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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 05/2017

DWP CONVERSION OR REFERRAL TO MFIP

0008.06.24

(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 above 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verification of the information from the DWP application unless the information is inaccurate, questionable, or no longer current.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 job seekers without earned income or with little earned income about the possibility of receiving cash and food benefits through MFIP. Tell the DWP job seeker about other resources, including MFIP, when the job seeker asks about other help.

When a participant has exhausted 4 months of DWP, he/she may complete, sign, and submit a 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 signature is received. See 0005.10 (Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF)), 0005.12.15 (Application Processing Standards) for information on how to process an MTAF.

If the request is not made within 30 days of the end of the 4-month DWP eligibility period, the participant must complete a new Combined Application Form (CAF) (DHS-5223) (PDF).

All applicants must meet the initial income test to be eligible for MFIP. See 0017 (Determining Gross Income), 0018 (Determining Net Income), 0018.18 (Earned Income Disregards), 0022.03.01 (Prospective Budgeting – Program Provisions).

Work with families that leave DWP but do not go onto MFIP to determine which, if any, transition or post-program services and supports would help the family achieve or maintain economic and family stability. For example, SNAP, Child Care and/or Health Care benefits may continue.

CONVERTING A CAREGIVER WHO TURNS 60 YEARS OLD DURING THE 4-MONTH DWP PERIOD

If a caregiver in a 1-parent unit will be turning 60 years old during the proposed 4 DWP months, open MFIP rather than DWP at application.

SNAP: