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remain in the home ceases or can no longer be documented, then the parent becomes work eligible and must comply with RESET requirements. An individual who is exempt may volunteer to participate in RESET. Exempt volunteers may participate in the RESET activity of their choice, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for those activities or programs. Exempt individuals who volunteer to participate in contracted programs must meet all of the requirements of those programs. Such requirements include, but are not limited to, attendance and participation. Exempt volunteers need not conduct an initial job search prior to beginning to participate and are not subject to sanction for noncompliance with the work requirements. Determinations of exemption will be made using the criteria found in 55 Pa. Code §165.21.

Good Cause Clients who are mandatory to participate in RESET may be granted good cause from participation in work or work activities. Good cause may be granted due to circumstances beyond a client’s control. When determining good cause, the Department will consider all the facts and circumstances. Even after the CAO has made a preliminary determination of the lack of good cause, an individual may offer evidence of good cause to avoid a sanction. The Department may grant good cause for up to six months at a time. A parent/caretaker specified relative who is mandatory with good cause, for unavailability of child care for a child or children, is required to work or participate in a work activity as soon as child care is available. Child care unavailability includes the following: unavailability of appropriate child care within a reasonable distance from the individual’s home or work site, unavailable or unsuitable informal child care by a relative or other arrangements, and unavailability of appropriate and affordable formal child care arrangements. Determinations of good cause will be made using the criteria found in 55 Pa. Code §165.52. NOTE: The time an individual spends in “Exemption” or “Good Cause” status counts towards the 60-month time limit, unless the individual is eligible under the Time-Out Initiative described under Special Provisions. SPALs for Supportive Services for Work and Work Activities Individuals who participate in work or work activities specified on their AMR may be eligible for supportive services provided by the Department.