Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

ESAP is a Basic Food simplification path for households where all members are age 60+ or adults with a disability (per WAC 388-400-0040) and no member has earned income. It is not a separate benefit; ESAP-eligible households receive the same Basic Food benefit, but with two key process changes: (1) the certification period is 36 months (instead of 12), and (2) no recertification interview is required, and no mid-certification reviews (MCRs) are required during the certification period. Eligibility for ESAP is determined only at initial application and at recertification; an existing Basic Food household cannot transition into ESAP mid-certification. Reporting requirements during certification are simplified: clients must report when household income exceeds 130% FPL or upon substantial gambling/lottery winnings. If a household becomes ineligible for ESAP during the period (e.g., a non-elderly/non-disabled member moves in, or earned income starts), the household stays on Basic Food for the remainder of the 36-month period but resumes MCR reporting. ESAP coding is set automatically in ACES.