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Page 44 of 233 § 10:90-2.4 Exemptions from the 60-cumulative-month time limit

would require medical or other appropriate documentation and/or trigger a referral to SSI: (A) A history of chronic substance abuse/early onset; (B) A personal history of crises and traumas, both physical and/or emotional, as well as significant mental health problems, including, but not limited to, chronic or major depression, over the person's lifetime; (C) Borderline mental retardation or severe learning disability; (D) The adult, 55 years of age or older, has a prolonged work history in one particular field or occupation and is no longer able to maintain such employment due to his or her age and inability to perform the unique requirements of the job, and lacks the education/training necessary to engage in other successful gainful employment; or (E) As long as New Jersey is within the 20 percent exemption limit allowed under PRWORA, adults who have participated in the Supportive Assistance for Individuals and Families (SAIF) program and demonstrated continued efforts to engage in education or employment activities but after 24 months of intensive intervention exhibit more than one barrier to employment, such as: (I) Lack of a high school diploma/GED; (II) Limited English proficiency; (III) Lack of skills/training; (IV) Criminal record (resistant to expunction or bonding); (V) Lack of work experience; (VI) Child care unavailable for a special needs child; (VII) Family problems of participant or dependent involving behavioral health system, CP&P or legal issues; or (VIII) Chronic health problems of participant or dependent (with Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) review). iii. When an adult individual exhibits early indications of being a person who will be eventually classified as a chronically unemployable individual, it is important to carefully plan a realistic Individual Responsibility Plan with such an individual to phase the individual gradually into activities to build up basic skills, to instill confidence and reinforce any talents or aptitudes the individual exhibits. Also, when significant physical, emotional, or other disabilities are present, the individual should be directed to apply for SSI. Such individuals should be placed in less stressful work placements such as, but not limited to, supervised employment or community service activities. Referrals should also be made to all other appropriate services designed to assist the developmental progress of such individuals;