, § 388-450-0195, filed 12/26/17, effective 1/26/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, 7 C.F.R. 273.9 (d)(6)(iii)(B). WSR 17-10-069, § 388-450-0195, filed 5/3/17, effective 6/3/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and SNAP Administrative Notice 16-38, dated August 12, 2016, 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B), SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA, dated August 15, 2016. WSR 16-24-051, § 388-450-0195, filed 12/1/16, effective 1/1/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, FNS per SNAP Administrative Notice 15-28: SNAP - FY 2016, FNS 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(iii)(B)), and SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA dated August 18, 2015. WSR 15-24-075, § 388-450-0195, filed 11/25/15, effective 12/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120. WSR 15-02-041, § 388-450-0195, filed 1/2/15, effective 2/2/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090 and Agricultural Act of 2014. WSR 14-12-085, § 388-450-0195, filed 6/3/14, effective 7/4/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120 and USDA, FNS, per SNAP Administrative Notice 13-26, SNAP - FY 2014 COLAS and ARRA Sunset Impact on Allotments dated August 2, 2013, and USDA SNAP 10-6-WA-SUA dated August 8, 2013, approving the proposed SUA. WSR 14-04-050, § 388-450-0195, filed 1/27/14, effective 2/27/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Fiscal Year 2012 Cost of Living Adjustments" memo dated August 2, 2011, and "SNAP Standard Utility (SUA) Annual Review and Adjustment Waiver for Certain States—Modification and Extension" memo dated December 2, 2010. WSR 11-24-027, § 388-450-0195, filed 12/1/11, effective 1/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(6)(3). WSR 10-18-050, § 388-450-0195, filed 8/26/10, effective 10/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9. WSR 09-24-001, § 388-450-0195, filed 11/18/09, effective 12/19/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9. WSR 08-21-106, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/16/08, effective 11/16/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510 and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 07-22-036, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/30/07, effective 11/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090 and 7 C.F.R. 273.9 (d)(6)(iii)(b). WSR 06-21-011, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/6/06, effective 11/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090. WSR 06-10-056, § 388-450-0195, filed 5/1/06, effective 6/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. § 273.9. WSR 05-19-062, § 388-450-0195, filed 9/16/05, effective 10/17/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090. WSR 05-09-087, § 388-450-0195, filed 4/19/05, effective 6/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057. WSR 04-23-025, § 388-450-0195, filed 11/8/04, effective 12/9/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 03-21-030, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/7/03, effective 12/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090. WSR 02-22-045, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/30/02, effective 12/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510. WSR 01-21-059, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/16/01, effective 12/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.510. WSR 00-22-065, § 388-450-0195, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.040.510 [ 74.04.510]. WSR 99-24-052, § 388-450-0195, filed 11/29/99, effective 12/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.510. WSR 99-09-055, § 388-450-0195, filed 4/19/99, effective 5/20/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.510 and 7 C.F.R. 273.9 (d)(6). WSR 99-01-069, § 388-450-0195, filed 12/14/98, effective 1/14/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0195, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0200

Will the medical expenses of elderly persons or individuals with disabilities in my assistance unit be used as an income deduction for basic food?

