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This section discusses the eligibility requirements for the TANF Work Program (TWP), with emphasis on the responsibilities of the worker. Exemptions from work requirements, TWP volunteers, and other basic information needed by the eligibility worker are summarized in this section. Additional and more detailed information about the TWP requirements is located in Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR TWP PARTICIPATION All individuals coded IN, DF or DI in the TANF assistance budget must be screened for eligibility for the TANF Work Program. Each such individual must have either an exemption reason (J* code) or a work status code (referable) entered in MAVERICS (JCHI screen). All adult TANF recipients who do not meet specific exemption criteria must participate in the TWP as a condition of eligibility as soon as they are determined work eligible. TANF benefits will not be paid if the individual is not participating in an approved work activity after being referred to the TWP. The family's 60-month lifetime maximum will be reduced to a 24-month lifetime maximum, unless the individual complies with TANF work requirements. The 24 months are cumulative, but does not have to be consecutive. Be aware that "work eligible" means that the individual is ready to be assigned to an approved work activity, but not necessarily ready for paid employment or job training. Case Definitions There are two types of cases for which TWP eligibility must be determined. The TANF Basic case is any case other than a TANF-UP case. This includes cases with a single caretaker relative or two parents when one receives SSI, or deprivation is based on incapacity. Two-parent cases are, by definition, TANF-UP cases for the purposes of this program. Additional and more detailed information is located in Chapter 8, Case Definitions. Non-Exempt Individuals Non-exempt individuals are TANF recipients who do not qualify for an exemption, and are therefore subject to TWP requirements as a condition of eligibility. These individuals are also called mandatory participants, and must be referred to the case manager (CM) for placement in work activities. Only the individuals who verify qualification for one of the specific TANF work exemptions reason listed below will be granted an exemption from work requirements. A nonexempt MISSISSIPPI FINANCIAL CRITERIA: TANF WORK PROGRAM]

Revised 10 - 01 - 14