WAC 388-408-0034 What is an assistance unit for Basic Food?

For all sections of this chapter:

"We" means the department of social and health services;

"You" means any person applying for or receiving benefits from the department including minor children;

"Assistance unit" or "AU" is the group of people who live together and whose income and resources we count to decide if you are eligible for benefits and the amount of benefits you get.

"Boarder" means a person who: 

1. We decide pays a reasonable amount for lodging and meals; or

2. Is in foster care.

"Live-in attendant" means a person who lives in the home and provides medical, housekeeping, childcare, or similar personal services an AU member needs because:

1. A member is aged, incapacitated, or disabled;

2. A member of the AU is ill; or

3. A minor child in the AU needs childcare.

"Parent" means a natural, step, or adoptive parent. A stepparent is not a parent to a child if the marriage to the child's natural parent ends due to divorce or death.

A person who lives with you pays a "reasonable amount" for meals if:

1. You provide two or more meals a day and they pay at least the maximum allotment under WAC 388-478-0060 for their AU size; or

2. You provide one meal a day and they pay at least two-thirds the maximum allotment under WAC 388-478-0060 for their AU size.

"Roomer" means a person who pays for lodging, but not meals;

A person has a "separate residence" from an AU if they have separate living, cooking, and sanitation facilities.

"Spouse" means your husband or wife through a legally recognized marriage.