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Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
WA DSHS Economic Services Administration
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.
Who qualifies
All members of the household must be at least 60 years old OR an adult with a disability as defined in WAC 388-400-0040, and no member of the household may have earned income. Initial Basic Food application interview is still required. At recertification, unearned income must be verifiable through existing data crossmatches or supplied at recertification, and nothing on the eligibility review form may be questionable; out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35/month must be verified to be allowed.
What it covers
Same Basic Food monthly benefit, but with a 36-month certification period (vs. 12), no recertification interview when ESAP criteria are still met and information is unquestionable, and no mid-certification reviews (MCRs) while ESAP criteria are still met. If the household loses ESAP eligibility mid-period, MCRs are required every six months for the remainder of the 36-month certification period.
Cost
Same benefit calculation as Basic Food. ESAP only changes process burden, not benefit amount.
How to apply
Apply for Basic Food through WashingtonConnection.org, by phone at 877-501-2233, or in person at a DSHS Community Services Office. ESAP eligibility is determined automatically by ACES at the initial Basic Food application based on household composition and income; if eligible, ACES codes the case as ESAP and sets a 36-month certification period.
Source www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/eligibility-z-manual-ea-z/elderly-simplified-application-pro