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I V - A S T A T E O F M A I N E T A N F S T A T E P L A N 10 | P a g e

• Caring for a child under one (1): A recipient who is the single custodial parent of a child under one year of age and is personally providing care for that child may choose an exemption that is limited to no more than 12 months per single custodial parent. If the custodial parent is under twenty (20) years old and has not completed high school or its equivalent they may not choose this exemption. • Caring for a disabled family member: A parent or specified relative needed in the home to provide full time care for a disabled family member also living in the home may choose this exemption. • Individuals who are either receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or who are a Vista volunteer under the Federal Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 are also not required to work with the ASPIRE Program. They may choose to voluntarily participate with the program and receive ASPIRE services.

Work Requirements (42 U.S.C.602(a)(1)(A)(iii))

Ensure that parents and caretaker relatives receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with section 407.

Non-Compliance with Work Requirements

When a mandatory ASPIRE participant has refused or failed without good cause to comply with the regulations of the ASPIRE-TANF Program, accept employment, or has terminated employment or reduced earnings, the following shall apply:

During the first ninety (90) days of noncompliance with work requirements, the amount of cash assistance to which an otherwise eligible family is entitled is reduced by the portion of the family’s benefit attributable to the noncompliant parent.

After ninety (90) days of noncompliance or a subsequent instance of noncompliance, the Department terminates cash assistance to the entire family. The penalty becomes effective on the next benefit month after the adverse action period.

Confidentiality (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(A)(iv))

Take reasonable steps, as the State deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.

Federal and State rules provide for the basic rights and dignity of all applicants or recipients of financial services regarding their confidentiality.

Information about TANF applicants and recipients is maintained in a confidential manner and only released under certain circumstances. Information requested from outside the OFI shall be released by permission by the client or by subpoena. The release of information shall be limited