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1000.24 TANF MANUAL 7/11 PAGE 90

H. Responsibilities of the ESW - Management of Approved Exceptions - General

1. The ESW must monitor all approved exceptions in order to verify that the reason for the exception still exists and that the client continues to participate in assigned program activities. If the reason for the exception ceases to exist, or if the participant ceases to participate in assigned activities and would be sanctioned during regular program participation, the ESW will notify the EW who will send the client the Advance Notice of Proposed Action (032-03-0018) terminating the case at the earliest possible date.

2. At the same time, the ESW must attempt to contact the client immediately by letter and telephone to determine if the client has good cause for failure to participate in program assignments. If the client has a good cause reason for failure to continue with program assignments, and, in the case of a verified disability, if the reason for non-compliance can be remedied by reasonable accommodations, the agency may allow the client to continue in the activity. The ESW will notify the EW to not terminate the case.

I. Responsibilities of the ESW - Management of Approved Exceptions of Up to One Year

1. In addition to the general management expectations outlined above, the ESW must reevaluate each exception granted based on an unfavorable labor market or for employment-related education or training of up to one year at least every 90 days. In the case of exceptions based on employment-related education and training, the ESW will verify that the participant is still enrolled, is making satisfactory progress, and is anticipated to complete the course of study within the period granted by the exception.

J. Responsibilities of the ESW - Extension of Hardship Exceptions

Under some circumstances, a hardship exception of up to 90 days - based on a client’s failure to find employment or loss of employment - can be extended. In no case will an exception of up to one year based on an unfavorable labor market or for employment-related education or training be extended past the initial date.

1. The local agency may request an extension of a 90-day hardship exception on the behalf of the client. The agency will submit the written request to the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Benefit Programs, Economic Assistance and Employment Manager.

2. An extension can be granted only during, or as a continuation of, an existing hardship exception. 90-day extensions of the 90-day hardship exception will be granted only in very limited circumstances and only to persons who demonstrate extreme hardship. In no case will the hardship exception period (the original period plus any extensions) exceed a total of one year.

3. Prior to submitting a request for an extension, the ESW must reassess the client and assign the client to work experience, FEP, or job skills training in addition to a job search activity in order to maximize the client’s opportunity to find employment. The extension must be requested at least 15 days prior to end of the participant’s original hardship exception. The extension cannot be requested if the original exception period has ended and/or the TANF case is closed.

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