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BEM 230A 1 of 26 EMPLOYMENT AND/OR SELF-SUFFICIENCY RELATED ACTIVITIES: FIP BPB 2022-020 10-1-2022

BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY The Family Independence Program (FIP) is temporary cash assis- tance to support a family’s movement to self-sufficiency. The recipi- ents of FIP engage in employment and self-sufficiency related activities so they can become self-supporting. DEPARTMENT POLICY Federal and state laws require each work eligible individual (WEI) in the FIP group to participate in Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH) or other employment-related activity unless temporarily deferred or engaged in activities that meet participation requirements. These clients must participate in employment and/or self-sufficiency related activities to increase their employability and obtain employment. PATH is administered by the Talent and Economic Development (TED), State of Michigan through the Michigan one-stop service centers. PATH serves employers and job seekers for employers to have skilled workers and job seekers to obtain jobs that provide economic self-sufficiency. PATH case managers use the One-Stop Management Information System (OSMIS) to record the clients’ assigned activities and participation. WEIs not referred to PATH will participate in other activities to over- come barriers so they may eventually be referred to PATH or other employment service provider. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) must monitor these activities and record the client’s participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP). A WEI who refuses, without good cause, to participate in assigned employment and/or other self-sufficiency related activities is subject to penalties. For more about penalties; see BEM 233A. See BEM 230B and BEM 233B for FAP employment requirements. INFORMING CLIENTS The MDHHS-1171 Info, Information Booklet, provides each applicant with information about the work requirements. The same information about work requirements is provided in the MI Bridges online application. Review information found in the Information Booklet, or direct the client to review his/her MI Bridges online application and the DHS-1538, Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules, with clients at application, redetermination and when a change in