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Page 186 of 233 § 10:90-4.13 Sanctions

2. If both adults fail to cooperate with the program or participate in work activities by the end of the one-month pro-rata sanction, without good cause, the assistance unit's cash assistance case shall be suspended for one month. If one adult cooperates and one adult fails to comply without good cause by the end of the one-month suspension sanction, assistance shall be granted for the following month, however, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit shall remain reduced by the pro-rata share of the noncompliant adult until the recipient demonstrates an intent to comply. 3. If both adults fail to cooperate with the program or participate in work activities by the end of the suspension month, without good cause, the assistance unit's cash assistance case shall be closed for a minimum one-month period, and the assistance unit shall be required to reapply in order to receive further cash assistance benefits. (d) If a dependent child 16 years of age or older fails to comply with the requirement for school attendance or other work activity participation, without good cause, the assistance unit shall be subject to a pro-rata reduction of cash assistance benefits for one month. If the dependent child fails to comply by the end of the sanction month; the pro-rata reduction shall continue until the dependent child demonstrates an intent to comply. (e) If a cash assistance case is closed due to a sanction, and the recipient is receiving emergency assistance benefits, then the emergency assistance will continue through the one-month closure sanction, if eligible. In order to receive emergency assistance during any sanction penalty period, the recipient must continue to be eligible for emergency assistance benefits. If the individual reapplies for cash assistance benefits, demonstrates compliance, and remains eligible for emergency assistance, the emergency assistance benefits shall be reinstated if the emergency still exists. (f) If a recipient who is less than 18 years of age is living in a Work First New Jersey- funded appropriate living arrangement because the recipient is unable to live with a parent, guardian, or other adult relative, funding for the living arrangement shall continue for one month immediately following the case closure. (g) An adult recipient who voluntarily quits a job without good cause, shall render the entire assistance unit ineligible for cash assistance benefits for a period of two months from the date the county or municipal social service agency, as appropriate, makes the determination that the recipient quit the job. (h) The county or municipal social service agency shall determine whether good cause for noncompliance exists prior to the imposition of a sanction. Good cause is defined at N.J.A.C. 10:90-4.11. 1. Prior to the imposition of a sanction, the county or municipal social service agency shall ensure that an assessment has been completed in consultation with the recipient, and a determination has been made that barriers do not exist, which are likely to prevent the recipient from complying with the work requirements or other activities specified in the Individual Responsibility Plan. This shall not apply if the recipient has refused to cooperate with the assessment without good cause. 2. The county or municipal social service agency shall determine if a sanctionable offense has occurred and whether good cause exists by: