Page 21

20

If the reason for sanction occurs in the first 24 months, the sanction applies only to the individual. If the reason for the sanction occurs after the first 24 months, the sanction applies to the entire budget group. In lieu of the sanctions set forth above, if an employed individual voluntarily, without good cause, reduces their earnings by not fulfilling the minimum work requirement, the cash grant is reduced by the dollar value of the income that would have been earned if the individual would have fulfilled their minimum hourly work requirement, until the minimum hourly work requirement is met. The Department has opted not to impose a sanction on Medical Assistance benefits for recipients who fail to comply with work and work activity requirements. Supporting Employment with Child Care The Department has provided information about subsidized child care benefits available under the “Child Care Works” program in the Child Care Development Block Grant State Plan submitted for the period October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024. Child care costs are paid through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), except for child care costs of employed individuals who receive TANF, which are paid through commingled TANF funds. Support for child care costs for eligible TANF recipients participating in approved work activities provides access to a full range of child care opportunities. To help ease the transition for individuals whose TANF benefits end but their need for child care continues, Pennsylvania has implemented Child Care Unification. Verification requirements are also less stringent for individuals who contact the ELRC in a timely manner to apply for Former TANF child care benefits. During the period of November 1, 2006, through June 1, 2007, unification of subsidized child care services was implemented throughout the state. As a result, the ELRC agencies are responsible for the issuance of all subsidized child care statewide. The CAOs are still the eligibility agent for TANF recipients in need of child care but refer these families to the ELRC agencies for child care enrollment and payment. Unification of the subsidized child care program promotes a local focus on clients and families, streamlined and provided through a single office that can more effectively manage resources and provide services to a greater number of eligible families. Unification ensures that all low-income families get the help of professionals trained to assist with their child care needs and receive information on the benefits of quality child care and early education. It also provides subsidy providers with a single point of contact — the ELRC. All child care providers must now sign a provider agreement which results in payments going directly to the provider.