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Page 84 of 233 § 10:90-2.20 The Supportive Assistance for Individuals and Families (SAIF) Program

(f) Failure, without good cause, to begin or continue to participate in an agreed-upon assigned activity, shall be considered as refusal to cooperate without good cause. This action shall result in the sanction procedures and penalties being imposed, as set forth at N.J.A.C. 10:90-4.13 through 4.18. 1. The SAIF Program shall adhere to all notice and hearing requirements as set forth at N.J.A.C. 10:90-9. (g) SAIF Program participants shall continue to be eligible for WFNJ social and work support services. (h) Participants shall receive priority treatment by all WFNJ vendors. When referred for an assessment or treatment, a SAIF Program participant shall be given the first available appointment, and in all cases shall be seen within 30 days. 1. This includes, but is not limited to, referrals for substance abuse assessment and treatment. (i) Child welfare is a primary component of the SAIF Program. As a result, a strong link must be established with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P) for families with dual cases. CP&P records shall be consulted for all SAIF Program participants at the beginning of the ICM period to identify if an open CP&P case exists. (j) An individual who has exhausted 60 cumulative-months of WFNJ benefits may be eligible for two six-month extensions by participating in the SAIF Program, unless the individual has already received 24 months of assistance through the SAIF Program. 1. Individuals who have received less than 24 months of assistance through the SAIF Program may be eligible to participate in the SAIF Program for the remainder of the 24-month period if he or she meets the criteria in this section. (k) Assistance may be continued after an individual has exhausted 24 cumulative- months in the SAIF Program only if the individual meets the criteria for an exemption from the WFNJ 60-month time limit at N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.4 or if he or she has not exhausted his or her 60-month time limit according to the Federal TANF clock. Eligibility for continuation of assistance shall be evaluated prior to reaching the 24-month time limit. If the household is ineligible for an exemption, the cash assistance case shall be terminated. Terminations shall require prior approval and authorization by the Division of Family Development. (l) Prior to terminating the cash assistance case of any SAIF Program participant with an open CP&P case, the county social service agency shall refer the family to community- based agencies for services appropriate for their needs. Additionally, the county social service agency shall notify the Department of Children and Families that the participant's cash assistance will be terminated. History

HISTORY: New Rule, R.2003 d.340, effective August 18, 2003 (operative October 1, 2003).