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Volume III | Chapter 9

MISSISSIPPI [ PROGRAM COMPONENTS: TANF WORK ACTIVITIES DEFINED]

Revised 08 - 01 - 12 Subsidized Employment (Private and Public Sector) - “Core” Activity Subsidized employment is defined as subsidized employment in the private or public sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from TANF or other public funds to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing a recipient. Projected work hours must be based on employer reports, check stubs, or other employer-issued documentation which verifies the number of hours reported. This includes hours for which the individual is paid but does not work, e.g., paid leave and paid holidays. A participant engaged in subsidized employment (full- or part-time) will continue to be eligible for the TANF Work Program services as long as the participant continues to receive TANF benefits and comply with TWP requirements. If TANF benefits end due to earned income or loss of a total earned income disregard, the participant may be eligible for TANF transitional supportive services. Refer to Chapter 10, Supportive Services, for the eligibility criteria for receiving each transitional service. Subsidized employment includes the following employment models: 1. Work supplementation where TANF funds that would otherwise be paid to the family as assistance is paid to the employer. 2. A third-party contractor, like a temporary staffing agency, serves as the employer of record and is paid a fee to cover the salary, expenses and success in placing employees. 3. Work study programs which involve paid employment provided by an educational institution if the student’s earnings are subsidized by the educational institution; and 4. Supported work for individuals with disabilities in an integrated setting, e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation AbilityWorks. Workers with disabilities may receive individualized services such as, but not limited to, transportation, family support and/or additional supervision. Employers participating in a subsidy program sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Economic Assistance, in which TANF funds are used to subsidize wages paid, must submit monthly documentation to verify participant attendance data. Agency staff will review and monitor employer reports to determine whether sufficient documentation exists to substantiate reported attendance data and to warrant a subsidy payment. This auditing process will ensure the agency only pays for and reports actual, allowable hours of participation. Work Study Participation in work study programs is defined as subsidized employment and will be tracked under the component type SUB and session type WKS (SUB/WKS). Work study is an approved employment plan at an accredited college, frequently granted in addition to other student

9021 [PROGRAM COMPONENTS: TANF WORK ACTIVITIES