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Volume III | Chapter 3

3905

MISSISSIPPI [NON-FINANCIAL CRITERIA: TANF WORK PROGRAM]

Revised 10-01-14

exemption code. Under no circumstance will the JL code be approved for more than two months. When the individual adds the newborn to the case, the worker must explain to the individual that she must decide whether to claim the JJ work exemption, if any months are available, or participate in the TANF Work Program. The worker will explain the 12-month lifetime maximum time limit for this exemption and how claiming the exemption affects her 60-month and 24-month time limit counters. If the caretaker relative does not contact the worker to request referral to the TWP, the exemption will be allowed to continue until the child reaches age one, the individual has used up the 12-month maximum allowed, or the caretaker requests referral to TWP. If the caretaker wishes to volunteer for the TWP, she may do so at any time by contacting the worker to request a referral. NOTE: It is vital that the worker clearly explains TWP requirements and penalties, and explains that an exempt individual who voluntarily chooses to be referred to the TWP as an exempt volunteer will be subject to adverse action policy and procedures. An exempt volunteer that fails to participate satisfactorily in her assigned work activities or commits a voluntary quit violation will be sanctioned, if good cause cannot be substantiated. Prior to referral to the TWP as an "EV", the participant must sign form MDHS-EA-359, TWP Agreement to Participate Following Notice of Adverse Action or Referral as an Exempt Volunteer, to acknowledge understanding of TWP requirements and adverse action policy and procedures. The MDHS-EA-359 will be scanned to the electronic case record to document that TWP rules and regulations were explained. Domestic Violence (JV) A caretaker relative who qualifies for the victim of domestic violence exemption may choose to claim the exemption or volunteer to participate in the TANF Work Program. Months used while claiming this exemption will count in the 60-month time limit but will not count in the 24-month time limit. The domestic violence exemption is limited to a lifetime maximum of 12 months. The 12-month counter is cumulative, but does not have to be consecutive. Additional and more detailed information about the specific requirements and explanations for this exemption are located under Domestic Violence, later in this section. NOTE: It is vital that the worker clearly explains TWP requirements and penalties, and explains that an exempt individual who voluntarily chooses to be referred to the TWP as an exempt volunteer will be subject to adverse action policy and procedures. An exempt volunteer that fails to participate satisfactorily in assigned work activities or commits a voluntary quit violation will be sanctioned, if good cause cannot be substantiated. Prior to referral to the TWP as an "EV," the participant must sign form MDHS-EA-359, TWP Agreement to Participate Following Notice of Adverse Action or Referral as an Exempt Volunteer, to acknowledge understanding of TWP requirements and adverse action policy and procedures. The MDHS-EA-359 will be scanned to