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A-2250 Division of Social Services DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Eligibility and Payments Manual GOOD CAUSE WAIVER 06 Apr 26 MTL 05/26

2250

GOOD CAUSE WAIVERS (toc)

An applicant/participant who is currently in or has previously been in a domestic violence situation, may request a good cause waiver to waive their participation in CSE and/or TANF Employment and Training (NEON) participation requirements. Determine good cause waivers through an individualized assessment based on need. Social workers may case manage participants requiring domestic violence services and develop individualized PRPs. Good cause waivers are to be reviewed by the social worker no less often than once every six (6) months.

Substantiated victims of domestic violence may be granted a good cause waiver to not participate in the following:

1. Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement as determined by CSEP; 2. Work requirements mandated by NEON; or 3. Eligibility requirements to establish cash assistance, such as using alternative procedures for obtaining eligibility verifications, allowing alternative sources of verification to establish a requirement of eligibility, or extending the time frame for providing required verifications, as approved by the office manager.

No negative action (denial, sanction, termination) may be imposed on an active domestic violence case for failing to meet PRP or Employment and Training requirements NEON, without Social Worker intervention/concurrence. Social Worker intervention/concurrence is not required if the denial or termination is due to failing to meet requirements of eligibility.

Good cause waivers of normal program requirements are provided only when such requirements would make it more difficult for individuals:

• to escape domestic violence: or • unfairly penalize those who are or have been victimized; or • who are at risk of further domestic violence

Note: The applicant/participant must meet all eligibility requirements. Good cause waivers cannot be approved for failing to meet the factors of program eligibility such as, but not limited to:

• Age • Relationship • Residency • Income Limits • Mandatory Assistance Unit Members; or • Citizenship

When it is determined a good cause waiver is appropriate, social work/case managers must:

1. Have screened the family for domestic violence; 2. Refer the family to counseling and/or domestic violence services; 3. Document how specific program requirements would: a. make it more difficult for an individual to escape a domestic violence situation; or