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3224

MISSISSIPPI [ NON - FINANCIAL CRITERIA: DEPRIVATION]

qualify under TANF-UP as the basis for deprivation. UNEMPLOYED PARENT (TANF-UP) Unemployment of the parent who is the principal wage earner is an additional reason for deprivation when there are two able-bodied parents in the home. All other factors of TANF (Basic) eligibility remain the same, except that both parents in any family eligible for TANF by reason of unemployment must participate in the TANF Work Program, unless temporarily exempt. If either parent claims a work exemption because of incapacity, the TANF-UP case must be changed to TANF-Basic and a Medical Review decision requested immediately. The TANFUP parents are subject to higher participation hours for the Work Program, so that prolonged exemptions could adversely affect the family’s time limits without work activity. Even though both able-bodied parents may be in the home, a dependent child is considered deprived of parental care or support when the natural or adoptive parent who is the principal wage earner is unemployed as defined below. Requirements for TANF-UP Qualification To qualify for TANF-UP, the unemployed parent must: 1. Be the principal wage earner (PWE). This is the parent who earned the greater amount of income in the 24-month period immediately prior to the application for benefits. The individual’s statement is accepted unless questionable. Once designated, the PWE will not change as long as a child in the assistance unit remains eligible because of unemployment of a parent. If both parents earned the same amount in the 24-month period, the worker will designate which parent shall be the principal wage earner based on discussion with the family. The case record will be documented to substantiate the determination of PWE.

Revised 08-01-06 2. Be unemployed and meet the following conditions: a. Is not currently working and has not worked full time for at least thirty (30) days prior to receipt of TANF benefits; or b. Is the PWE but works less than 100 hours per month; and c. Has not refused a bona fide offer of employment or training without good cause within the 30 day period prior to receipt of TANF benefits; and