Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 74.04.770 (2026)

Consolidated standards of need—Rateable reductions—Grant maximums

✓ current as of May 2026

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(1) The department shall establish consolidated standards of need each fiscal year which may vary by geographical areas, program, and family size, for temporary assistance for needy families, refugee assistance, supplemental security income, and benefits under RCW 74.62.030.

(2)(a) Standards of need for temporary assistance for needy families, refugee assistance, and benefits under RCW 74.62.030 shall be based on studies of actual living costs and generally recognized inflation indices and shall include reasonable allowances for basic household needs including shelter, fuel, food, transportation, clothing, household maintenance and operations, personal maintenance, necessary incidentals, cell phone and internet, and out-of-pocket costs for child care and health care.

(b) By July 1, 2022, to ensure the standards of need reflect the current goods and services households need, the department must use an existing, broadly used national standard that meets the requirements of (a) of this subsection as the base for annual updating in subsection (1) of this section.

(c) The standard of need may take into account the economies of joint living arrangements, but unless explicitly required by federal statute, there shall not be proration of any portion of assistance grants unless the amount of the grant standard is equal to the standard of need.

The department is authorized to establish rateable reductions and grant maximums consistent with federal law.

(3) Payment level will be equal to need or a lesser amount if rateable reductions or grant maximums are imposed. In no case shall a recipient of supplemental security income receive a state supplement less than the minimum required by federal law.

[ 2021 c 9 s 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 36 s 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 23; 1997 c 59 s 11; 1983 1st ex.s. c 41 s 38; 1981 2nd ex.s. c 10 s 4.]

Notes:

Findings—Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See RCW 74.62.005.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 74.62.005.

Findings—Intent—Short title—Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 74.04.225.

Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 41: See note following RCW 26.09.060.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 4 cases, 1997–1997 · leading case: State Ex Rel. Stout v. Stout, 948 P.2d 851 (Wash. Ct. App. 1997).

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State Ex Rel. Stout v. Stout, 948 P.2d 851 (Wash. Ct. App. 1997). “A parent’s support obligation shall not reduce his or her net income below the need standard for one person established pursuant to RCW 74.04.770, except for the mandatory minimum payment of twenty-five dollars per child per month as required in *123 this section or in cases…”

In Re the Marriage of Casey, 967 P.2d 982 (Wash. Ct. App. 1997). “065(2) echoes that requirement, and goes on to say: A parent’s support obligation shall not reduce his or her net income below the need standard for one person established pursuant to RCW 74.04.770 [authorizing need standards for public assistance], except for the mandatory…”

In Re the Marriage of Gilbert, 945 P.2d 238 (Wash. Ct. App. 1997). “When combined monthly net income is less than six hundred dollars, a support order of not less than twenty-five dollars per child per month shall be entered for each parent.”

Matter of Marriage of McDaniel, 947 P.2d 1225 (Wash. Ct. App. 1997). · cites it 3× “ANALYSIS McDaniel first argues that the trial court erred by not applying the minimum need standard from RCW 74.04.770, which is applicable through RCW 26.”

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