The bill revises Washington state law to enhance the essential needs and housing support program by updating eligibility criteria and operational guidelines. It clarifies that this support is not an entitlement and is available to individuals eligible under RCW 74.04.805, as well as low or extremely low-income elderly or disabled adults with immediate housing needs. Notably, the bill permits direct cash assistance to recipients, which was previously prohibited, and requires that eligibility be reverified every 12 months. Additionally, it establishes a mechanism for verifying eligibility for referrals and aligns administrative rates for essential needs and housing support entities with other home security funded programs to streamline expenses.

Moreover, the bill amends laws related to the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program and the pregnant women assistance program, specifying that eligible individuals must be incapacitated from gainful employment for at least 90 days and meet certain income and resource limits. It outlines that pregnant women assistance program recipients can access essential needs and housing support for up to 24 months if they meet eligibility criteria. The bill also clarifies the incapacity determination process, mandates regular eligibility reviews, and allows for data sharing with the department of commerce. Importantly, victims of human trafficking can access essential needs and housing support without a referral, and the bill allows concurrent benefits from both assistance programs while awaiting federal supplemental security income benefits.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 36.22.250, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030
Substitute Bill: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030