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Per the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act of 1996, all individuals are subject to the 60-month federal time limit regardless of their IMPACT status. Individuals who are determined to be exempt from IMPACT participation should be provided services that will assist them in overcoming barriers to economic self- sufficiency. 2438.15.10.10

EXEMPTIONS FROM EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PARTICIPATION FOR RCA (C)

The policy in this section affects the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) category.

The resettlement agencies that are contracted to provide employment and training services to DFR clients are responsible for reviewing and correctly applying exemptions based on client’s individual circumstances.

Recipients of Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) are exempt from participation in employment and training activities for refugees if meeting one or more of the following criteria: • Under age 16 • Full-time student (as defined by the school) aged 16 or 17 at an elementary or secondary school. • Aged 65 or older. • Completely unable to work. o The condition can be the result of many things including illness, addiction or injury, or domestic violence. Documentation of the physical and/or mental condition is needed as well as an explanation of how and why the condition prevents employment. Receipt of SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or other assistance due to disability is sufficient documentation of the client’s inability to work. • Required presence in the home on a continuous basis to care for an ill or incapacitated household member if there is no appropriate caregiver in the home. o The need for the recipient’s presence as caregiver must be verified by a physician or qualified psychologist. • Working 30 or more hours per week • An RCA recipient who is determined to be mandatory and who subsequently starts employment of 30 or more hours per week, either through E&T or on their own, does not become exempt because of becoming employed. The individual remains mandatory, and employment becomes their E&T activity. The individual should be encouraged to increase hours, seek promotions, or raises, etc., to bring their family to self-sufficiency. • Pregnancy in second or third trimester verified in writing by a licensed medical professional. • Caretaker of a child under age six for RCA o This exemption is not available if the parent is under age 20 and does not have a high school diploma, GED or HSE diploma.

NOTE: Except for the exemption for persons aged 65 and over, the circumstances which cause the exemptions to be allowed are subject to change.