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application workbook, case managers must conduct a telephone interview with the applicant to complete the NC FAST Intelligent Evidence Gathering (IEG). Families may also access the Work First Cash Assistance Application and Review Documentation Workbook via the Electronic Pre-Assessment Screening Service (ePASS) portal. As appropriate, counties should offer families other services to enable them to remain off Work First Cash Assistance. Such services include Diversion Assistance (Benefit Diversion or Emergency Assistance), child support services, childcare, and job placement services. Diversion Assistance must be based on a family’s specific crisis or episode of need and may not be used for ongoing or recurrent needs.

The time limit for processing applications for Work First Cash Assistance is 45 days. It is expected that most applications will be processed well within this time limit. In general, it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all the information, including verifications, needed to determine eligibility. Applicants may request assistance in obtaining information. The agency’s obligation to assist the applicant is described in the Work First Policy Manual.

Applications may be denied within the 45-day processing period for any of the following reasons:

• The applicant fails to provide information needed to determine eligibility. • The applicant refuses or fails to apply for unemployment benefits, when monetarily eligible, or refuses or fails to apply for other benefits, such as Social Security or veteran’s benefits, for which he/she may be eligible. • The agency is unable to locate the applicant. • The applicant refuses or fails to apply for a required family member. • The applicant refuses or fails to sign an MRA/Outcome Plan (either Core Requirements or Plan of Action/Outcome Plan, if required). • The applicant fails, without good cause, to keep an appointment and has not contacted the agency concerning his/her application. • Ineligibility has been verified including situations in which the applicant’s statement results in ineligibility.

For any action or verification of information required of applicants, county departments will not deny an application without giving the applicant a written request for the action or verification, specifying a deadline that allows at least 10 calendar days in which to meet the requirement. The county must provide appropriate accommodations to assist applicants with limited language proficiency or disability in obtaining needed documentation.

Counties will not deny applications for the above reasons if good cause exists. Good cause is defined as:

• A significant family crisis or change including, but not limited to, the death of a spouse, parent, or child. • Illness of the caretaker or child, including participation in substance abuse treatment or attendance at a medical appointment. • Civil leave, including jury duty, or a required court appearance.