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EXEMPTION FROM TWP TANF mandates participation in approved work activities for all adult recipients who do not meet specific exemption criteria. Although the individual is exempt from work requirements, the exemption may or may not prevent the 60- or 24-month counters from being incremented. An adult included in the TANF money payment assistance unit may be exempt from the mandatory work requirements for the following reasons: 1. Age - Individuals over 60 years of age and individuals under the age of 18 years are exempt. However, the minor parent must participate in educational requirements when the infant becomes 12 weeks old, unless the individual has obtained a high school diploma or GED. (Not countable in 60- or 24-month time limits.) 2. Incapacity - A physical or mental impairment established by receipt of Social Security Disability or 100% VA Disability or by the Medical Review Unit. (Not countable toward the individual’s 60- or 24-month time limits.) 3. Caretaker of Ill or Incapacitated Child - Only parents of TANF eligible children are exempt when providing care in the home for another household member who is ill or incapacitated. (Not countable toward the individual’s 60- or 24-month time limits.) 4. Caretaker of Ill or Incapacitated Adult - Only parents of TANF eligible children are exempt when providing care in the home for another household member who is ill or incapacitated. (Not countable toward the individual’s 60- or 24-month time limits.) 5. Domestic Violence - An individual battered or subjected to extreme cruelty verified by medical or psychological records and law enforcement. Victims of domestic violence may be exempt for up to 12 months, not necessarily consecutive. (Not countable toward the individual’s 60- or 24-month time limits.) 6. Temporary Illness or Injury - An individual who has an illness or injury, verified by a physician’s certificate, may be temporarily exempt from work requirements up to 30 days. If the disability or illness is anticipated to last more than 30 days, a Medical Review decision must be requested. (Countable toward the individual’s 60- or 24-month time limits.) 7. Pregnancy - A woman in her third trimester of pregnancy may be exempt from work participation due to medical complications that have been verified by a physician’s

Volume III | Chapter 11 11400 MISSISSIPPI [ CONCILIATION, GOOD CAUS E AND ADVERSE ACTION: EXEMPTION REQUEST]

Revised 08 - 01 - 09