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607 Chapter 3:Processes and procedures • Section 1: Acting on reported changes (07/2026) TANF This does not apply to the TANF program. ERDC Authorized work search (AWS) allows caretakers to continue receiving child care when they experience a temporary or permanent job loss, stop attending school, or are on leave from employment to care for someone outside their ERDC EDG. All job loss reasons — including being fired or voluntarily quitting — are considered “good cause”. When AWS Can Be Applied To receive AWS, the job loss or report of no longer attending school must be made during the certification period. If it is reported after the certification period has ended, AWS cannot be applied. AWS starts on the first of the month following the job loss or temporary break in work. Permanent job loss means: • The employee is fired, the job was a short-term job that has ended, the employee was permanently laid off (no return to work date), or the employee voluntarily quit. Temporary job loss means: • The employee has a break in work, and the employer gives the employee a specific return-to-work date or timeframe. This can include: ƒ Employees who received layoff notification from their employer with a return-to-work date ƒ School employees who are not working during summer break ƒ Seasonal workers, such as someone who works for a ski resort. Worker actions when a job loss or temporary break in work occurs: • Ask the caretaker for the reason they are no longer working. • Enter the appropriate job loss reason and good cause selection for the caretaker’s job loss or temporary break in work in ONE. ƒ Any good cause reason entered will be an approved value under the “good cause” evaluation for AWS. ƒ When entering the job loss details of the caretaker, ensure accurate information is entered so that good cause is applied correctly for other programs. • Job loss in months 1-9 of the certification — AWS continues through month 12 of the certification. • Job loss in months 10-12 of the certification — Up to three months of AWS may be approved. • Temporary break in work ƒ If the caretaker has a return-to-work date, enter the information in ONE. AWS cannot extend more than three months beyond the certification end date, even if the return-to-work date is later. ƒ If the caretaker does not have a specific return to work date — AWS continues through the remainder of the certification. ƒ Nonspecific return to work date — If the employer is not specific about the caretaker’s return to