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Iowa’s TANF State Plan: Attachments ATTACHMENT A.1

NOTICE OF OPTING OUT OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVISION

This notice is given pursuant to Section 402(a)(1)(B)(iv) of the Social Security Act. This is written notice that Iowa continues to choose to opt out of the provision that requires a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program who, after receiving such assistance for 2 months is not exempt from work requirements and is not engaged in work, as determined under section 407(c), to participate in community service employment, with minimum hours per work and tasks to be determined by the State.

However, it is important to note the following:

 Iowa provides unpaid community service as an option of the Family Investment Agreement under the PROMISE JOBS program.

 Unpaid community service is appropriate as a method of achieving or increasing employability for recipients who are not able to immediately move into paid employment.

 It is appropriate to expect individuals to seek other work-related opportunities where paid employment is not available and unpaid community service is reasonable.

 If determined necessary, in the future Iowa may expand the use of unpaid community service or mandate community service for certain recipients.

However, mandating unpaid community service as provided in Section 402(a)(1)(B)(iv) of the Social Security Act does not appear to be consistent with Iowa’s current Family Investment Program or as it may potentially be changed in the future. Therefore, Iowa continues to opt out of the provision at this time.

CERTIFIED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE STATE:

________________ ____________________________________ Date

Kim Reynolds, Governor

State of Iowa