WAC 388-472-0050 What if I don’t accept or follow through with program requirements because I’m not able to or don’t understand them?

When staff decide an EA client’s limitation and/or impairment(s) is the cause for their refusal to accept or failure to follow through on the requirements listed below, the client has good cause and staff will not take any adverse action. Public Benefit Specialists or Case Planners determine good cause for the following requirements. Refer to Basic Food Work Requirements- Good Cause for more information. Maintain employment (e.g. work registrants); or Participate in food assistance employment or training (e.g. ABAWD clients). WorkFirst or Social Services staff determine good cause for the following requirements: Follow through with medical treatment; Follow through with referrals to other agencies; or Participate in the WorkFirst program.

When staff determines that a client has good cause, they review the client’s EA Plan to ensure that all EA accommodations necessary to support the client’s participation are included in their plan.

Example : WorkFirst participant didn’t follow through with job search. At the good cause appointment, the participant admits they can’t read and didn’t understand their Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) instructing them to attend job search. The Case Manager would not recommend a WorkFirst sanction, they would create an EA service plan with the participant including accommodations like; having a representative who would also get a copy of letters, reading or explaining letters or forms we send, and reminder calls about appointments. Then a new IRP would be created together with the participant to address the learning needs like a learning disability assessment or adult basic education classes.

If the Department is unable to accommodate a client’s limitation or impairment to support a specific program requirement, the Department determines whether that program requirement or activity can be waived. Department staff review the case with their direct supervisor to explore whether an alternative accommodation can be provided to address the EA need. For cash programs: If an alternative accommodation isn’t possible, staff discuss the case with their supervisor and document the participant is EA, that they were unable to participate in their plan and any next steps (including asking for medical documentation) For WorkFirst Program this might include considering deferrals or waivers also called exemptions from WorkFirst activities. See WFHB 3.5.1.9 and WFHB 3.5.1.10. For Basic Food work requirements (including ABAWD) determine if client meets criteria for exemptions. Screen the customer for all exemptions/exceptions and apply the exemption that will be in effect the longest when an individual qualifies for more than one exemption. See Basic Food - Work Requirements for more information.