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RIGHT TO FAIR HEARING

The state uses a system of Fair Hearings, administered through South Dakota Administrative Rules (ARSD) 67:17:02, which gives applicants and beneficiaries the right to challenge a decision. A person who is adversely affected by a final decision is entitled to judicial review under the requirements of SDCL Chapter 1-26. Notice of appeal must be filed with the office of the clerk of courts of the county in which the venue of the appeal is set pursuant to SDCL 1-26- 31 within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice.

DSS Nondiscrimination Policy: It is the policy of the Department of Social Services (DSS) to make sure that applications for program benefits and services are made available to everyone and that program benefits are granted to all who meet eligibility standards. DSS staff, programs and policies must not discriminate against clients or applicants for services because of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion and national origin. DSS must also provide fair and equal access to all its programs and services for people with disabilities (this includes both physical access to buildings and access to programs and services); and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: DSS Division of Legal Services, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291 or call: (605) 773-3305. If you have a question regarding program services, please contact your nearest DSS office. Individuals may also contact the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at any time. OCR's contact information is:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights, Region VIII 1961 Stout Street, Room 08-148 417

Denver, Colorado 80294

Phone: (800) 368-1019

TDD: (800) 537-7697

Email: ocrmail@hhs.gov

www.hhs.gov.ocr

WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY

The goal for work and self-sufficiency is to move applicants/recipients into whatever private sector job they are capable of handling, as quickly as possible, while trying to empower them to support their own families.

An applicant who applies for TANF assistance must sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement and complete/sign their Personal Responsibility Plan as a condition of eligibility. A Personal Responsibility Plan and an assessment will be done to determine parents who are ready to "engage in work" as defined by this Act. The Department will meet the minimum requirements contained in section 408 relating to Personal Responsibility Plans. The state completes plans with custodial parents regardless of age, and with youth 16 years of age or older, who have not completed high school or a GED and who are not currently enrolled in high school or an alternative secondary educational institution.