Self Support Reserve Update

RCW 26.19.065(2)(b) provides that the basic support obligation of the parent making the transfer payment cannot reduce his/her net income below the self-support reserve (with certain exclusions and exceptions).

The self-support reserve is stated as 125% of the federal poverty level, which is generally adjusted every January based upon the prior year's Consumer Price Index.

The CPI decreased in 2009 (reportedly for the first time since the poverty guidelines began to be issued in 1965)! In December 2009, the President signed a law containing a provision extending the 2009 poverty guidelines until at least March 1, 2010.

Therefore, for now the self-support reserve remains at $1128 per month. Minimum wage in Washington also remains the same as in 2009 ($8.55 per hour).