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North Carolina

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APPENDIX C - ELECTING COUNTY PROTOCOLS

BEAUFORT COUNTY

1. If a participant receives Benefit Diversion and subsequently applies for and begins to receive Work First cash assistance during the next twelve months, the participant will be responsible for paying back any diversion assistance that has been received. 2. A case will be ineligible for one month following termination for failure to return a completed quarterly report. 3. A case will be ineligible for one month following termination for failure to attend and complete a parenting course. 4. Count real property as a resource excluding primary residence. 5. No exception to family cap policy for a child born to a minor mother. 6. A child or parent may be temporarily absent from the home only for documented medical treatment, or for up to 30 days to visit another relative. 7. All mandatory participants, excluding child only cases and cases that involve minor fathers are required to complete a parenting course. Failure to attend and complete will result in termination of Work First cash assistance. 8. Applicants must agree to and worker must complete a home visit prior to approval of an application. 9. Eliminate all re-opens. Family must reapply if terminated for any reason. 10. Applicants excluding intact families must cooperate with Child Support Services not more than 10 days prior to applying for Work First cash assistance. Applicant will see Child Support worker on date of application. 11. At or below 200% of the poverty level, an applicant must be actively seeking employment or be employed. The certification period will be for three months with the possibility of an extension not to exceed six months within a 12-month period. 12. Beaufort County will provide an emergency assistance payment to Safety Resource families that request assistance with caring for children placed in their home by Child Welfare when the permanent plan is to return the child(ren) to the parent’s care within 6 months. 13. Caretakers are encouraged to seek legal custody for child(ren). 14. Single parents with a child 4-month-old or younger are exempt from the requirement to participate in Work First employment activities. 15. If mandatory (able-bodied) participants will be required to complete at least 35 hours per week of work or work-related activities. Two-parent households are required to complete 55 hours per week of work or work-related activities 16. Three-step hearing process: (1) local hearing with hearing officer designated by Agency Director; (2) Hearing before DSS Board and (3) Petition to Superior Court.

CALDWELL COUNTY

1. Applicant is responsible for all verifications needed to complete the application. Caldwell County will assist applicants with disabilities or limited English proficiency upon request. 2. Benefit Diversion may be offered only once every two years. 3. Applicants will be denied if the applicant does not comply with a signed MRA if good cause is not met. 4. All applicants, parents and caretakers unless otherwise specified, must complete