(1) In the event of a disaster, the department works with the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to change some requirements for the Washington Basic Food program and help ensure that people in a disaster area have access to food. This is known as the disaster food stamp program.

(2) If the President of the United States has declared a portion of the state as a federal disaster area, we ask FNS to allow use of the disaster food stamp program for the areas impacted by the disaster. Both of the following conditions must be met:

(a) People's normal access to buy food has been disrupted; and

(b) These commercial channels have since been restored with reasonable access and sufficient food supplies as determined by FNS.

(3) The department will implement any disaster food stamp program as approved by FNS.

Starting March 2020, assistance units (AUs) eligible for either federal or state-funded food assistance, or both, will receive emergency allotments that bring the AU up to the maximum benefit for their household size.

(1) The amount is the maximum food assistance benefit allotment for your AU size under WAC 388-478-0060(1) less the amount received under WAC 388-450-0162 (4)(b).

(2) Beginning April 2021, AUs that receive less than $95.00 in emergency allotments under WAC 388-437-0005(1) will receive a minimum emergency allotment of $95.00.

(3) AUs receiving zero benefits due to income do not qualify for an emergency allotment unless the zero benefit is due to a prorated issuance in the first month of eligibility, as described in WAC 388-412-0015(4), with ongoing months above zero benefits.

(4) Emergency allotments will continue each month until:

(a) The secretary for health and human services rescinds the public health emergency declaration that was issued on January 27, 2020, under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act;

(b) The state-issued emergency or disaster declaration expires; or

(c) The food and nutrition service directs otherwise.

(5) Emergency allotments for state-funded food assistance will continue each month, contingent on the availability of state funds.