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1000.6 TANF MANUAL 10/23 Page 20

1000.6 VIEW VOLUNTEERS

A. Local agencies must serve TANF recipients who are exempt from VIEW and choose to volunteer. An individual who is exempt from participation can volunteer for VIEW only if she is able to participate for the required number of weekly hours after any needed accommodations are provided. (See 1000.7). An individual exempt from VIEW participation because of a temporary medical condition who wishes to participate must provide a new Medical Evaluation Form (032-03-1040) completed by a medical professional. The Medical Evaluation must state that the individual is able to participate and list limitations, if any that would affect the individual’s ability to participate. It should be made clear to the individual that by volunteering, she gives up her exempt status and becomes a mandatory participant subject to the same participation requirements and penalties for non- participation as other mandatory VIEW participants. Note: TANF recipients under the age of 18, SSI recipients, and ineligible aliens cannot volunteer to participate in VIEW.

B. If the TANF case of an exempt client who volunteers for VIEW closes, and the client reapplies, the client’s exemption status will be determined as part of the eligibility process. The client will be referred to VIEW if she is no longer exempt. If the client’s previous exemption was for a temporary medical condition or for caring for a disabled household member, she must secure a new medical if she states she is unable to participate in VIEW for either of those reasons. If the client is determined to be exempt at reapplication and again wishes to give up her exemption and participate, she may do so if funding is available.

C. Applicants can volunteer for VIEW only after the TANF application has been approved. They are eligible for the VIEW enhanced disregards in the month following the month the VIEW APR is signed at the initial assessment. Note: The APR cannot be signed prior to the initial assessment except when it must be signed prior to TANF approval as a condition of eligibility. (See 1000.9)

D. If a volunteer is assigned to an activity and does not participate as required, that individual will be referred for sanction. A sanction will be imposed unless the individual has good cause for not participating. Following the end of the fixed sanction period and compliance, the individual will continue as a mandatory participant. Exception: In the case of an individual exempt based on caring for a child under 12 months who fails to comply and is sanctioned, the individual can reclaim the exemption following the end of the fixed sanction period if she no longer wishes to participate in VIEW. The exemption will end once she has used the balance of the 12-month eligibility period and she will then be referred to VIEW as a mandatory participant.

E. Recipients enrolled in full-time postsecondary higher education may have the option to participate in VIEW. As outlined in House Bill 484, it exempts from mandatory participation in the VIEW program recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families who are enrolled full-time in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and are taking courses as part of a curriculum that leads to a postsecondary credential, such as a degree or an industry-recognized credential, certification, or license.

Note: Individuals with an educational exemption may volunteer for VIEW and are subject to the same participation requirements and penalties as required for other mandatory VIEW participants.

Transmittal 77