Bill > HB2040

This bill modifies the aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) assistance program, which provides financial grants to individuals who are not eligible for other assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and meet specific criteria. The key changes include extending the date from 2025 to 2028 for when SSI benefits received for the same period as ABD assistance will not be considered a recoverable debt by the state. The bill clarifies eligibility definitions, with "aged" meaning 65 or older, "blind" meaning statutorily blind as defined by SSI standards, and "disabled" meaning likely to meet federal SSI disability standards. The department must comprehensively evaluate disability, considering multiple impairments, age, and vocational history. Individuals with substance use disorders are not eligible unless they are incapacitated by other physical or mental conditions. The bill maintains existing requirements that applicants be citizens or legal residents, meet income standards, provide social security numbers, and cooperate with substance use treatment and federal aid assistance. The legislation also continues to provide referrals for essential needs and housing support and maintains restrictions on eligibility for individuals fleeing prosecution or violating probation conditions.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2040&Year=2025&Initiative=false