The Washington Department of Social and Health Services submitted its 2027-29 budget proposals to the Office of Financial Management, seeking approximately $392 million in caseload, utilization, and workload funding, according to the agency. The Developmental Disabilities Administration requested the funding to address continued growth in clients it serves, rising service costs, and the need for additional staff.
The agency also proposed a $13.4 million savings measure through a functional eligibility adjustment that would tighten entry criteria for services by adjusting the level of daily living assistance required to qualify. The adjustment is designed to allow DDA to continue serving individuals with higher support needs.
The budget request comes amid mounting pressure on state services. A 39 percent increase in inflation over the last decade has raised costs for utilities, fuel, construction and materials. The state's population grew by 14.2 percent between 2015 and 2025, more than one million people, increasing demand for state services. Recent federal changes to public assistance programs have also impacted service funding.
The DDA also requested $9 million for compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements regarding access to Medicaid services issued in April 2024, and an additional $2 million from the Dan Thompson Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account for community-based grants.
The submission represents the first step in the budget process. The Governor's Office of Financial Management will review the requests and build the Governor's proposed budget over the next several months, with the Governor's proposed budget expected in mid-December.