Page 34

cause an undue hardship to the recipient. Circumstances that may constitute undue hardship, include, but are not limited to: • Medical hardship that compromises the recipient’s ability to repay the debt. • Collection would jeopardize the recipient’s ability to provide shelter/housing and other basic necessities for immediate family members (dependents). • Gross income is less than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. Requests for hardship waivers must be submitted, in writing, to the Division Administrator by the recipient. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis using established guidelines. Decisions will be submitted in writing to the requestor. The Administrator’s decision is final and cannot be appealed to a Hearing Officer. 8. DISQUALIFICATIONS Nevada disqualifies individuals found to have committed intentional program violations through findings of administrative disqualification hearing or criminal courts. 8.1 Disqualification Penalties Individuals found to have committed intentional program violations shall not be eligible for benefits for the period of time specified below: VIOLATION First Violation Second Violation Third (or greater) Violation PENALTY 12 Consecutive Months 24 Consecutive Months Permanently 8.2 Effect on TANF Household If an eligible TANF household includes a member that has been found to have committed an intentional program violation, the benefits provided to the TANF household are reduced by a pro-rata share for the entire period any member, or members, is disqualified. 8.3 Imposition of Penalties Disqualification penalties are imposed differently for participating and non- participating cases. • Participating (Eligible) Case – Penalties are imposed against the next benefit issuance following the receipt of the disqualification decision so long as the next month’s benefits can be administratively affected. If the benefits cannot be affected, the penalty is imposed against benefits for the next calendar month. • Non-Participating (Ineligible) Case – Penalties are imposed immediately following the disqualification decision. 8.4 Timely Imposition of Penalties If Nevada has the present ability to impose disqualification penalties and fails to do so in a timely manner, only the remaining months of the disqualification are imposed.