Page 600
Revised 11-01-17
JK* Pregnancy-Third Trimester - a pregnant individual in her third trimester of pregnancy can be exempt from work program requirements if there are complications with the pregnancy. The complications must be verified by a doctor’s statement. Not-Exempt Exempt JD* Drug Abuse - an individual who undergoes appropriate substance abuse treatment, verified by a physician, will be exempt from work requirements during the treatment period only. Not-Exempt Exempt JJ Caretaker of Child Under 12 Months - a parent caring for a child under 12-months of age who chooses to be exempt from work requirements. Not-Exempt Lifetime maximum of 12 months. Exempt Life-time maximum of 12 months.
* Must be documented by a physician ** If the individual coded JI is also the PI, LP or SP, the 60-month counter will be incremented. Volunteers
A single parent who is exempt for caring for a child younger than 12 months old (JJ) or who is a victim of domestic violence (JV) may choose to volunteer for the TANF Work Program. The “JJ”
and “JV” exemptions are limited to a lifetime maximum of 12 months each. Individuals in these exemption categories may choose to volunteer for work program services. If requested, the individual’s JOBS status code will be changed to “EV - exempt volunteer” and the individual will be referred to case management to begin the TWP referral process and will be referred to the MDES for assessment and placement in a work program activity.
Adverse action policy and procedures will apply to exempt individuals who volunteer for TWP services as it does any other TWP participant. Exempt individuals will be conciliated for noncompliance which may result in a TWP sanction and corresponding SNAP sanction. Prior to referring an exempt individual to the TWP, the worker will explain work program requirements and penalties for noncompliance. The worker will document the case record that the individual understands the work requirements, the conciliation/sanction process, and the penalty for failing, without good cause, to attend or participate satisfactorily in the assigned work activity or committing a voluntary quit violation. Forms MDHS-EA-312, MDHS Personal Responsibility Contract for TANF, and the MDHS-EA-359, TWP Agreement to Participate Following Notice of Adverse Action or Referral as an Exempt Volunteer, will be completed (prior to referral) and filed in the individual’s case record as documentation of his/her understanding of TWP rules, regulations and requirements.