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Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: TCA 60

There are certain restrictions placed on teen parents regarding their eligibility. This information is found in the technical assistance chapter in Section 1420.0600. 1420.1902 Explanation of Benefits (TCA) The eligibility specialist must explain compliance with work requirements.

The eligibility specialist must provide in writing and explain the following information verbally to the payee/caretaker relative of the assistance group or the individual required to participate:

1. each of the exemptions; 2. voluntary participation to those individuals who are exempt; 3. the participation requirements and sanctioning for mandatory individuals; 4. the special requirement for the two-parent families, if applicable; 5. the benefits of participation in work related activities; and 6. the assistance group’s opportunity and obligations.

The payee of the assistance group is responsible for informing other assistance group members in mandatory participation status of this information. Other assistance group members may contact the eligibility specialist for clarification of the information. 1420.1903 Notification of Changes (TCA) Within five working days the eligibility specialist must notify the RWB/or designee of all changes to TCA benefits for persons who are mandatory participants.

Changes regarding employment or penalty activities must be reported and include:

1. a gain or loss of employment, 2. benefit cancellation due to employment or sanction, and 3. benefit reduction due to employment.

Other changes that must be reported, which will mostly be done through the FLORIDA system interface, include:

1. application approval or denial; 2. changes in participation status; 3. case cancellation for reasons other than employment; 4. removal of the individual’s needs; and 5. changes of address, unit, county, and district. 1420.1904 Determination of Participation Status (TCA) The eligibility specialist must determine the participation status (mandatory, exempt, or volunteer) of each individual in the assistance group. The eligibility specialist must review each exemption and allow the individual the opportunity to claim an exemption for any member of the assistance group. Exempt individuals are not required to participate. The eligibility specialist must encourage exempt individuals who are able to work, to volunteer.

Participation status must be determined during the initial application, each eligibility review, or upon receipt of information that a change in participation status may have occurred.

Applicants:

All applicants for Temporary Cash Assistance who do not meet one of the exemptions will be referred to the RWB/or designee. For clarification, the term “applicant” refers to an individual who signs and dates the application. The referral to the RWB/or designee must occur immediately