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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 11/2021

DWP CONVERSION OR REFERRAL TO MFIP

0008.06.24

MFIP, MSA, GA, GRH: No provisions.

DWP: CONVERSION/REFERRAL DURING THE 4-MONTH DWP PERIOD

If at any time during the DWP application process or during the 4-month DWP eligibility period, you determine that a participant is unlikely to benefit from DWP, convert or refer the participant to MFIP. For the definition of MFIP, see 0002.41 (Glossary: Medically Necessary...).

The following are the criteria for determining if a participant is unlikely to benefit from DWP: ● Participants who meet any of the eligibility criteria for Family Stabilization Services (FSS). Gather the necessary documentation to support the determination. See 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services).

● The participant is enrolled or enrolling in an education or training program that is expected to last more than 4 months.

● The participant is homeless. See 0002.29 (Glossary: Gross RSDI…).

In a single pregnant woman unit once the child is born the unit is not eligible for DWP unless the parent has already used all the months of the child under 12 months ES exemption. Take a Combined Application Form (CAF) Addendum (DHS-5223C) (PDF) for the newborn and move the case to MFIP. If the determination is made more than 30 days after the DWP application date, have the participant complete a Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF) (DHS-5223E) (PDF) as part of the referral process. Terminate DWP allowing for proper notice.

In a 2-parent unit, only 1 parent MUST meet 1 of the “unlikely to benefit from DWP” criteria before converting or referring the family to MFIP.

Make the transition from DWP to MFIP as smooth as possible for families that leave DWP and begin receiving MFIP assistance. Send appropriate notices when closing DWP and SNAP.

If the transition from DWP to MFIP occurs within 30 days of the initial DWP application date, convert the case without completion of a new CAF. If the transition occurs more than 30 days after the initial DWP application date, have the participant submit a Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF) (DHS-5223E) (PDF).

Process the DHS-5223E by the 1st of the month following the month it is received to ensure that there is no gap in benefits due to delayed action by the county. Enter the date of the Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF) (DHS-5223E) (PDF) on the STAT/PROG panel in MAXIS as the application date for a new cash program. Only require verification of information necessary to determine MFIP eligibility and the amount of the assistance payment. Do not require additional verification of the information from the DWP application unless the information is inaccurate, questionable, or no longer current.

CONVERSION/REFERRAL AFTER THE 4-MONTH DWP PERIOD ENDS

Because DWP is a short-term program, families must exit the program no later than 3 months after the month in which DWP initial month benefits are issued.

Some DWP participants may not have successfully obtained unsubsidized employment that allows them to support their families without having to apply for benefits under MFIP.

Inform DWP participants without earned income or with little earned income about the possibility of receiving cash and food benefits through MFIP. Tell the DWP participant about other resources, including MFIP, when they ask about other help.

When a participant has exhausted 4 months of DWP, they may submit a completed Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF) (DHS-5223E) (PDF), rather than a Combined Application Form (CAF), to apply for MFIP provided the request is made within 30 days of the end of the 4th month of DWP. The application process begins the date a MTAF with a name, address and