Disability Lifeline Program to end; new programs begin

The Disability Lifeline Program, which provides cash assistance to about 34,000 adults who cannot work and do not have dependent children, will end Monday, October 31. Three new assistance programs will go into effect Tuesday, November 1.

Elimination of the program was mandated by Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2082.

Medical assistance eligibility and coverage, including long-term care benefits, will not be affected by the termination of the Disability Lifeline program. Medical Care Services and Medicaid coverage, administered by the Health Care Authority, will continue unchanged.

ESHB 2082 establishes three new assistance programs within the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Commerce:

The Aged, Blind or Disabled Program will provide cash assistance to persons who are age 65 or older, blind or likely to meet the disability standard for the federal Supplemental Security Income program. The maximum monthly grant is $197 for one person.

The Pregnant Women Assistance Program will provide cash assistance to women who are pregnant and not eligible for Washington’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. The maximum monthly grant is $197 for one person.

The Housing and Essential Needs Program may provide non-cash housing and other assistance for recipients of Medical Care Services. Housing and Essential Needs services will be provided by the Department of Commerce through grants to homeless and housing providers in local communities. Assistance may include rent and utilities, personal health and hygiene items, cleaning supplies and transportation. Housing and Essential Needs does not provide a monthly cash grant. For more information and a list of local providers, go to http://www.commerce.wa. gov/hen.

For more information about applying for assistance, please visit http://www.dshs.wa.gov/onlinecso/findservice.shtml.