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13. Change of Circumstance

13.1 Temporary Changes A temporary change of circumstance is not required to be reported. If a customer or third party reports a temporary change, no action is required. The child care certification period remains ongoing for the duration of the eligibility period.

Examples of temporary changes include: • Absences from employment or school due to maternity or extended medical leave. • Time-limited absence from work for an employed parent due to reasons such as need to care for a family member or an illness. • Interruption in work for a seasonal worker who is not working between regular industry work seasons. • Student holiday or break for a parent participating in training or education. • Reduction in work, training or education hours, as long as the parent is still working or attending training or education. • Any other cessation of work or attendance at a training or education program that does not exceed three months.

13.2 Permanent Changes A permanent change of circumstance must be reported by the recipient and action is required. The following changes must be reported within 10 days of the date of the change: • Permanent/non-temporary change in employment or school status. • Change in child care provider. • Change of address; and • Households’ monthly gross income exceeds the maximum State Median Income.

13.2.1 Permanent Change in Employment or School Status A permanent or non-temporary change in employment or school status must be reported by the recipient within 10 days of the date of the change.

Examples of permanent/non-temporary changes include: • job quit or termination (with no other job secured). • job ending due to the closing of a business. • graduating from an educational or training program; and • no longer participating in a TANF approved activity.

13.2.2 Job Search Period When the recipient reports a permanent change in employment or school status, they will be allowed 90 days from the last date of employment or school attendance for a job search period. Within the 90- day job search period, the recipient will need to provide verification of new employment and/or school enrollment. If verification is received that the recipient is meeting program requirements, the certification period can remain ongoing until its original end date. If no verification is received or it is verified that the recipient is not meeting the program requirements, the certification period will close after the 90th day of the job search period.

A family may chooose to have their case closed volunatily and forfiet their 90-day job search period. If a family requests this, it must be documented in the case.

13.4 Continuous Eligibility Once eligibility is established, only changes that have a positive impact on the amount of assistance an applicant receives will be made. Changes that have a negative impact shall be made