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2. Reasonable distance: Reasonable distance depends on the geographic area and availability of public transportation. Program staff discusses and determines mileage and/or time needed for travel to and from the job site with the participant. 3. Unsuitability of informal childcare: Informal childcare is suitable only to the extent such care is provided within the constraints of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and requirements. 4. Affordable childcare arrangements: Annually, the Department of Education’s (DOE), Division of Early Learning (DEL) Child Care Resource and Referral Network surveys all legally operating childcare providers to obtain program and rate information. DEL combines the payment rate data with the FloridaCommerce research on the average salary of child care personnel and data from child care providers on the average cost of child care (materials, curricula, food, maintenance costs, and average cost of regulatory fees). This information is then submitted to the state’s Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference. The conference uses the data to set the maximum reimbursement rates for the state.

3.5 MEDICAL INCAPACITY (SECTION 414.065(4)(D)(E);(F), F. S.)

Florida recognizes that certain participants are not immediately able to engage in work activities due to a variety of medical reasons. Those who are excused for good cause from certain work activities due to medical incapacity must: 1. Comply with the course of medical treatment necessary to resume participation in work activities as specified in an alternative requirement plan. 2. Provide a statement from a physician licensed under chapter 458 or 459, F.S., verifying the medical incapacity and its likely duration, the number of hours per week the individual may participate in activities, the percentage of the individual’s disability, and any other limitations on participation in work activities. 3. Participate in mental health or substance abuse counseling or treatment if the incapacity relates to either condition. Individuals may receive an exception from work requirements for up to five hours per week, not to exceed 100 hours per year to participate in counseling or treatment. 4. Provide verification of a pending application or appeal for SSI or SSDI to be excepted from participation in work activities in accordance with section 414.065(4)(f), F.S. If the participant receives a denial of SSI or SSDI, all months of TCA receipt count towards the recipient’s 48-month lifetime limit.

Medical Incapacity Policy

3.6 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Florida adopted the federal Family Violence Option in recognition that past and present incidences of domestic violence may affect an individual’s ability to comply with assigned work activities: 1. The implementation details that describe the provision of support services to reduce the incidence and effects of domestic violence on individuals and families receiving TANF/TCA can be found in the 026 Guidance-Domestic Violence.