Clarifying Information - WAC 388-418-0007

When a change happens: Non-Income Changes The date of a change is normally the date a change happens. Examples of this include the date: Someone gets married; A newborn comes home from the hospital; and Someone moves to a new home. Income Changes The date of an income related change is the date someone receives income based on the change. Examples of this include the date: On the first paycheck that reflects a wage increase; and On the person's first paycheck for a new job.

Changes a client voluntarily reports : We must act on changes reported by the household even if they didn't have to report it under WAC 388-418-0005 . This includes asking for more information or proof of a change when we can't tell the impact on their benefits. For Basic Food, under simplified reporting rules, clients do not have to report when they move until recertification or until the mid-certification review, whichever comes first. If they voluntarily report a move between mandatory reports or for another program, they must provide their new shelter costs. The new shelter costs do not need to be verified unless questionable. See "Worker Responsibilities" (4.) and (5.) below. EXAMPLE Larry receives Basic Food only. He calls and reports his monthly rent expense went from $300 to $500 monthly. The worker requests verification of this change as "questionable" because the total shelter costs ($500 plus utilities) are so close to Larry's monthly income. The worker updates the shelter costs after they receive proof of the expense. EXAMPLE Ian receives TANF and Basic Food. He leaves a message with his worker reporting that he started a job and would like to close his TANF benefits today. Ian's worker closes TANF benefits based on the request. Since Ian reported he is now employed, his worker must follow up to see how this impacts his Basic Food benefits.

Unverified changes that increase benefits: We ask for proof of a change if it increases a household's benefits. We only ask for proof of an increase in expenses if the expenses are questionable. We increase the AU's benefits based on the effective date rules under WAC 388-418-0020 . We don't update a household's case to increase benefits if they fail to give us requested verification of a reduction in income or an increase in expenses. We don't close the case based on the household's failure to give proof of a change that would increase their benefits.

Changes someone reports on an application or eligibility review: People may report a change in their circumstances on an eligibility review form or an application for benefits. If you receive an application or eligibility review form: Before the ER notice is mailed to the client in the second to last month of their certification period, treat this form as a change of circumstances. On or after the ER notice is mailed to the client in the second to last month of their certification period, treat this form as a request for review or recertification. See ELIGIBILITY REVIEWS AND RECERTIFICATIONS for procedures. In the month before the mid-certification review is due , use the information on the application / review form to complete the MCR for any related programs. For medical , you may use an application or review at any time to update the medical certification period. For handling additional applications received before initial application is processed see "Clarifying Information" #4 under WAC 388-406-0010 . EXAMPLE Susan's Basic Food certification period ends on July 31st. She turns in an Eligibility Review form for Basic Food only on May 31st. Because Susan turned in the ER before the 15th of the month before the month her certification period ends, we treat the form as a change of circumstance report.

Temporary absence of an AU member: If an AU member is temporarily out of the home: For cash and medical assistance, follow the rules in WAC 388-454-0015 to determine if the person is still eligible for benefits. For Basic Food, follow the rules in WAC 388-408-0035 to determine if the person is still eligible for benefits.

AU member moves out of Washington: Washington state residency is a requirement for most programs. If an AU member or the entire AU leaves the state, follow the rules in WAC 388-468-0005 to determine if they are still eligible for benefits.