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Page 21 of 116 § 10:90-16.5 Good cause exceptions to cooperation

v. Sworn statements from individuals other than the applicant/recipient with knowledge of the circumstances which provide the basis for the good cause claim. 2. If, after examining the corroborative evidence, the CSSA/CSU finds additional information is necessary in order to make a good cause determination, it shall promptly notify the applicant/ recipient, specifying the type of document which is needed. i. Upon request by the WFNJ/TANF applicant/recipient, the CSSA/CSU shall assist the individual in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.3(g)5. 3. When corroborative evidence, if required to substantiate the good cause claim, is not submitted or is inadequate: i. The CSSA/CSU may further verify the good cause claim and, where necessary for a final determination, conduct an investigation. The investigation may include contact of the non-custodial parent if such contact is determined to be necessary to establish the good cause claim. Prior to such contact, however, the applicant/recipient will be notified so that he or she may: (1) Present additional corroborative evidence to make the contact unnecessary; (2) Withdraw the application for assistance or have the case closed; or (3) Have the good cause claim denied. (k) If a WFNJ/TANF applicant/recipient is someone other than the parent of the child(ren), that individual shall be asked to provide the information outlined at N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.4(b) or (c) for both parents. However, if that individual claims that he or she cannot provide the required information, the applicant/recipient may be exempt from providing information as outlined below: 1. If the WFNJ/TANF applicant/recipient is a blood relative of one of the non-custodial parents, he or she shall provide the information outlined at N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.4(b) or (c) for that parent. The applicant/recipient shall be deemed to be cooperating upon providing a sworn statement, documenting with specificity, efforts undertaken and obstacles encountered in pursuit of information regarding the parent. If available, the applicant/recipient shall provide documentation. 2. If the WFNJ/TANF applicant/recipient is not a blood relative of either non-custodial parent, he or she shall provide the information outlined in N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.4(b) or (c) for at least one of the parents of the child(ren). The applicant/recipient shall be deemed cooperating upon providing a sworn statement, documenting with specificity, efforts undertaken and obstacles encountered in pursuit of information regarding the parent for which information was not provided. If available, the applicant/recipient shall provide documentation. (l) The WFNJ/TANF applicant/recipient unless granted a good cause exception from the child support requirements in accordance with this subchapter shall comply with the continued cooperation requirements as outlined at N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.4(e).