Page 19

19

Sanctions MDHS Policy provides for a full benefit sanction of TANF and comparable SNAP sanctions until compliance for families in which the non-exempt individual refuses, without good cause, to participate. If any adult in a household refuses, without good cause, to participate in work as required under TANF, the following full benefit sanction will apply. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations and language assistance will be provided to recipients to ensure meaningful access and effective communication to assist them in the conciliation process. If necessary and appropriate, the need for disability and language related accommodations are bases for good cause.

Violation Penalty 1st Violation 3 Months Minimum or Until Compliance 2nd Violation Permanent Disqualification

NOTE: For a two-parent family, the parent who was meeting work requirements, but lost TANF benefits due to the other parent’s non-cooperation, may open his/her own case with the dependent children after six months. Beginning October 1, 2001, State funds were used for cash assistance payments (TANF grant and transportation stipends) for two-parent families. The State does not claim these expenditures against the Maintenance of Effort requirement. Two-parent family cases are not included in the state’s federal work participation rate calculation; however, federal work requirements apply to two-parent families. The State will not reduce or terminate assistance to a single custodial parent caring for a child under age six (6) for refusing to engage in work, if the parent demonstrates an inability to obtain appropriate, quality childcare. The parent’s demonstrated inability must be for one of the following reasons: a. Appropriate childcare is unavailable and/or unaffordable. Appropriate childcare is defined as a licensed childcare center or a family day care (home or an individual) chosen by the parent/caretaker relative to care for the child. The childcare provider must be 18 years old or older. o Appropriate childcare must be within a reasonable distance (within a 20-mile radius) of the parent/caretaker relative’s home or worksite. o Appropriate childcare must be affordable. Affordable formal childcare is childcare that is equal to or less than the established rates for the type of care according to the Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD).

b. Informal childcare by a relative or under other arrangements is unavailable or unsuitable. Unavailable or unsuitable childcare shall be defined as a situation involving child abuse, neglect or an unsafe environment. If the parent/caretaker relative refuses to take the child to a particular day care center, he/she must inform the case manager of the reason for the refusal. The case manager must investigate to verify and substantiate the parent’s claim of unsuitable childcare. Complaints involving child abuse, neglect or an unsafe environment