(1) An otherwise eligible disabled person shall not be deemed ineligible for chore services under this chapter if the person's gross income from employment, adjusted downward by the cost of the chore services to be provided and the disabled person's work expenses, does not exceed the maximum eligibility standard established by the department for such chore services. The department shall establish a methodology for client participation that allows such disabled persons to be employed.

(2) If a disabled person arranges for chore services through an individual provider arrangement, the client's contribution shall be counted as first dollar toward the total amount owed to the provider for chore services rendered.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Gross income" means total earned wages, commissions, salary, and any bonus;

(b) "Work expenses" includes:

(i) Payroll deductions required by law or as a condition of employment, in amounts actually withheld;

(ii) The necessary cost of transportation to and from the place of employment by the most economical means, except rental cars; and

(iii) Expenses of employment necessary for continued employment, such as tools, materials, union dues, transportation to service customers if not furnished by the employer, and uniforms and clothing needed on the job and not suitable for wear away from the job;

(c) "Employment" means any work activity for which a recipient receives monetary compensation;

(d) " Disabled" means:

(i) Permanently and totally disabled as defined by the department and as such definition is approved by the federal social security administration for federal matching funds;

(ii) Eighteen years of age or older;

(iii) A resident of the state of Washington; and

(iv) Willing to submit to such examinations as are deemed necessary by the department to establish the extent and nature of the disability.

Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 74.39A.030.