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OVERVIEW This material discusses good cause determination, drug and alcohol abuse, voluntary quit, compliance prior to a case closure and requesting a case closure. DETERMINING GOOD CAUSE Good cause for noncompliance in the TANF Work Program (TWP) will be recommended by the case manager, when it is determined there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the good cause, and approved by the case manager supervisor, county director or designee via MDHS-EA-359, TWP Agreement to Participate Following Notice of Adverse Action or Referral as an Exempt Volunteer. When contacted by a participant with an explanation for not attending a work activity, the case manager must use good judgment and the good cause determination must be based on TANF policy, work program requirements and the individual’s action(s) taken toward personal responsibility. For example, if the participant has a breakdown in transportation, did he/she immediately resort to his/her backup plan and/or explore all other available options in order to meet his/her work program requirements? Having good cause covers a broad range of circumstances. Sometimes situations arise where an individual is unable to participate for a day or several days because of such things as illness, the death of a family member, jury duty, etc. These are often short-term situations resulting from events beyond the participant’s control. There will also be circumstances in which an individual will have good cause for turning down a specific job or assignment such as net loss of cash income. Although the individual may have good cause for not attending an assigned work activity, he/she will be required to continue to participate in the TANF Work Program. NOTE: It is vital that participants notify the case manager as soon as a barrier to participation is identified and that case managers make every effort to assist the participant to resolve barriers prior to job loss or noncompliance with work program requirements. Before approving a good cause, the case manager must obtain written documentation when possible (e.g., doctors’ excuses, police and court reports, an obituary, jury summons, etc.) to verify the good cause. Prior to approving a good cause the case manager supervisor must review the decision and supporting documentation. The participant must provide the case manager with appropriate documentation within the 10-day conciliation period. In some instances where the participant is claiming a good cause for child care or transportation, the case manager must investigate and file written documentation of the findings in the participant’s case record. The individual must make every effort to identify barriers and inform the case manager

Volume III | Chapter 11 11200 MISSISSIPPI [ CONCILIATION, GOOD CAUSE AND ADVERSE ACTION: GOOD CAUSE]

Revised 08 - 01 - 09