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WORK-RELATED EXPENSES (Active Cases Only) A work-related expense is defined as an item or service that a TWP participant is required to obtain in order to get and/or keep a job. The item or service must be required by law or by the employer and be an out-of-pocket expense to the participant. Each TWP participant is limited to a maximum of $500 per federal fiscal year (October - September.) The State may assist TANF recipients, who are participating satisfactorily in allowable TANF Work Program work activities, with the following items and/or services if needed for employment opportunities: 1. Fees for ID cards, worker permits, long form birth certificates, marriage licenses (for name change only), work related safety equipment, required uniforms, clothing, CNA testing fees, books/manuals required for on-the-job training and required tools. EXCEPTION: The payment of long form birth certificates, marriage records, ID cards and minimal clothing for job interviews do not require an immediate attachment to a job placement. These expense items can be paid once the participant has enrolled and is participating satisfactorily in the job readiness/job search work activity. Request for out-of-state birth certificates and marriage records must be coordinated through the Work Programs Unit. 2. Fees for GED Tests and Retests MDHS will provide payment for GED testing and retesting for those TWP participants assigned to an education component when the component is a countable work activity. There are five (5) parts to the GED test. If the participant fails any part of the test, the state will pay retesting fees. NOTE: Participants under the age of 20 must have an open EDU component. Participants over the age of 20 must be assigned to another allowable activity as well as EDU. 3. Other reasonable items are subject to approval by the TANF Work Programs Unit. A written request, along with a copy of the Request for Work-Related Expense Item(s), MDHS-EA367A, must be submitted to the Work Programs Unit for approval prior to providing a Work Related Expense Referral, Notice T025/MDHS-EA-365D, to the participant. The combined cost for work-related expenses and fees cannot exceed the maximum limit of $500 per federal fiscal year (October through September). Participants are not entitled to these funds, only essential items or items deemed necessary for immediate employment or advancement

Volume III | Chapter 10 10020 MISSISSIPPI [ TANF WORK PROGRAM - PAYMENT PROCESS: SUPPORTIVE SERVICES]

Revised 07 - 01 - 09