See Ongoing Additional Requirements in the Eligibility A-Z Manual for more information about role of the Financial Worker in setting up service for the client.
An "Ongoing Additional Requirement" is a benefit that is needed by a person that maintains their independent living situation or allows them to live in an environment that is as independent as possible.
A person may request Ongoing Additional Requirements benefits from either their Financial or Social Worker. If the request is made to the Financial Worker, the Financial Worker must give a referral using the 14-084 to the Social Worker.
The Social Worker verifies the need and determines eligibility for these benefits through an assessment. This may include an interview, collateral contacts, or a home visit.
Notify the Financial Worker via inter-office memo of your decision.
Include notes on whether an ETR was approved if the amount is over the Standard Payment Amount
We do not approve Ongoing Additional Requirement benefits if:
The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.
Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities.
Some examples include:
A service animal is not a pet.
1. Use the following criteria to determine if the person's need for a service animal qualifies as an On-going Additional Requirement.
The animal:
a. Must help the person with a sensory, mental, or physical disability.
b. The training does not need to be formal, but the animal should be trained to help the person with tasks related to the disability. Do not ask for proof of training.
3. Approve Ongoing Additional Requirements when the above conditions are met.
4. Notify the Financial Worker of your decision using the inter-office communication memo available in ICMS.
5. For HCS cases, the HCS SW or Area Agency on Aging (AAA) case manager makes the determination of the need of OAR. Notify the financial worker of your decision using the DSHS 14-443 financial social service communication form. (This form is located in the barcode ECR under the forms tab.)
Before authorizing benefits for telephone services, verify the person is receiving local telephone service under the Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP). You can verify this by contacting the local telephone company.
LINKS