(1) If your basic food assistance unit (AU) includes an elderly person or individual with a disability as defined in WAC 388-400-0040, your AU may be eligible for an income deduction for that person's out-of-pocket medical expenses. We allow the deduction for medical expenses over $35.00 each month.
(2) You can use an out-of-pocket medical expense toward this deduction if the expense covers services, supplies, medication, or other medically needed items prescribed by a state-licensed practitioner or other state-certified, qualified, health professional. Examples of expenses you can use for this deduction include those for:
(a) Medical, psychiatric, naturopathic physician, dental, or chiropractic care;
(b) Prescribed alternative therapy such as massage or acupuncture;
(c) Prescription drugs except medical marijuana;
(d) Over the counter drugs;
(e) Eye glasses;
(f) Medical supplies other than special diets;
(g) Medical equipment or medically needed changes to your home;
(h) Shipping and handling charges for an allowable medical item. This includes shipping and handling charges for items purchased through mail order or the internet;
(i) Long distance calls to a medical provider;
(j) Hospital and outpatient treatment including:
(i) Nursing care; or
(ii) Nursing home care including payments made for a person who was an assistance unit member at the time of placement.
(k) Health insurance premiums paid by the person including:
(i) Medicare premiums; and
(ii) Insurance deductibles and copayments.
(l) Out-of-pocket expenses used to meet a spenddown as defined in WAC 182-519-0100. We do not allow your entire spenddown obligation as a deduction. We allow the expense as a deduction as it is estimated to occur or as the expense becomes due;
(m) Dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics;
(n) Cost to obtain and care for a seeing eye, hearing, or other specially trained service animal. This includes the cost of food and veterinarian bills. We do not allow the expense of food or veterinary bills for a service animal as a deduction if you receive ongoing additional requirements under WAC 388-473-0040 to pay for this need;
(o) Reasonable costs of transportation and lodging to obtain medical treatment or services; and
(p) Attendant care necessary due to age, infirmity, or illness. If your AU provides most of the attendant's meals, we allow an additional deduction equal to a one-person allotment.
(3) There are two types of deductions for out-of-pocket expenses:
(a) One-time expenses are expenses that cannot be estimated to occur on a regular basis. You can choose to have us:
(i) Allow the one-time expense as a deduction when it is billed or due;
(ii) Average the expense through the remainder of your certification period; or
(iii) If your AU has a 24-month certification period, you can choose to use the expense as a one-time deduction, average the expense for the first 12 months of your certification period, or average it for the remainder of our certification period.
(b) Recurring expenses are expenses that happen on a regular basis. We estimate your monthly expenses for the certification period.
(4) We do not allow a medical expense as an income deduction if:
(a) The expense was paid before you applied for benefits or in a previous certification period;
(b) The expense was paid or will be paid by someone else;
(c) The expense was paid or will be paid by the department or another agency;
(d) The expense is covered by health care insurance;
(e) We previously allowed the expense, and you did not pay it. We do not allow the expense again even if it is part of a repayment agreement;
(f) You included the expense in a repayment agreement after failing to meet a previous agreement for the same expense; or
(g) You claim the expense after you have been denied for presumptive SSI; and you are not considered disabled by any other criteria.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.08.283, and 2023 c 475. WSR 24-05-032, § 388-450-0200, filed 2/13/24, effective 4/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 273.9. WSR 16-09-065, § 388-450-0200, filed 4/18/16, effective 5/19/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0200, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090. WSR 08-15-054, § 388-450-0200, filed 7/14/08, effective 8/14/08; WSR 06-04-070, § 388-450-0200, filed 1/30/06, effective 4/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, United States Food and Nutrition Service Administrative Notices 04-39 and 04-45, and 2004 c 175. WSR 05-05-025, § 388-450-0200, filed 2/8/05, effective 3/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 04-02-025, § 388-450-0200, filed 12/30/03, effective 2/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-23-083, § 388-450-0200, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0200, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0200, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0215

How does the department estimate my assistance unit's income to determine my eligibility and benefits?

