As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meaning unless the content clearly requires otherwise:

(1) “Area agency” means an agency, other than a state agency, designated by the department to carry out programs or services approved by the department in a designated geographical area of the state.

(2) “Area plan” means the document submitted annually by an area agency to the department for approval which sets forth (a) goals and measurable objectives, (b) review of past expenditures and accounting of revenue for the previous year, (c) estimated revenue and expenditures for the ensuing year, and (d) the planning, coordination, administration, social services, and evaluation activities to be undertaken to carry out the purposes of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3024 et seq.), as now or hereafter amended.

(3) “Department” means the department of social and health services.

(4) “Office” shall mean the office on aging which is the organizational unit within the department responsible for coordinating and administering aging problems.

(5) “Eligible persons” means senior citizens who are:

(a) Sixty-five years of age or more; or

(b) Sixty years of age or more and are either (i) nonemployed, or (ii) employed for twenty hours per week or less; and

(c) In need of services to enable them to remain in their customary homes because of physical, mental, or other debilitating impairments.

(6) “Low income” means initial resources or subsequent income at or below forty percent of the state median income as promulgated by the secretary of the United States department of health, education and welfare for Title XX of the Social Security Act, or, in the alternative, a level determined by the department and approved by the legislature.

(7) “Income” shall have the same meaning as in chapter 74.04 RCW, as now or hereafter amended; except, that money received from RCW 74.38.060 shall be excluded from this definition.

(8) “Resource” shall have the same meaning as in chapter 74.04 RCW, as now or hereafter amended.

(9) “Need” shall have the same meaning as in chapter 74.04 RCW, as now or hereafter amended.

Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.