Page 77

Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: TCA 72 1420.2300 COOPERATION WITH QUALITY CONTROL (TCA) There is no federal requirement to complete Quality Control (QC) reviews for TCA cases. However, the state has opted to continue this process in order to maintain program integrity.

When the eligibility specialist is notified that an individual receiving TCA refuses to cooperate with the QC review, the eligibility specialist will contact the recipient to conduct an eligibility review. If the individual cooperates, the interview may be conducted jointly with the QC analyst. If the individual does not cooperate, the TCA benefit will be canceled, as the eligibility specialist is unable to determine eligibility.

Note: It is important that the reason on the notice to the individual reflects the correct cancellation reason. There is no basis for canceling TCA solely for refusal to cooperate with the QC review.

If the individual whose benefit is terminated for this reason subsequently reapplies, eligibility will be determined without involvement of QC. 1420.2400 FAILURE TO REPORT CHILD OUT OF HOME (TCA) Temporary Cash Assistance recipients are required to report changes within 10 calendar days. The parent or caretaker relative must report within 5 calendar days that a minor child will be out of the home for 30 or more consecutive days. Failure to do so results in penalizing the parent or caretaker relative from receiving Temporary Cash Assistance in the following manner:

1. 30 days for the first occurrence; 2. 60 days for the second occurrence; and 3. 90 days for the third or subsequent occurrence.

Policy regarding temporary absence from the home will apply before applying penalties.

The individual being penalized will still be eligible for food stamp and Medicaid benefits; however, “Riverside” procedures will be applied. 1420.2500 FLEEING FELONS AND PROBATION OR PAROLE VIOLATORS (TCA) Temporary Cash Assistance benefits must be denied to an individual who is a fleeing felon or in violation of probation or parole. Since an individual disqualified due to being a fleeing felon or probation or parole violator is not considered a noncompliance with a specific program requirement, “Riverside” policy will not be applied. The following passages address how to determine if an individual is a fleeing felon or in violation of probation or parole. 1420.2501 Fleeing Felon (TCA) States must use a four-part test to identify fleeing felons. All four items have to be present and verified by the State agency to determine that an individual is a fleeing felon. To be a fleeing felon ineligible for TCA benefits the following four criteria must be met:

1. There must be a felony warrant for the individual; 2. The individual must be aware of, or should reasonably be able to expect that, a warrant has or would have been issued; 3. The individual has taken some action to avoid being arrested or jailed, and; 4. A law enforcement agency is “actively seeking” the individual.

Law enforcement is “actively seeking” the individual when it informs the Department it intends to enforce an outstanding felony warrant.