(1) We decide if your assistance unit (AU) is eligible for benefits and calculate your monthly benefits based on an estimate of your AU's gross monthly income and expenses. This is known as prospective budgeting.
(2) We use your current, past, and future circumstances for a representative estimate of your monthly income.
(3) We may need proof of your circumstances to ensure our estimate is reasonable. This may include documents, statements from other people, or other proof as explained in WAC 388-490-0005.
(4) We use one of two methods to estimate income:
(a) Anticipating monthly income (AM): With this method, we base the estimate on the actual income we expect your AU to receive in the month, as described in subsection (5) of this section; or
(b) Averaging income (CA): With this method, we add the total income we expect your AU to receive for a period of time and divide by the number of months in the period, as described in subsection (6) of this section.
(5) Anticipating monthly income: We must use the anticipating monthly method:
(a) When we estimate income for anyone in your AU, if you or anyone in your AU receive SSI-related medical benefits under chapter 182-512 WAC.
(b) When we must allocate income to someone who is receiving SSI-related medical benefits under chapter 182-512 WAC.
(c) In the month of application, when you are a destitute migrant or destitute seasonal farmworker under WAC 388-406-0021. In this situation, we must use anticipating monthly (AM) for all your AU's income.
(d) To budget SSI or Social Security benefits even if we average other sources of income your AU receives.
(6) Averaging income: When we average your income, we consider changes we expect for your AU's income. We determine a monthly amount of your income based on how often you are paid:
(a) If you are paid weekly, we multiply your expected income by 4.3;
(b) If you are paid every other week, we multiply your expected income by 2.15;
(c) In most cases if you receive your income other than weekly or every other week, we estimate your income over your certification period by:
(i) Adding the total income for representative period of time;
(ii) Dividing by the number of months in the time frame; and
(iii) Using the result as a monthly average.
(d) If you receive your yearly income over less than a year because you are self-employed or work under a contract, we average this income over the year unless you are:
(i) Paid on an hourly or piecework basis; or
(ii) A migrant or seasonal farmworker under WAC 388-406-0021.
(7) We use the same method for each month in your certification period, including the month of application, unless:
(a) A full month's income is not anticipated in the month of application. In this situation, we budget your income in the month of application using the anticipated monthly (AM) method and average your income (CA) for the rest of the months in your certification.
(b) You are a destitute migrant or destitute seasonal farmworker. We must budget your income in the month of application using the anticipated monthly method, as required by subsection (5) of this section. We may average your income for the rest of the months in your certification period.
(8) If you report a change in your AU's income, and we expect the change to last through the end of the next month after you reported it, we update the estimate of your AU's income based on this change.
(9) If your actual income is different than the income we estimated, we don't make you repay an overpayment under chapter 388-410 WAC or increase your benefits unless you meet one of the following conditions:
(a) You provided incomplete or false information; or
(b) We made an error in calculating your benefits.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120. WSR 17-21-025, § 388-450-0215, filed 10/10/17, effective 11/10/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 15. WSR 13-18-007, § 388-450-0215, filed 8/22/13, effective 10/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120. WSR 11-11-089, § 388-450-0215, filed 5/18/11, effective 6/18/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, and 74.08.090, and Apple Health for Kids Act (ESHB 2128); 42 U.S.C. 1305; Public Law 111-3 (Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009). WSR 11-03-001, § 388-450-0215, filed 1/5/11, effective 2/5/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090. WSR 08-02-054, § 388-450-0215, filed 12/28/07, effective 2/1/08; WSR 05-16-109, § 388-450-0215, filed 8/2/05, effective 10/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510. WSR 04-06-052, § 388-450-0215, filed 3/1/04, effective 4/1/04; WSR 03-21-029, § 388-450-0215, filed 10/7/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-23-083, § 388-450-0215, filed 11/16/99, effective 1/1/00; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0215, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0215, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0590.]


PDF388-450-0225

How are my assistance unit's benefits calculated for the first month I am eligible for cash assistance?

(1) To calculate your AU's cash benefit for your first month's benefits, we compare your AU's countable income to the payment standard as described in WAC 388-450-0162.
(2) If your countable income is less than the payment standard, we prorate your grant amount based on the date you are eligible.
(3) We do not prorate any approved additional requirements.
(4) We prorate your grant by:
(a) Dividing your AU's grant amount by the number of days in the first month of eligibility; and
(b) Multiplying the result in (4)(a) of this section by the number of days from the date of eligibility to the last day of the month.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.08.283, and 2023 c 475. WSR 24-05-032, § 388-450-0225, filed 2/13/24, effective 4/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.04.510. WSR 03-21-029, § 388-450-0225, filed 10/7/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-24-008, § 388-450-0225, filed 11/19/99, effective 1/1/00; WSR 99-16-024, § 388-450-0225, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0225, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0230

What income does the department count in the month I apply for basic food when my assistance unit is destitute?

(1) If your assistance unit (AU) meets the requirements of a destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker under WAC 388-406-0021, we may exclude some of your income in the month you apply for basic food.
(2) In the month of application, we:
(a) Count only income your AU received between the first of the month and the date you apply for basic food; and
(b) Disregard any income from a new source that you expect to receive after the date you apply for basic food.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.04.510. WSR 03-21-029, § 388-450-0230, filed 10/7/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 7 C.F.R. 273.10. WSR 02-17-028, § 388-450-0230, filed 8/12/02, effective 10/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. WSR 99-24-008, § 388-450-0230, filed 11/19/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0230, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


PDF388-450-0245

When are my benefits suspended?

(1) For TANF/SFA, RCA, ABD assistance and basic food, "suspend" means the department stops your benefits for one month.
(2) We suspend your AU's benefits for one month when your expected total countable income under WAC 388-450-0162:
(a) Is more than the dollar limit for your AU; and
(b) If over these limits for only that one month.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, 74.04.0052, 74.04.655, 74.08.043, 74.08.335 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 36. WSR 12-06-070, § 388-450-0245, filed 3/6/12, effective 4/6/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.04.510. WSR 03-21-029, § 388-450-0245, filed 10/7/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.510. WSR 00-01-012, § 388-450-0245, filed 12/3/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-16-044, § 388-450-0245, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]
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