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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ............................................................................................................... 4 State Welfare Legislation ...................................... .................................................. 8 Statewide Social Services Reform and Work First Goals ..................................... 8 Program Administration ........................................................................................... 9 Work First Eligibility Criteria (Standard Counties Unless Otherwise Noted) .....12 Non-Financial Eligibility Rules ................................................................................12 Financial Rules .........................................................................................................18 Application Process .................................................................................................19 Eligibility Reviews .................................................................................................... 21 Child-Only Cases....................................................................................................... 21 Benefit Diversion ......................................................................................................22 Work First Benefits Payment Policies……………..…………………………….……..23 Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)………….…………………………………….……… 24 Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Monitoring ....................................................... 25 Sanctions. .................................................................................................................25 Personal Responsibilities and Work Requirements..………...……….….….....…..27 Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA)/Outcome Plan……..………….…………28 Employment Assistance for Work Eligible Individuals…………………………..….29 Work Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 29 Work Verification Requirements ............................................................................. 31 Child Care Definitions .............................................................................................. 32 Head Start/Early Education ..................................................................................... 33 Emergency Assistance (All Counties) .................................................................... 33 Disaster Assistance (All Counties) ..........................................................................34 Appeals Process .......................................................................................................36 Work First Services .................................................................................................. 36 Eldercare Training .................................................................................................... 38 Homelessness .......................................................................................................... 38 Voter Registration .................................................................................................... 39 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) ............................................. 40 Substance Use and Mental Health Initiative .......................................................... 41 Fraud and Abuse ...................................................................................................... 43