Page 29

North Carolina

29 their ability while recognizing that limitations may make the 24-month time limit an unrealistic requirement.

Once Work First participants reach the 24-month timeclock limit a hardship extension can be granted if the county Social Services Director or its Designee determines that the participant, through no fault of their own, is unable to obtain or maintain employment that provides a net income of at least the State’s maximum Work First payment of the family size. In such a situation, the participant may be granted up to a six-month extension to continue receiving employment services. Limitations not of a medical nature, such as criminal background, lack of childcare, or the need to care for a medically exempt family member may receive an exemption if sound documentation can be provided to substantiate the exemption. Participants requesting such exemptions will continue to receive Employment Services to assist the family with becoming self-sufficient.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) was instructed by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to provide states with specific definitions of federally countable work activities. In February 2008, the Final Rules were issued with the following work activities:

1. Unsubsidized employment 2. Subsidized employment 3. Job Search 4. Job Readiness 5. On-the-Job Training 6. Work Experience 7. Community Service 8. Vocational Educational Training 9. GED/HS Completion for Teen Heads of Households 10. Job Skills Training 11. Education Directly Related to Employment 12. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a GED

Optional items and information specific to North Carolina are discussed below.

1. Custom Work Activities - Additional work activities that do not meet the federal definitions are also supported. A worker and the family will use the results of the employability assessment to create the most likely and timely path to self- sufficiency.

2. Post-Secondary Education - Up to 20% of Work First recipients may be enrolled, at least part-time, in a post-secondary education program. In Standard Counties, recipients who are enrolled at least part time and who maintain a 2.5 grade point average (or its equivalent) shall have their two-year time limit suspended for up to three years.

WORK VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS