WSR 01-19-073

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)

[ Filed September 19, 2001, 9:33 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 01-11-079.

     Title of Rule: WAC 388-478-0057 Year-end adjustments to the SSI state supplement.

     Purpose: SSI state supplements are administered under the federal "total expenditure method." Under this payment method, changes in SSI caseload require adjustments to the state supplement, thus ensuring total spending does not increase nor decrease. This rule is necessary to allow the department to make one-time adjustments to SSI recipients at the end of a calendar year to meet the spending requirement and limitation.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.057.

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 74.04, 74.08 RCW.

     Summary: We are stating the possible need for either a year-end decrease or increase in the SSI state supplement to remain within the spending requirements and limitations.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Carla Gira, Program Manager, Lacey Government Center, 1009 College Street S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, (360) 413-3264.

     Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, U.S.C. 42, Section 1382.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: This rule will clarify how SSI eligibility affects eligiblity for other programs.

     Proposal does not change existing rules.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not impact small business.

     RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. The rule meets the definition of a "significant legislative rule" but DSHS is exempt from preparing a cost benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii).

     Hearing Location: Blake Office Park (behind Goodyear Courtesy Tire), 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Rose Room, Lacey, WA 98503, on October 23, 2001, at 10:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Fred Swenson by October 15, 2001, phone (360) 664-6097, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail swensfh@dshs.wa.gov.

     Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, DSHS Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, fax (360) 664-6185, by October 23, 2001.

     Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than October 24, 2001.

September 5, 2001

Brian Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

2983.1
NEW SECTION
WAC 388-478-0057   Year-end adjustments to the SSI state supplement.   For the purposes of this rule, "we" refers to the department of social and health services. We are required by federal law to maintain the total SSI state supplement payments at the same level each year, without an increase or decrease in total spending. This may result in adjustment to your SSI state supplement benefits at the end of the year.

     (1) If there are unexpended funds, you will receive a one-time bonus payment, usually at the end of the calendar year.

     (2) When there is a shortage in available funds, your state supplement benefits will be decreased. The decrease will usually be spread out over multiple months to reduce the negative impact on you.

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