Effect of the Puyallup Settlement on Your Eligibility for Public Assistance

Revised March 25, 2011

Purpose:

STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

HOW THE PUYALLUP SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

If you receive the annuity fund payment, it will not affect your cash, food, or medical assistance.

  • When you receive the payment;
  • As long as you keep the payment as cash on hand or in a bank account; or
  • If you make a purchase or investment directly with the cash from the payment.

How you use your payment may affect your cash, food, or medical assistance:

  • If you use the annuity fund payment to buy an item, and the item increases in value, the increase may affect your eligibility for benefits.
  • If you use the annuity fund payment to earn interest from savings, you must report the interest as income. This income may affect your benefits.
  • If you use the annuity fund payment to make an investment, and the investment increases in value, the increase may affect your eligibility for benefits.
  • If you sell, trade, or give away your purchase, savings, or investment, you must tell your local Community Service Office. The money or goods you get in exchange may affect your eligibility for benefits.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR ELIGIBILITY, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICE.