(1) Public assistance may be
awarded to any applicant:
(a) Who is in need and otherwise meets the eligibility
requirements of department assistance programs; and
(b) Who has not made a voluntary assignment of property or
cash for the purpose of qualifying for an assistance grant; and
(c) Who is not an inmate of a public institution except as a
patient in a medical institution or except as an inmate in a
public institution who could qualify for federal aid assistance:
PROVIDED, That the assistance paid by the department to
recipients in nursing homes, or receiving nursing home care, may
cover the cost of clothing and incidentals and general
maintenance exclusive of medical care and health services. The
department may pay a grant to cover the cost of clothing and
personal incidentals in public or private medical institutions
and institutions for tuberculosis. The department shall allow
recipients in nursing homes to retain, in addition to the grant
to cover the cost of clothing and incidentals, wages received for
work as a part of a training or rehabilitative program designed
to prepare the recipient for less restrictive placement to the
extent permitted under Title XIX of the federal social security
act.
(2) Any person otherwise qualified for temporary assistance
for needy families under this title who has resided in the state
of Washington for fewer than twelve consecutive months
immediately preceding application for assistance is limited to
the benefit level in the state in which the person resided
immediately before Washington, using the eligibility rules and
other definitions established under this chapter, that was
obtainable on the date of application in Washington state, if the
benefit level of the prior state is lower than the level provided
to similarly situated applicants in Washington state. The
benefit level under this subsection shall be in effect for the
first twelve months a recipient is on temporary assistance for
needy families in Washington state.
(3) Any person otherwise qualified for temporary assistance
for needy families who is assessed through the state alcohol and
substance abuse program as drug or alcohol-dependent and
requiring treatment to become employable shall be required by the
department to participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program
as a condition of benefit receipt.
(4) Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 862a(d)(1), the department shall
exempt individuals from the eligibility restrictions of 21 U.S.C.
862a(a)(1) and (2) to ensure eligibility for temporary assistance
for needy families benefits and federal food assistance.
[2005 c 174 § 2; 2004 c 54 § 5; 1997 c 58 § 101; 1981 1st ex.s. c 6 § 9; 1981 c 8 § 8; 1980 c 79 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 169 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 31 § 1; 1959 c 26 § 74.08.025. Prior: 1953 c 174 § 19.]
NOTES:
Findings -- 2005 c 174: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Too many families with children in Washington are unable
to afford shelter, clothing, and other necessities of life; basic
necessities that are at the core of economic security and family
stability.
(2) Parents who lack resources for shelter, clothing, and
transportation are less likely to obtain employment or have the
ability to adequately provide for their children's physical and
emotional well-being and educational success.
(3) Washington's temporary assistance for needy families
helps financially struggling families find jobs, keep their jobs,
get better jobs, and build a better life for their children
through the WorkFirst program.
(4) Participation in the WorkFirst program through temporary
assistance for needy families is an important step towards
self-sufficiency and decreased long-term reliance on governmental
assistance.
(5) Removing this barrier to participation in temporary
assistance for needy families and WorkFirst will serve to
strengthen families and communities throughout the state.
(6) Preventing even one percent of these individuals from
reoffending by extending economic and employment opportunities
will result in law enforcement and correctional savings that
substantially exceed the cost of temporary assistance for needy
families and WorkFirst services." [2005 c 174 § 1.]
Effective date -- 2005 c 174: "This act takes effect September 1, 2005." [2005 c 174 § 3.]
Findings -- Conflict with federal requirements -- 2004 c 54: See notes following RCW 28A.235.160.
Short title -- Part headings, captions, table of contents not law -- Exemptions and waivers from federal law -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Severability -- 1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.
Effective date -- Severability -- 1981 1st ex.s. c 6: See notes following RCW 74.04.005.