Page 26

work.

The modified work participation agreement (WPA) must include at least twenty hours in core work activities. The balance of the hours is considered as non-core activities. The balance of the hours must include participation in services, activities or programs that are intended to enhance the individual's capabilities and capacity to engage fully in work program activities based upon the individual's applicable participation standard. Activities may include, but are not limited to, additional screening and assessment to help the individual identify barriers to work, a family assessment, referrals to treatment or counseling facilities, requiring the individual to schedule and attend doctor's visits, mental health counseling, or substance abuse treatment.

The Incapacity Review Unit (IRU) may temporarily exempt an individual from participation in work program activities as long as the individual works with the work program contractor to develop and subsequently implement a modified work participation agreement. The duration of the temporary exemption is determined by the Incapacity Review Unit.

Limited Participation Waiver: An individual who requests a waiver of the work program participation requirement or who requests an accommodation for a verified limitation to full participation in work activities may be approved for a limited participation waiver. The purpose of this limited participation waiver is to account for special needs or considerations where an individual is found to be capable of engaging in work activities.

Wage Subsidy Program: The NM Wage Subsidy Program administered by the Human Services Department is a subsidized employment opportunity for a TANF cash assistance recipient to be hired into full time employment. The employer is reimbursed through the TANF Block Grant for up to twelve months. Career Link Program: The Career Link Program administered by the Human Services Department is a subsidized employment opportunity for a TANF cash assistance recipient to be hired into full time employment. The employer is reimbursed through the TANF Block Grant for up to six months. 9.11 WORK PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS Participation: All adults and minor head of household participants are required to complete an Assessment, IRP, WPA and applicable participation requirement hours and timely submit documentation showing completion of required work hours. Each participant’s activity is documented in a WPA and the hours of participation are monitored through periodic monitoring as described in the approved NMW WVP. The current WVP is available to the public on the HCA website.

Work Program Participation Standards: All NMW participants are required to engage in work program activities at federal statutory requirements (Section 407 of the Social Security Act) or by FLSA Standards, unless they have requested limited work participation. Provisions in the NMWA allow for a work participation standard that does not exceed four hours of the federal statutory levels. Sanctions for failure to participate are described below. Limited Work Participation Status: A participant may request a limited participation status exempting